Complete Car Selling Guide for New Zealand

💰 Pricing Your Car Correctly

Getting the price right is crucial. Price too high and your car sits unsold; too low and you lose money.

Research Market Value

• Trade Me completed listings: Search for your exact make, model, and year. Filter by "Sold" to see what similar vehicles actually achieved, not just asking prices.
• RedBook valuation: Used by banks and dealers. Gives trade-in and private sale estimates. Access through most insurance websites or AA.
• Turners auctions: Check recent auction results for similar vehicles. These reflect true market value.
• Local dealers: Visit or call dealers selling similar vehicles. Their retail prices will be higher than private sale, but show the market range.

Adjust for Your Vehicle's Condition

• Excellent condition: Price at top 10-15% of market range. Immaculate vehicles with full history command premium prices.
• Good condition: Price at middle 50% of range. Some wear but well-maintained with service history.
• Average condition: Price at lower 25% of range. Visible wear, incomplete history, or minor issues.
• Below average: Price at bottom 10% or consider trade-in. Significant issues, high kms, or poor maintenance.

Additional Value Factors

• NZ New vs Import: NZ new vehicles typically command 10-20% premium over imports of same age/kms.
• Service history: Full dealer service history adds 5-10% to value. Incomplete or no history reduces value by 10-15%.
• Number of owners: One or two owner vehicles worth more than multiple owner vehicles.
• WOF/Rego remaining: 6+ months WOF and rego adds value. Expired or short period reduces appeal.
• Modifications: Quality modifications (suspension, exhaust) can add value to enthusiast vehicles but often reduce value on family cars.
• Recent work: New tyres, brakes, timing belt within last year adds $500-2000 depending on work.

Pricing Strategies

Quick sale (1-2 weeks): Price at bottom 20% of market range. Attracts maximum buyers immediately.

Standard sale (3-6 weeks): Price at middle 40-60% of range. Most sellers use this approach. Allows negotiation room.

Maximum price (6-12 weeks): Price at top 15-20%. Only works for excellent vehicles in high demand. Be prepared to wait.

Negotiation buffer: List 5-10% above your absolute minimum. Gives room for buyers to negotiate and feel they got a deal.

📄 Legal Requirements for NZ Car Sales

New Zealand has specific legal requirements when selling vehicles privately. Failing to comply can result in fines or liability issues.

Consumer Guarantees Act 1993

As a private seller, you must ensure:

• Accurate description: Everything you say about the vehicle must be truthful. False claims (odometer reading, accident history, mechanical condition) can result in prosecution.
• Known defects: You must disclose any faults you're aware of. Saying "sold as is" doesn't override this requirement.
• Title: You must own the vehicle outright with no loans or finance owing. If finance remains, you're selling something you don't fully own (illegal).
• Roadworthy: While not legally required to have current WOF, the vehicle must be safe if you claim it's in good condition.

Fair Trading Act 1986

Prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct in trade. As a private seller:

• Cannot make false claims about vehicle history, ownership, or condition
• Cannot hide or conceal defects deliberately
• Cannot misrepresent odometer readings
• Cannot claim "NZ New" if vehicle was imported

Required Documentation

• Registration certificate: Must be in your name. If recently purchased and not yet transferred, explain this clearly.
• WOF certificate: Not required but significantly helps sale. Buyers can drive vehicle home legally with current WOF.
• Service records: Not legally required but strongly recommended. Shows maintenance history.
• Previous purchase records: Helpful to show how long you've owned it and what you paid (proves realistic pricing).

Sale Process Legal Requirements

1. Notice of sale: You MUST notify NZTA within 7 days of sale. Do this online at NZTA website or via AA.
2. Registration transfer: Both parties sign the registration document. Buyer receives registration certificate.
3. Written agreement: Not legally required but highly recommended. Include: date, parties' names, vehicle details, price, payment method, condition description.
4. Payment receipt: Provide written receipt with date, amount, vehicle details, your signature.

📱 Trade Me Optimization

Trade Me dominates New Zealand's private car sales. A well-optimized listing can increase your sale price by 10-20% and dramatically reduce selling time.

