Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your Car in South Africa

1. Prepare Your Car for Sale:

   • Clean and Repair: Wash, polish, and vacuum the car to enhance appeal. Fix minor issues (e.g., scratches, worn tires) to justify a higher price, but avoid costly repairs that won’t add value.
   • Valuation: Research the market value using online tools or dealership quotes. Check similar models on platforms like AutoTrader or Cars.co.za to set a competitive price based on year, mileage, condition, and extras (e.g., leather seats).
   • Gather Documents:
     • Registration Certificate (RC1): Proves ownership, available from your local licensing department.
     • Roadworthy Certificate: Required for most sales, valid for 60 days. Obtain from a testing station (cost: ~R500–R1,000). Find stations via AA South Africa.
     • Service History: Collect records from mechanics or dealerships to show maintenance.
     • Proof of Identity: Your ID or passport.
     • Settlement Letter: If the car is financed, get a letter from your bank (e.g., Nedbank) confirming the outstanding balance.

2. Choose a Selling Method:

   • Private Sale:
     • List on platforms like AutoTrader, Cars.co.za, Gumtree, or OLX with clear photos, a detailed description (e.g., mileage, features), and your contact details.
     • Pros: Higher price (e.g., R150,000 vs. R120,000 from a dealer).
     • Cons: Time-consuming, requires negotiation, and you handle paperwork.
   • Dealership Sale:
     • Sell to a used-car dealer or trade-in at a dealership. Get quotes from multiple dealers via WeBuyCars or local showrooms.
     • Pros: Quick, less paperwork (dealer handles transfer).
     • Cons: Lower price due to dealer margins.
   • Auction:
     • List with auction houses like Aucor or Bidvest.
     • Pros: Fast sale, competitive bidding.
     • Cons: Auction fees (~5–10%) and unpredictable prices.

3. Market and Show the Car:

   • Private Sale: Create an appealing ad with high-quality photos (exterior, interior, engine). Highlight low mileage, service history, or extras. Respond promptly to inquiries and arrange safe test drives (e.g., meet at a public place).
   • Dealership/Auction: Provide documents and let the dealer/auction house handle viewings. For remote sales, appoint a trusted friend or family member to show the car.
   • Price Negotiation: Set a slightly higher price to allow room for haggling (e.g., list at R160,000 if targeting R150,000). Be firm but flexible.

4. Finalize the Sale:

   • Agree on Terms: Once a buyer commits, draft a Sale Agreement (template available on AutoTrader) specifying price, payment method, and delivery date. Ensure the buyer pays a deposit (e.g., 10%) to secure the deal.
   • Payment: Accept secure payment methods:
     • Bank transfer (verify funds clear before handover).
     • Instant EFT via platforms like PayFast.
     • Avoid cash for large amounts due to safety risks.
   • Settle Finance: If the car is financed, use the payment to settle the loan with your bank and obtain a NaTIS document confirming ownership transfer.
   • Paperwork:
     • Complete a Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) form, signed by both parties (available at licensing departments).
     • Submit the NCO, RC1, and buyer’s ID to the licensing department within 21 days (buyer’s responsibility, but confirm submission).
     • Provide a roadworthy certificate and release of liability form.
   • Handover: Transfer keys, spare keys, and documents once payment clears. Issue a receipt.

5. Remote Sale After Moving to the U.S.:

   • Appoint a Proxy: If you’ve relocated, grant power of attorney (POA) to a trusted friend, family member, or attorney to handle the sale. Draft the POA before leaving via a South African notary (South African Notaries, ~R500–R1,000) or in the U.S. with an apostille (U.S. Department of State, ~$20–$50).
   • POA Scope: Authorize the proxy to sign the sale agreement, NCO, and handle bank payments.
   • Coordination: Communicate via email or apps like WhatsApp. Have the proxy deliver documents to the licensing department or buyer.
   • Funds Transfer: Receive proceeds in your South African bank account or transfer to a U.S. account via Wise (~0.4% fee vs. bank’s 10%).

Timeline:

• Preparation and listing: 1–2 weeks.
• Sale process: 2–8 weeks (faster with dealers/auctions).
• Paperwork and transfer: 1–3 weeks.

Costs:

• Roadworthy certificate: R500–R1,000.
• Listing fees: ~R100–R500 (e.g., AutoTrader).
• Auction fees: 5–10% (if applicable).
• POA notarization: R500–R1,000 (SA) or $20–$50 (U.S.).
• Transfer fees: ~R200 (buyer typically pays).

Practical Tips for Selling Your Car

1. Price Competitively:
   • Use AutoTrader or Cars.co.za to benchmark prices. Account for mileage and condition.
2. Ensure Compliance:
   • Get a roadworthy certificate early to avoid delays. Use AA South Africa to find testing stations.
3. Secure Payments:
   • Verify bank transfers before handover. Use PayFast for safe EFTs.
4. Plan for Remote Sales:
   • Draft POA before leaving to save U.S. apostille costs. Find notaries at South African Notaries.
5. Transfer Funds Abroad:
   • Use Wise for low-cost USD transfers. Comply with South African Reserve Bank rules for amounts over R1 million (~$55,000).
6. Avoid Scams:
   • Meet buyers in safe locations. Verify identities and payments. Use trusted platforms like Cars.co.za.
7. Confirm Ownership Transfer:
   • Ensure the buyer submits the NCO to avoid liability for fines or accidents.