Selling your car online safely: scams, payments and test drives
Updated 10 December 2025 · 5 min read
Most private buyers are exactly who they say they are. A small number are not, and the patterns they use are predictable enough to design around without making the sale hard for genuine buyers.
The scams to recognise
Watch for overpayment offers with a request to refund the difference, buyers who will not view the car but want it shipped, forged payment confirmation emails, and pressure to accept a deposit through an unfamiliar payment service. Any story that ends with you sending money is a scam, no matter how it starts.
Handling test drives
Photograph the buyer's licence before the keys move, confirm your insurance position, and ride along. Meet somewhere public and busy rather than at your home, and never leave the car unattended with a stranger's keys as a swap.
Getting paid
Cleared funds in your account, verified by your own banking app, is the only safe standard. Bank transfers can be delayed or reversed, cheques can bounce, and screenshots prove nothing. If the buyer is using finance, the lender pays you directly — confirm the payment before signing anything.
- Wait for funds to clear in your own account
- Sign the transfer papers and lodge disposal the same day
- Remove your toll tag and cancel insurance after settlement
- Keep a written record of buyer details, date and price
Ready to buy or sell?
Browse used cars from private sellers and dealers across Australia, or list your own car free in a few minutes.