Photography That Sells

Essential photos (minimum 12-15 photos):

• Front 3/4 angle (most important - shows front and side)
• Rear 3/4 angle (shows back and other side)
• Both side profiles
• Straight front and rear
• Interior dashboard and front seats
• Rear seats and cargo area
• Engine bay (clean it first!)
• Odometer showing exact reading
• WOF/rego labels
• Tyres (all four corners)
• Any damage or wear areas
• Service book/records

Photography tips:

• Shoot in bright but cloudy conditions (no harsh shadows)
• Clean the car thoroughly inside and out before photos
• Remove personal items, rubbish, air fresheners
• Use landscape orientation for all photos
• Shoot from waist height (not too high or low)
• Include some surroundings to show context
• Take more photos than needed, select best ones

Title Formula That Works

Trade Me limits titles to ~80 characters. Use this formula:

Year + Make + Model + Variant + 1-2 Key Features

Examples:

• "2018 Toyota Aqua Hybrid, 1 Owner, FSH, Excellent Condition"
• "2015 Ford Ranger XLT, Low 92k kms, Tow Bar, Canopy"
• "2020 Mazda CX-5 GSX, NZ New, Full Leather, Sunroof"
• "2012 Honda Fit Hybrid, Economical, WOF/Rego, Tidy"

Description Structure

Write descriptions in this order for maximum impact:

1. Opening (2-3 sentences):

Summary of vehicle and why it's great. Example: "Excellent 2017 Toyota Corolla in superb condition. One owner from new with full dealer service history. Perfect reliable transport that won't let you down."

2. Key Specifications:

• Exact odometer: "Genuine 87,432 kms"
• Service history: "Full Toyota dealer history, serviced every 10,000kms"
• Ownership: "2 owners (myself for last 4 years)"
• Import status: "NZ New, purchased from Wellington City Toyota 2017"
• WOF/Rego: "WOF until Jan 2025, Rego until March 2025"

3. Condition Details:

• Mechanical condition: "Drives perfectly, no issues"
• Body condition: "Minor stone chips on bonnet (normal), no dents or rust"
• Interior: "Very tidy, no tears or stains, non-smoker"
• Tyres: "All four tyres 70%+ tread"

4. Recent Work/Maintenance:

"Recent service December 2024 including oil, filters, brake check ($450). New battery fitted August 2024 ($250)."

5. Features List:

Bullet points of equipment: ABS, airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, etc.

6. Reason for Selling:

Optional but builds trust: "Upgrading to larger vehicle for growing family" or "Company vehicle, surplus to requirements"

7. Viewing Details:

"Located in [Suburb]. Available for viewing after 5pm weekdays, anytime weekends. Please text or call to arrange."

Listing Upgrade Decision

• Basic listing ($49-89): Perfect for vehicles under $15,000. Most private sellers use this successfully.
• Featured listing ($129-299): Worth it for vehicles $15,000-30,000 or if you need quick sale. Appears higher in search.
• Gallery+ ($349-499): Only makes sense for premium vehicles $30,000+ or specialty vehicles.

👥 Facebook Marketplace Guide

Facebook Marketplace has become one of NZ's biggest car selling platforms - often faster than Trade Me for quick sales. However, it requires extra vigilance around safety and payment.

Why Facebook Marketplace Works Well

• Free to list: No listing fees like Trade Me. List as many photos as you want.
• Faster responses: Buyers message instantly via Facebook Messenger. More casual, quicker communication.
• Local focus: Automatically shows to people in your area first. Great for reaching nearby buyers.
• Profile visibility: You can see buyer's profile, mutual friends, join date. Adds transparency.
• Wider reach: People who don't use Trade Me still use Facebook daily.

Facebook Marketplace vs Trade Me

Use Facebook Marketplace for:

• Vehicles under $15,000 (sweet spot for Facebook buyers)
• Quick sales (Facebook moves faster)
• Older vehicles or project cars (less formal marketplace)
• Local buyers only (you choose your radius)
• Testing the market before paying for Trade Me listing

Use Trade Me for:

• Premium vehicles $15,000+ (serious buyers expect Trade Me)
• Rare or specialty vehicles (Trade Me's search better)
• When you want nationwide reach
• Maximum professionalism and buyer confidence
• Detailed specification sheets and history documents

Best strategy: List on BOTH simultaneously. Facebook costs nothing extra and dramatically increases your exposure.

