Your car is worth what someone will pay for it TODAY

We receive requests daily from people wanting to sell their cars and wanting a valuation.

Most people jump on the Internet and go to the Red Book or the Glass’s Guide for an indication. The Glass’s Guide is usually used by finance and insurance companies to establish the market value.

These are historical guides only; all prices are based on what has happened in the past and on the average price Australia wide. Therefore, what a car is worth in Brisbane will be different to Perth. The funny thing about these guides is, if you look at a certain car value in both guides, you will find that both have different values.

These guides also don’t reflect the current market trends. With the price of fuel going through the roof, all large V8 prices have dropped substantially. This has also affected the pricing of 4WD petrol and diesel variants.

Small, automatic, 4 cylinder cars are holding their prices far better than 12 months ago - some makes are more expensive 1 year old than they are brand new. These days you really have to do your homework!

If you ask NRMA, RACV or RACQ for a value, they will give you whichever book value they have. Ask you mechanic and he will suggest what’s best for him to work on,  not what’s best for you.

The best way to sell your car is privately. But remember, you must be cheaper than the dealers because they spend money preparing the car, and by law, must give warranties - which as a private seller, you do not need to provide.

People looking at buying privately; remember that the person trying to sell their pride and joy will inflate their pricing to allow negotiation. You will receive no warranty and remember to always ask for a REVS Certificate to ensure there is no financial burden on the car. Remember that buying privately is like buying from the auctions - “Buyer Beware”. You purchase the car as is - All shine & warts!