Car Selling Checklist

You’ll need up to date paperwork that’s relevant to your car (if you don’t have them, then let the buyer know). Depending on your car you may have:

• Warrant of Fitness (WoF)
• Vehicle Licensing (Registration)
• Vehicle Information Report (VIR)
• Road User Charges (RUC) for diesel cars

If someone’s interested in your car, do everything you can to keep them interested – this means responding to any queries quickly. If you get questions you don’t know the answer to, try answering as best you can and be honest. You can always ask a friend to help you out.

There are lots of things you can do to get your car ready for viewings and test drives when dealing with potential car buyers. Long story short, a well-presented car means you’ll have more of a chance of getting the best price when selling. So make sure you keep it clean for viewings and help buyers focus on its features.

When someone comes to view your car, they will most likely take it for a test drive. Agree how long the drive can be – you can either go with them or hold some form of security like their keys, wallet or phone. Make sure to check whether your car insurance covers test drives and if there are any other restrictions that apply.

Buyers may also want a mechanic to check the car for them and request a pre-purchase inspection. This will reassure them that they’re buying a good car and would be at cost to the buyer.

Everyone wants a good deal when they're buying a car – so be ready to negotiate. Here are some handy tips to remember:

• Buyers will want to negotiate, so have a price range in mind.
• Use our car valuation tool to see what similar cars are currently listed for.
• Consider features that justify the price you want – new tyres, tinted windows, low kilometres, etc.
• Decide on the lowest price you’ll accept before starting the negotiation.

Woohoo – you sold your car! So, what now? Only hand over the keys when the money is in your hand or bank account.

• Agree with the buyer how they will pay for the car.
• Fill out a car sale receipt – this will help protect you if there are any issues after the sale.
• Register the change of ownership with NZTA before they drive away, if not you will be responsible for any fines they get. You can do this online and all you’ll need is your driver’s license, car details, and the buyer’s name and address.
• Make sure you pay off your finance – if you owe money on the car through a loan, you’ll need to organise paying off the finance, ideally as part of the sale so the buyer isn’t liable.
• Don’t forget to cancel your insurance.