Creating an Effective Facebook Listing

Photos (15-20 recommended):

• First photo is CRITICAL - clean 3/4 angle, well-lit, attractive background
• Upload ALL your good photos - there's no limit or cost
• Include videos if possible - walk-around videos perform very well on Facebook
• Show the car clean and presentable (people judge quickly on Facebook)

Title (keep it simple):

Facebook doesn't limit length like Trade Me, but keep it scannable:

• "2018 Toyota Aqua Hybrid - 1 Owner - Full Service History"
• "2015 Ford Ranger XLT - Low 92k kms - Tidy Truck"
• "2012 Mazda Demio - Cheap Reliable Transport - WOF & Rego"

Description structure:

Facebook users scan quickly, so lead with the most important info:

Line 1-2: Quick summary and price justification
"Selling my tidy 2017 Corolla. Excellent condition, one owner, full service history. Priced for quick sale."

Key specs (bullet points work well):

• Year, make, model
• Exact kms
• WOF and rego dates
• Service history
• Number of owners

Condition and recent work:
"Mechanically excellent, drives perfectly. New tyres last month ($600). Small stone chips on bonnet (normal wear). Interior very tidy, non-smoker."

Call to action:
"Message me to arrange viewing in [Suburb]. Serious buyers only please. Quick sale wanted."

CRITICAL Facebook Safety Rules

1. Meeting Location Safety:

• ALWAYS meet in public: Police station car park is ideal (tell them you're doing a car sale - they're supportive). Shopping center car parks during busy times also good.
• Never give home address: Until you've met buyer and verified they're legitimate. Too many safety issues.
• Bring someone with you: Friend, partner, family member. Safety in numbers.
• Daytime only: Never meet after dark for first viewing.

2. Test Drive Safety (CRITICAL):

Facebook test drives are higher risk than Trade Me. Here's how to stay safe:

• Check their profile first: Real account with history? Mutual friends? Or new/fake profile? Red flag if brand new account with no activity.
• Video call before meeting: Quick Facebook video call confirms they're real person. Scammers avoid this.
• Photo their driver's license: Before test drive, take clear photo of their full license. Say "it's standard practice." Real buyers understand.
• Hold their car keys: If they drove to viewing, hold their car keys while they test drive yours. They're not leaving without their own car.
• Ride along ALWAYS: Never let someone test drive alone, no matter their story. Sit in passenger seat.
• Set the route: "Let's take it around the block and up that hill to test the brakes." You control where you go.
• Trust your gut: If something feels off, end the viewing. Your safety matters more than the sale.

Red flags to watch for:

• Buyer insists on solo test drive ("I need to feel the car myself")
• Won't provide license or gets defensive when asked
• Wants to drive to "their mechanic" across town (common theft method)
• Rushed, pushy behavior trying to skip safety steps
• Brand new Facebook account with few friends

Payment Safety on Facebook (MOST IMPORTANT)

Facebook marketplace has more payment scams than Trade Me. Be extremely careful:

Safe payment methods (in order of safety):

1. Bank transfer verified in your account: Do NOT release car until you refresh your banking app and see money actually in your account. Not "pending" - CLEARED.
2. Meet at bank, deposit cash, get receipt: If they insist on cash. Meet at their bank, watch them withdraw it, count it together, deposit immediately. Get bank receipt.
3. Bank cheque FROM bank branch: Accompany them to bank, watch teller issue the cheque, verify with teller it's legitimate. Personal cheques are scams.

NEVER accept these payment methods:

• "I'll transfer now, see the confirmation?" → Fake screenshot. Wait for actual money in YOUR banking app.
• "My wife will transfer later today" → No. Full payment before keys.
• "Can I take it now and transfer tonight?" → No. Never release vehicle before confirmed payment.
• Personal cheques → Bounce. Only bank cheques witnessed at bank.
• Payment apps from strangers → Can be reversed/disputed.
• Cryptocurrency → Irreversible, volatile, complicated. Stick to traditional banking.

