Why Renew Your Rego Before You Sell a Car?
If you're going to sell a car and its rego is about to run out, then you may be of two minds about whether to renew this registration or not. You aren't sure you need the hassle or the costs for a vehicle that won't be yours for much longer anyway.
While it may make sense to let the rego lapse and leave this job to the person who buys the car, this isn't always the most sensible solution. There are some benefits to having an inspection done before you put the car up for sale. What are they?
Keep Using the Car Legally
If the rego lapses on a car, then you shouldn't drive it. It doesn't have legal registration or insurance. Depending on where you live, you could break the law if you take the car on the road. Also, if you have an accident, you could have to pay a lot out of pocket if you have to pay damages yourself because you don't have core registration insurance.
If you don't plan on using the car at all after its registration lapses, like if you'll stick it in the garage and leave it there, then this might not be an issue. However, if there's any chance you'll take it out, then you need to renew your rego when it falls due. This also helps you sell the car.
Make the Car More Attractive to Buyers
A car with a rego certificate is more attractive to buyers than a car with no registration at all. When they buy the vehicle, the two of you simply have to arrange to switch the rego to the new owner and they are good to go. An unregistered car makes people suspicious. They might worry that it is stolen or has a hidden problem. They won't have the peace of mind of knowing that the car has had safety checks when you last renewed the rego.
Plus, they can't take an unregistered car for a test drive. This is a deal-breaker for some buyers who don't want to buy a car they can't try out. Even if a buyer took a risk and bought the vehicle without a test drive, they might balk at paying your asking price if they know they'll have immediate rego costs after the sale.
So, to stay on the right side of the law and make your car a better prospect for potential buyers, take it into a rego inspections service and get it registered and ready to sell.
