Thinking of selling your car? Did you know that the time of year you sell plays a huge roll in the success of the sale? In fact, one of the best things you can do to maximise your resale price and minimise time on the market is figure out the best time to sell a car in Australia – to the type of buyer that your car will appeal to.
So, put aside the features you’ve added, the stellar job you did of protecting the paintwork, and the car sales platform or service you want to use for a second. First, consider who might be interested in buying your car, and when they’re likely to take the plunge.
In this article, we’ll help you figure out the best time to sell a car in Australia, to the type of buyer that your car will appeal to.
What is the best time to sell a car in Australia?
Different types of cars will appear to different buyers, so the best time of year to sell a car depends on the type of car you’re selling.
Selling a car: Family cars
Families look for reliable cars with plenty of boot space and/or seats that serve their needs both for busy weeks and weekend trips away. So, station wagons and seven and eight seater cars are popular with families.
Most of Australia comes back from holidays and out of Christmas period hibernation by February. Then, they go into ‘getting stuff done’ mode: buying school books, cleaning out the garage, and trading in their car for a newer model.
So, February is the best time of year to sell a family car.
Selling a car: Reliable, used hatch-backs and sedans
The end of the school year for senior students is late November, and this means that many parents are looking to buy their uni-going student kids an affordable, reliable used car – or at least help them find one.
So, November through to February is the best time of year to sell those reliable 15-20 year old Toyota Camrys, Ford Falcons or Mazda 3s that make wonderful first cars for students.
Selling a car: Sports cars and convertibles
The warmer months of summer get people fantasising about long drives in sexy sports cars and convertibles with the top down, so spring is the best time of year to sell when it comes to these speedsters.
When not to sell your car
Some market conditions will make it very difficult to sell your car – even moreso at a good price. The biggest one here is the end of the financial year on June 30th.
In the lead up to the end of the financial year (EOFY), both new and used car dealerships offer huge promotions and discounts to try to rack up their revenue against their financial year targets. This means that lots of people are considering buying a new car instead of a used one, and those who are buying a used car will be shopping in a far more competitive market.
Avoid selling during winter to avoid EOFY sales driving down the value of your used car.
So, don’t get too bogged down in the details – start with the best time of year to sell a car in Australia, and your selling experience will be far quicker, easier and rewarding!
