Best option to get rid of an older car with issues.

mad__llama on 21/02/2017 - 18:32
Last edited 21/02/2017 - 18:37 by 1 other user

Hey all,

After 15 years of long service I need to get rid of my 1997 Honda Prelude - the first car I've ever owned. The car still runs but has a number of issues which I've ignored for far too long (a slightly rusty bonnet, paintwork is pretty bad, has a major oil leak, one slowly-leaking tyre, badly needs a service etc).

Hoping to recover around $1000-$1500 total from the car and as little drama as possible - I could take it to the wreckers, get back some cash from my rego and insurance payments and a little for the car itself. Take it to a used car dealer. Or clean it up and try for a private sale (but I assume in VIC that I have to get a road worthy cert first) and deal with all the other potential drama that goes with that option.

Or is there another option I haven't yet considered?

Poll Options

  • 7
    Private Sale
  • 17
    Wreckers
  • 0
    Used car dealer
Automotive

Comments

  • doctordv8 on 21/02/2017 - 19:07
    +5

    Do some research first. Call to find the exact rulings and lawful requirements.
    Also, call and get a refund value for Rego and Insurance, might be scary.

    Drive to a few wreckers and dealers, and ask for a valuation. Now do your math.
    Do not be surprised if the sell values are very low, as this is the nature of the business on old vehicles.

    Your best bet when you pick yourself up is ask for a repair quote to RWC standard from your mechanic, and again do the math comparing your vehicle repaired, with a Roadworthy and similar Klms/condition vehicle, to what is on offer for sale privately around.

    Then you will have a good guide for an informed decision.

  • oscargamer on 21/02/2017 - 19:37
    +5

    advertise it without rego and as-is on gumtree and local rag

    only accept cash

    write receipt

    TAKE OFF PLATES and cash in with VR

    cancel insurance

    buy pushbike

  • t_c on 21/02/2017 - 20:02
    +5

    Bikies

    • JIMB0 on 21/02/2017 - 20:40
      +4

      It's got too many wheels for their liking.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 23:33

        It's for the OzB BOGO bikies. "Quadcycle"

    • mad__llama on 21/02/2017 - 22:43
      +1

      …and we have a winner!

      Was wondering how long it would take before someone suggested bikies. Love ya work :)

  • Aniseed Steed on 21/02/2017 - 20:37
    +2

    There's also the option of stripping it and selling off the most valuable parts.

    • mad__llama on 21/02/2017 - 22:45
      +2

      Lol, as parts it's probably worth several thousand!

      Maybe I'll just put it up on blocks in the front yard and start my own single vehicle "Pick-A-Part"…

      • Euphemistic on 22/02/2017 - 09:20

        Might be several thousand worth, but it's not a common car so for the extra cash you'll be waiting a long time properly.

      • JIMB0 on 22/02/2017 - 09:43
        +2

        And if your successful you can expand and buy more old cars to sell for parts.

  • nubzy on 21/02/2017 - 20:46
    +1

    Those are awesome cars, tidy it up and see what you can get by private sale

    • mad__llama on 21/02/2017 - 22:46

      This was an awesome car - but should have sold it years ago when I wasn't able to pay for the various issues it started to develop.

  • donga100 on 21/02/2017 - 20:54
    +1

    I think you'll be lucky to get $300 for it from a wreckers but that's still better than the money you would lose by getting it to roadworthy standard (possibly 4 new tyres, brakes, etc.). I'm sure you love the car as it's served you well as your first car but to a prospective buyer it's just a 20 year old rusty car with bad paintwork.

  • hell0 on 21/02/2017 - 21:24
    +1

    I agree with donga above. Lucky for $300 so your best bet is to gumtree it with no roadworthy provided as this would cost you thousands to get.

    • mad__llama on 21/02/2017 - 22:50

      Agree with you both, that's about what I expect - and yes the RWC will be very expensive :)

      It seems a shame to carve it up for parts after so many years of service - someone with the right tools/knowledge and some serious free time could get it running very nicely again.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 23:36
        +1

        My car just died a couple weeks ago, 30 years old. They picked it up off the expressway and paid me $100 cash right there. Bought it ~6 months ago for $300.

  • Euphemistic on 21/02/2017 - 21:56
    +1

    Wash and vacuum, pump up the tyre. Gumtree, with an honest description once you work out where the oil leak is coming from. Take whatever someone offers you when you list it for just under $2k.

  • Aniseed Steed on 22/02/2017 - 00:02
    +3

    Post an ad on the Honda Car Club or Prelude Australia club?

  • donga100 on 22/02/2017 - 14:26

    Insure it for the maximum possible and hope for an unfortunate accident?

    • Euphemistic on 22/02/2017 - 20:35
      +1

      Been there done that (well, insured, but not for maximum). Ended up with a couple of tyres with flat spots instead. Car pulled out in front of me and I emergency braked instinctively - dammit.

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