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Selling a car in QLD

Each state and territory in Australia has its own unique rules and regulations when it comes to selling a used car

Selling a used car can be a traumatic experience, there are rules to be complied with, roadworthy checks to be done, cars have to be prepared to look their best, advertisements have to be placed, and deals have to be negotiated.

But by following a few basic guidelines and complying with government rules and regulations it needn’t be.

Each state and territory in Australia has its own unique rules and regulations when it comes to selling a used car and it’s important to familiarize yourself with them before putting your car up for sale.

When selling a car in Queensland it is the seller’s responsibility to obtain a current safety certificate. Without it the transfer of registration to the buyer cannot take place.

To obtain a Queensland safety certificate the seller must submit the car to an inspection at an approved inspection station.

The safety certificate is not a comprehensive mechanical check, it is a check of the basics, such as tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, rust, body damage, windscreen, and lights to ensure a car is roadworthy.

Where a car is fitted with LPG or other gas-fuel systems the seller is also required to get a gas certificate from an authorised gas installer. The certificate must not be more than three months old when the transfer of registration is made.

Every used car offered for sale must have a current safety certificate. The rules apply equally to private sellers and dealers.

The only situations in which a seller doesn’t need to have a safety certificate are if the vehicle is being sold unregistered, or is traded-in or sold to a dealer.

To obtain a Queensland safety certificate the seller must submit the car to an inspection at an approved inspection station.

The fee for a safety certificate for a car is currently $74.75. Once obtained it remains current for three months or 1000 km from the date of issue (whichever comes first) in the case of a dealer, or two months or 2000 km (whichever comes first) in the case of a private seller.

The seller must have a current safety certificate when the car is offered for sale, whether it’s advertised online at CarsGuide, displayed in public with a ‘For Sale’ sign, or driven around with a sign in the window indicating it is for sale.

Once obtained the safety certificate must be attached to the vehicle in a location where the information is clearly visible from outside the vehicle.

You can be issued with an on-the-spot fine if you’re caught without a safety certificate displayed on your car, or if the safety certificate has expired.

Getting ready to sell a car

It’s important to be ready to sell a car before you put it up for sale.

In Queensland you should obtain the necessary safety certificate, and gas certificate if that’s also needed, and have them on hand to show buyers.

Also have the car’s service book available to show buyers the car’s service history.

It’s also worth having the car detailed, and minor bumps and scrapes repaired, so it’s looking its best when buyers come calling.

How much is it worth?

Before setting the price you want to ask for your car, check its valuation with our free valuation tool.

It’s also worth searching for similar cars for sale on CarsGuide.com.au to see what others are asking for cars similar to yours.

Have you ever sold a car in Queensland? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

List your car here on Autotrader.com.au.