Seller's Guide
Trade-in, private sale, or direct car buyer — each option has real pros and cons. Here's what they don't tell you upfront.
When it's time to sell your car in Australia, you've got three main options: trade it in at a dealership, sell it privately through Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, or sell directly to a car-buying service like Sold Fast. Each path has genuine advantages — and genuine costs — that are worth understanding before you decide.
This guide breaks down the real differences in money, time, effort, and safety so you can make the right call for your situation.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
| Factor | Trade-In | Private Sale | Sold Fast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money in your pocket | Lowest — dealers need their margin | Highest — but takes weeks or months | Fair market price, paid instantly |
| Time to complete | Same day (but at a cost) | 2–8 weeks average | Typically 1–2 business days |
| Paperwork | Dealer handles it all | You handle all of it | We handle it all |
| Do you need to go somewhere? | Yes — drive to the dealership | Buyers come to you (strangers at home) | No — we come to you |
| Finance payout | Dealer may help, but takes a cut | You must settle finance first | We handle payout to your lender directly |
| Safety | Safe — dealer environment | Risk of scams, tyre-kickers, no-shows | Safe — licensed dealer, no strangers |
| How you're paid | Credited to your new car purchase | Cash, EFT, or cheque (risk of fraud) | Osko bank transfer — instant |
Let's say your 2020 Toyota RAV4 is worth $28,000 on the open market.
Trade-In
$22,400–$23,800
15–20% discount off market value
Private Sale
$26,000–$28,000
Full market — if you wait weeks
Sold Fast
$25,000–$27,000
Fair market price, done in days
Numbers are illustrative and vary by make, model, condition, and market timing. Sold Fast offers are based on current market data and your car's condition.
Typically 15–25% below what you'd get selling privately. Dealers need to cover inspection, detailing, storage, and their profit margin. On a $25,000 car, that's $3,750–$6,250 left on the table.
Not always. Factor in your time (advertising, calls, test drives, negotiations), safety risks, and the possibility of the sale falling through. For many sellers, the convenience of a direct buyer is worth more than a few extra thousand dollars.
Both trade-in and Sold Fast can handle financed vehicles. We pay your lender directly and transfer any remaining equity to you. Private buyers, on the other hand, typically require you to settle the loan first — which can complicate the sale.
Yes. Our offer is based on current market data and the condition of your car, and you're welcome to discuss it with us. Unlike a private sale though, there's no haggling with strangers or risk of last-minute lowballing.
Yes — trading in can reduce the taxable amount on your new car purchase in Australia, which can save you money on stamp duty depending on your state. If this applies to your situation, speak with your dealer or accountant.
No dealership, no strangers, no waiting. Submit your car details and we'll come to you.
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