Selling your car in Victoria can seem straightforward, but there are hidden costs that can eat into your final profit. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or simply getting rid of an older vehicle, it’s important to understand what you’ll need to pay out before the money hits your bank account.
Advertising and Listings
If you choose to sell privately, most people use platforms like Carsales or Gumtree. A standard listing might be free or cost very little, but if you want more visibility, premium placements, or “boosted” ads can quickly add up. In Victoria, expect to spend between $40 and $400 depending on the package.
Cleaning and Minor Repairs
First impressions matter. A professional detail can cost around $300 and can make your car stand out. If your vehicle needs small fixes like new tyres, brake pads, or suspension work, you could be up for even more. On average, budgeting $500 for minor repairs is realistic for a car in decent condition.
Roadworthy Certificates
To legally sell a registered car in Victoria, you’ll need a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC). Inspections for light vehicles usually cost between $150 and $250. If your car fails the inspection, you’ll also need to pay for repairs before you can relist it with the certificate.
Transfer Fees and Stamp Duty
When you transfer ownership, VicRoads requires a base transfer fee of $43.70. On top of this, buyers also pay motor vehicle duty (stamp duty), which is calculated at $8.40 per $200 (or part thereof) of the vehicle’s market value. For example, on a car valued at $10,000, the duty comes to $420.
Total Estimated Costs
Adding it all up, a typical private sale in Victoria might involve:
- Detailing & cleaning: $300
- Minor repairs: $400
- Roadworthy certificate: $175
- Advertising/listing: $75
- Transfer fee: $44 (Paid by Buyer)
- Stamp duty on $10,000 car: $420 (Paid by Buyer)
That’s around $950 in costs before you pocket the sale proceeds. The buyer must pay an extra $464 if the price of the car is $10,000
Final Thoughts
Selling a car in Victoria involves more than just handing over the keys. Between cleaning, roadworthy certificates and advertising, the expenses can be significant. Planning for these costs ensures you aren’t caught off guard and helps you set a realistic asking price that reflects the true value of your vehicle.