Common Facebook Marketplace Scams

The "Fake Transfer" Scam:

Buyer shows you a screenshot of "payment sent" or "payment pending." You give them keys. Money never arrives because it was a fake screenshot.

Protection: Only trust YOUR banking app. Refresh it. See the money there. Not "pending" - cleared.

The "Test Drive Theft":

Person asks to test drive alone ("my mechanic friend is on the phone, I need privacy"). Drives away. Never returns.

Protection: ALWAYS ride along. Hold their car keys. Set the route. End viewing if they insist on solo drive.

The "Deposit Hold" Scam:

Buyer offers deposit ($500-1000) to hold car while they "arrange finance." You take car off market. They never return. Deposit was their $500 to "rent" exclusive access while they find a better deal.

Protection: No deposits. First person with full payment gets the car. Keep listing active until money clears.

The "Overpayment" Scam:

"I'll pay $15,000 but my friend owes me $2,000, can you give him the extra?" Transfer of $15,000 bounces days later, you've given $2,000 cash.

Protection: Never accept overpayment. Never give money back to anyone.

Facebook Messenger Communication Tips

Quick response increases sales:

• Reply within 1-2 hours if possible. Facebook buyers move fast.
• Be friendly but professional. Facebook is more casual than Trade Me.
• If you can't respond immediately, say "At work now, will reply this evening"

Screening serious buyers:

• Ask: "When would you like to view it?" (Serious buyers give specific times)
• Ask: "Do you have finance arranged?" (For expensive vehicles)
• Check their profile for red flags (new account, no activity, fake-looking name)

Avoiding time-wasters:

• "Is this still available?" is often auto-message from casual browsers. Respond but don't expect them to view.
• Multiple people asking "lowest price" without viewing means you're priced slightly high.
• Block people who are rude or make lowball offers without even seeing the car.

Facebook vs Trade Me: A Dual Strategy

Week 1: List on Facebook first (free). Gauge interest and price reaction.

Week 2: If selling quickly on Facebook, great. If not, add Trade Me listing for broader reach.

Week 3+: Maintain both listings. Facebook for quick local buyers, Trade Me for serious buyers with money.

Many sellers find their best results come from having both platforms active. Facebook brings the quick responses, Trade Me brings the serious buyers with arranged finance.

Final Facebook Safety Checklist

Before every viewing:

• ✓ Check buyer's Facebook profile (real person? account age? mutual friends?)
• ✓ Meet in public place (police station car park ideal)
• ✓ Bring a friend or family member
• ✓ Photo their driver's license before test drive
• ✓ Hold their car keys during test drive
• ✓ Ride along in passenger seat
• ✓ Set the test drive route yourself
• ✓ Verify payment in YOUR banking app before releasing keys
• ✓ Trust your instincts - walk away if something feels wrong

Remember: Facebook Marketplace can be excellent for quick sales, but requires more vigilance than Trade Me. Following these safety rules protects you while still getting the platform's benefits of speed and reach.

🔒 Safety and Scam Prevention

Car sales attract scammers. Protect yourself with these essential safety measures.

Common Scams to Watch For

1. Overpayment Scam:

Buyer sends cheque for more than asking price, asks you to refund difference. Cheque bounces days later. Solution: Never accept overpayment. Never refund money before their payment fully clears (5+ working days).

2. Fake Bank Transfer:

Buyer shows fake "proof" of bank transfer on phone. You hand over keys, money never arrives. Solution: Only release vehicle after money is in your bank account (check internet banking yourself).

3. Deposit Demand:

Buyer overseas asks for $500 deposit via Western Union to "hold" vehicle. Solution: Never accept deposits from buyers you haven't met in person. No Western Union or MoneyGram ever.

4. Test Drive Theft:

Person test drives vehicle and doesn't return. Solution: See test drive safety below.

5. Low-Ball Offer + Urgency:

"I'll give you $5,000 cash right now" for vehicle listed at $8,000, creating pressure. Solution: Stick to your price. If you accept low offer, do it deliberately not under pressure.

Safe Test Drives

• Check ID: Photograph driver's license before test drive. Verify it's theirs (photo match).
• Keep keys: Hold their car keys or valuable (wallet/phone) while they test drive yours.
• Go with them: Always accompany test drives. Sit in passenger seat.
• Set route: "Let's take it around the block and up that hill." Control the route.
• Insurance check: Confirm they have valid license. You're liable if unlicensed driver crashes.
• Meet somewhere public: Police station car parks are ideal. Well-lit public places otherwise.

