The Best Way to Sell Your Car in QLD & Get the Best Price (2026).
If you’re planning to part with your car anywhere in QLD, whether you live in Brisbane, along the coast or in regional areas, you’ll want to maximise your sale price and minimise hassle.
This guide blends practical knowledge from a licensed buyer with current legal requirements and tips from sellers.
What's the Best Way to Sell My Car in QLD?
The best way to sell your car in Queensland depends on how quickly you want it sold and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Some options maximise price but take time, while others prioritise speed and convenience with less hassle.
Here’s a breakdown of the main ways to sell a car in QLD, along with when each option makes sense.
1. Private Sale (Best for Maximum Price) 🏆
Selling privately can achieve the highest price because you’re dealing directly with buyers rather than accepting a wholesale offer. This option works best if your car has low kilometres, a full service history, and strong market demand.
The trade-off is time and effort. You’ll need to organise photos, listings, enquiries, inspections, and negotiations yourself, which can take weeks and requires patience.
2. Sell to a Licensed Car Buyer (Fast & Hassle-Free) 💰
Selling to a licensed car buyer is one of the quickest ways to sell a car in Queensland. You receive a quote, decide whether to accept it, and the buyer handles the paperwork.
This option is ideal if you want a fast sale, don’t want strangers coming to your home, or if your car has finance owing or doesn’t have a current roadworthy certificate.
3. Send it to a Car Auction 🎤
Car auctions can work well for rare, unique, or heavily modified vehicles where specialist buyers are competing. In some cases, this can drive prices up.
However, auction fees apply and there’s no guarantee your reserve will be met, so the final result can be unpredictable.
4. Selling Through Consignment 🤝
Some dealerships offer consignment sales, where they sell your car on your behalf. They handle inspections, advertising, and paperwork in exchange for a commission.
This can provide more exposure than a private sale, but it’s usually slower than selling directly and your final payout depends on when the car sells.
5. Trade-In at a Dealership 🚘
Trading in your car at a dealership is convenient, especially if you’re buying another vehicle. There’s no need to advertise or negotiate privately.
The downside is value. Trade-in offers are typically lower than market price because dealers factor in reconditioning and resale margins.
If you’re considering this option, it’s worth understanding how to get the best possible trade-in price before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions people ask before selling a car in Queensland.
What documents do I need to sell my car in Queensland?
To sell a car in Queensland, you’ll typically need proof of identity, the vehicle’s registration details, and any relevant ownership paperwork.
If the car has finance owing, payout details are also required. Some selling methods may require a roadworthy certificate, while others do not.
Do I need a roadworthy certificate to sell my car in QLD?
Queensland Roadworthy RequirementsA roadworthy certificate is required when selling a registered car privately in Queensland.
However, if you sell your car to a licensed car buyer or sell it unregistered, a roadworthy certificate is usually not required.
Can I sell my car with finance still owing?
Yes, you can sell a car with finance owing. The outstanding balance needs to be paid out as part of the sale process.
Licensed car buyers can often handle this directly with the finance provider, making the process simpler.
How long does it take to sell a car in Queensland?
The time it takes to sell a car in Queensland depends on how you sell it. Private sales can take weeks, while selling to a licensed car buyer can often be completed within a day or two once a price is agreed.
What is the fastest way to sell a car in QLD?
The fastest way to sell a car in Queensland is usually through a licensed car buying service. This option avoids advertising, inspections, and negotiation, allowing the sale to be completed quickly.
The Best Way to Sell Your Car (Ranked)
| Rank | Platform | Price | Time to move |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Private Sale | ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 15-60 days |
| #2 | Car Buyer | ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 1-2 days |
| #3 | Car Auction | ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 2-5 days |
| #4 | Consignment | ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 30-90 days |
| #5 | Trade-in | ⭐️ ⭐️ | 1-2 days |
What You’ll Need When Selling in Queensland
Selling a car in QLD isn’t just about the handover. There are legal requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A valid roadworthy certificate (RWC) to complete a private sale in QLD
- Signed QLD registration transfer form (done online via QLD Transport or in person)
- Photo ID Drivers licence or 18+ card
- A signed bill of sale or receipt
- Finance payout letter (if your car is under a loan)
👉 For a whole breakdown, check out our full article on
What paperwork do I need to sell my car?
How to Value Your Car Right
Overpricing is the #1 reason listings don’t get traction. To set a realistic value:
- Look up Carsales and filter by your car’s year, badge, and km
- Compare prices on Marketplace and Gumtree to see local competition
- Use an online car valuation tool to get a well-researched estimate.
- If there’s finance owing, factor in what you’ll need to pay out
- Allow some haggle room, around 5–10% is fair
Final Tips From a Licensed Dealer
After 15+ years of buying cars from Queenslanders, here’s my no-BS advice:
- Photograph it well: Use our guide on taking better car photos.
- Don't ghost interested buyers: Even a polite “sold” message helps you stay human and allows you to reach out if the sale falls through.
- If your car’s rough, say so: Nothing annoys a buyer more than wasting a trip. Rectify any outstanding recalls too.
- Don’t drop your price too soon: The first few days are your best window. If no bites after 7–10 days, then consider lowering.
- Be available: Flexible inspection times (evenings, weekends) help seal the deal faster.
- Get a second opinion: Sometimes the car buying service will offer more than a private buyer if it’s a weird spec or hard to finance.
You don’t need to be an expert to sell well. You just need to be clear, prepared, and realistic.
Sell Your Car The Easy Way
If this sounds like too much work or you just want it sold without the headache, we’ve got you.
At Sell Any Car Fast, we offer fast quotes, no RWC required, and we take care of the paperwork for you. You’ll get a fair price and we can pay you today.
