Setting the right price for your car can feel like guesswork, especially if you haven’t sold a used car before. Go too high, and it might sit unsold for weeks. Go too low, and you’re leaving money on the table. The good news is that there are a few simple ways to figure out a fair, realistic price and ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance of your car selling.

Here’s how to do it.

Start with a valuation

The easiest way to get a ballpark figure is to use a free online valuation tool. It takes less than a minute and gives you a starting point based on car values for similar vehicles. You’ll find a car valuation tool right here on Only Cars NZ, where you can get a quick estimate using your number plate or car details.

It’s not a final figure, but it does help you understand what your car is worth and how it stacks up against others like it. Plus, if you're considering a trade-in or selling to a dealership or auto trader, a valuation gives you a clear benchmark so you know if the offer stacks up.

Compare similar listings

Once you’ve got a base price, jump into the listings and start browsing. Look at similar cars that are the same make, model, year and spec as yours. What are they going for? What's the prie range between models with low mileage and high mileage? Are they listed by a car dealer or a private seller?

Keep an eye on which cars seem well presented and which have been sitting for weeks with no interest. Those clues will help you work out what the market expects and what your own price should be.

Be realistic about your car’s condition

This part takes honesty. If your used vehicle has some wear and tear, high mileage, or needs a car service or WOF soon, that will affect the price. On the flip side, if it's in great condition and you've kept up with regular maintenance, and can back that up with a service history, that adds real value. You don’t need to underprice a great car, but you do need to show that your price reflects what you’re offering.

Factor in your timeframe

Are you hoping for a quick sale, or are you happy to wait for the right buyer? If you’re in no rush, you can set your price at the higher end and see how things go. But if you want to move it faster, try to price competitively (i.e. slightly under other listings) to attract more attention from potential buyers.

Setting your price under a certain threshold can even be a benefit, as it opens you up to a completely different type of buyer, such as buyers looking specifically for cheap cars for sale.

Thinking about timing early on helps you decide how firm or flexible your pricing needs to be. That doesn’t mean accepting a lower price than your car deserves. It simply means being realistic about demand and adjusting your expectations based on how quickly you want to sell.

Highlight features that add value

Certain details can make your car more appealing to buyers and justify a higher asking price. Things like fuel type, off-road tyres, safety features, tech upgrades, or factory extras can all influence how buyers perceive your car’s worth, and how much they're willing to pay. If your vehicle has Apple CarPlay, leather seats, or an excellent service record, include that in your listing.

They don't even have to be actual features of the car, but things that offer extra value to a potential buyer. For example, if you're selling a ute with a lot of road user charges attached, that's saving a buyer hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Similarly, letting people know how much insurance costs helps them determine whether your old car will become their new car.

Presentation adds value

First impressions matter. A clean, well-presented car shows that you’ve looked after it, and that care can add weight to your asking price. You'd think that's self-evident, but you'd be amazed by how many sellers list a vehicle with mud caked in the footwell and rubbish jammed in the door cards.

Take the time to clean your car inside and out, and remove any clutter before taking photos. Small things like clean wheels, screens free of fingerprints, and freshly vacuumed can make a major difference.

Buyers notice these small details and associate them with overall quality. A car that looks ready to drive away is more appealing and might help justify a stronger price, especially when interested buyers are comparing multiple options online.

Leave room for negotiation

Most people expect a bit of wiggle room. So even if you have a minimum amount in mind, it’s smart to list a bit higher than that to allow some space to negotiate. That way, you don’t feel short-changed if you agree to a deal.

If you're listing your car privately, be clear if your price is firm or if you're open to offers. Setting expectations upfront makes life easier for both you and your buyer. And once your car is listed, make sure your contact phone number is up to date and easy to find. Buyers are far more likely to reach out if they know they can get a quick response.

It’s not just about the price

Your asking price is just one part of the picture. A strong listing with honest detail, a clean vehicle and great photos will help your car stand out.

Once your listing is live, don’t forget to keep your car insurance current until the vehicle is officially sold. And if someone shows interest, be ready to offer a test drive and answer any questions they might have.

And if you’re still refining your listing, we’ve got more tools to help. Visit our Car Valuation page for a free estimate, or check out our guides on how to write a car description that actually sells, how to boost your listing score, and how to take good photos of your car to give your listing a real edge.

In the meantime, explore our range of new cars for sale and used cars for sale, and trust Only Cars NZ when it comes time to sell your car online!


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