Payment Safety

Safest methods (in order):

1. Bank transfer: Verify money is in your account before handing over keys. Cannot be reversed once cleared.
2. Bank cheque: Get from bank branch directly (not personal cheque). Verify authenticity by calling bank.
3. Cash: Only for amounts under $5,000. Meet at bank to count and deposit immediately. Never carry large cash.

Never accept:

• Personal cheques (can bounce)
• Payment "pending" or "processing"
• Cryptocurrency
• Western Union, MoneyGram, or similar
• Payment from third party (buyer's "friend" will pay)

Meeting Safely

• Meet during daylight hours
• Meet in public places (never reveal home address until committed buyer)
• Have someone with you (friend, family member)
• Tell someone else where you're going and when you'll return
• Keep phone charged and accessible
• Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, walk away

💬 Negotiation and Closing the Sale

Most buyers will try to negotiate. Handle it well and you'll maintain your price; handle it poorly and you'll lose thousands.

Before Negotiation Starts

• Know your minimum: Decide the absolute lowest you'll accept before any viewings. Don't share this number.
• List slightly high: If your minimum is $12,000, list at $13,000-13,500. Gives negotiation room.
• Research comparable sales: Know what similar vehicles sold for. Defend your price with facts.

Handling Low-Ball Offers

Buyer: "I'll give you $10,000 cash right now" (for car listed at $15,000)

Bad response: "No way, that's insulting!"

Good response: "Thanks for the offer. Similar vehicles are selling for $14,500-15,500 [show Trade Me sold listings]. My price is very fair for the condition. I could consider $14,200 if you're ready to buy today."

This acknowledges their offer, provides market evidence, and gives small movement toward middle ground.

Common Negotiation Tactics (and Counters)

Tactic 1: Finding Problems

Buyer: "The tyres are worn, it needs new brakes, the paint is faded..."

Counter: "The tyres have 60% tread remaining [show them], brakes were checked at last service and are fine [show service receipt]. The price reflects the current condition. Similar vehicles with these specs are priced at $X-Y."

Tactic 2: Budget Limit

Buyer: "I really want it but my budget is only $11,000."

Counter: "I understand budgets are tight. My absolute bottom is $12,500 because [reasons]. Maybe check if your bank can increase your car loan by $1,500?"

Tactic 3: Comparison Shopping

Buyer: "There's another one for $2,000 less."

Counter: "I've seen that one. It has 50,000 more kms, incomplete service history, and no WOF. Mine is in much better condition with full history. You're comparing apples and oranges."

Tactic 4: Cash Offer

Buyer: "I have cash today, give me a discount."

Counter: "Cash is great, makes the sale simple. I can do $[small reduction] for immediate sale today. That's my best price for cash."

When to Stand Firm

• You're already priced at market value
• You've had multiple genuine inquiries
• Vehicle is in excellent condition with full history
• You're not desperate to sell quickly
• Buyer is trying extreme low-balling (30%+ below asking)

When to Be Flexible

• Vehicle has been listed 4+ weeks with few inquiries
• You need to sell quickly
• Buyer has pointed out legitimate issues you weren't aware of
• Buyer is ready to buy today (verified funds)
• Your asking price was above market value

Closing the Sale

Once you agree on price:

1. Create sale agreement: Use MotorPoster's free tool to generate a professional agreement with all required details
2. Verify payment: Check your bank account shows the money (not "pending" - fully cleared)
3. Complete paperwork: Both parties sign the sale agreement and registration transfer section
4. Hand over: Keys, registration papers, service records, spare key, manuals, and buyer's copy of signed agreement
5. Keep records: Retain your signed copy of the agreement for your records
6. Notify NZTA: Within 7 days, complete online notice of sale (legally required)

Why use a written sale agreement?

• Legal protection for both parties in case of disputes
• Clear record of vehicle condition and known faults
• Proof of sale price and date
• Documents "as-is" sale terms if applicable
• Professional appearance builds buyer confidence