Beware of These Hidden Charges When Selling a Vehicle

Selling a vehicle can feel like a big relief–especially if it's old, damaged, or no longer needed. But many car owners are caught off guard by hidden fees that eat into their final payout. Whether you're selling to a private buyer, a dealership, or using a cash for cars Perth service, it's important to understand what unexpected charges might show up and how to avoid them.

In this article, we'll break down the most common hidden charges when selling a vehicle, and how you can protect yourself from getting less than your car is worth.

1. Advertising and Listing Fees

If you're selling your vehicle privately through an online platform or classified site, you might be charged for listing your car. Some sites provide free listings, but others charge based on how long you want the ad to run or how much exposure you want.

Tip: Stick to well-known platforms with transparent pricing or choose a car removal service in Perth that doesn’t require you to advertise your car at all.

2. Vehicle Inspection Costs

When selling to a dealership or a private buyer, they may ask for a roadworthy certificate or a mechanical inspection. In many states, including WA, a roadworthy inspection isn't always required for private sales—but it can be requested by the buyer for peace of mind.

The cost of these inspections comes out of your pocket, and if the car doesn’t pass, you may need to pay for repairs before it can be sold.

Tip: If your car is in poor condition or not worth fixing, it might make more financial sense to use a cash for cars Perth service that buys vehicles as-is.

3. Detailing and Cleaning Costs

First impressions matter, even when selling a car. A clean, shiny car is more likely to attract buyers and fetch a better price. However professional detailing can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the level of service.

Some sellers feel pressured to get this done, especially for private sales, thinking it will add significant value. But in some cases, the cost of detailing doesn’t add enough to the sale price to justify it.

Tip: Weigh the potential return before spending too much. Alternatively, skip this step by choosing a car removal company in Perth that doesn't expect the vehicle to be in pristine condition.

4. Transfer and Admin Fees

In WA, when you sell a vehicle, you need to submit a Notice of Disposal and transfer ownership through the Department of Transport. While some components of this process are free, there can be fees involved–especially if you are going through a dealership or third-party service.

Dealerships might charge admin fees for handling the paperwork, and private buyers might expect you to cover some of the transfer costs as a part of the deal.

Tip: Ask upfront who’s responsible for these fees. If you’re dealing with a cash for cars service in Perth, make sure that they handle the paperwork without charging extra.

5. Towing or Transport Costs

One of the biggest hidden expenses when selling an old or non-running car is transportation. If your vehicle can’t be driven, you’ll be required to tow it to the buyer, a scrapyard, or dealership. Towing fees in Perth can range from $100 to $300, based on distance.

Tip: This is where car removal services shine. Most reputable cash for cars Perth companies provide free towing, which saves you both time and money.

6. Loan Payout Penalties

If your vehicle is still under finance, selling it becomes a bit more complicated. You’ll be required to pay out the remaining balance before transferring ownership. Some lenders may charge early exit fees or penalties for paying off the loan before the end of the term.

Tip: Check with your lender in advance about any hidden expenses associated with closing your loan early.

7. Registration and Rego Refund Confusion

If you’ve recently paid for car registration, you might assume you’ll get a refund when you sell the vehicle. While this is sometimes true, it's not automatic. In WA, you need to cancel the rego and apply for a refund of the unused portion. A few sellers miss this step and end up losing money.

Tip: Cancel your rego correctly and claim any refund you're entitled to. Some cash for cars Perth service providers will guide you through this process or even help you handle it.

8. Unpaid Fines or Road Tolls

Many sellers forget that unpaid tolls, parking fines, and traffic violations are tied to the vehicle. If these aren’t settled before the sale, they can delay the transfer or create legal headaches.

Tip: Always clear any outstanding fees and check your vehicle’s record with the appropriate authorities before finalising the sale.

Conclusion

Selling a vehicle isn't just about finding a buyer and handing over the keys. If you're not careful, you might end up paying out of pocket for things like inspections, towing, paperwork, or advertising.

Knowing about these hidden fees helps you make informed decisions and avoid losing money. For many vehicle owners in Perth, opting for cash for cars Perth or car removal service is the smartest move—saving time, money, and effort.

Before you sell, ask questions, read the fine print, and always go with a trustworthy buyer who values transparency.