Needing Help to Improve Carsales Advert

Lslize9227 on 11/06/2024 - 23:37
Last edited 24/07/2024 - 11:28 by 2 other users

Hi all, I'm trying to sell my car at the moment.

I listed it on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and Carsales but so far I only got scammers (from marketplace and gumtree) contact me.

I wanted to see if you can check this ad and let me know if I could improve the ad somehow. In the carsales ad process it suggested to put photos of scratches or imperfections on the ad too, so I have listed them under the 'imperfections'-photos. Is that a good idea? there are only a couple of scratches. I also mentioned that the car was owned from new by the Department of Justice, I guess this shows potential buyers that the car was looked after and had its regular service done.

I also wrote in the ad that I have only recently bought the car but I am selling it now because I am relocating overseas at short notice for work. Is that fine to write that? It would explain the reason why I owned it for such a short time.

Description as follows:

2020 Toyota Camry

$35,490* Excl. Govt. Charges

2020 HYBRID CAMRY.
With only 10,301 km on the clock, this automatic sedan stands out with its immaculate condition and performance. It has always been kept in a garage. This car only has one previous owner from new which was the Department of Justice and Community in Melbourne. Being a state government car, this car comes with a full service history and has always been looked after well. I have recently bought this car and decided to sell it now because I am moving overseas.

This car comes with a logbook which shows that all the services were done on time (full service history).
Comes with two key fobs. This car comes with a roadworthy certificate so it gives you peace of mind that the roadworthy check has already been completed.

EXCEPTIONAL FUNCTIONALITY
7 airbags to give you added protection with an ANCAP safety rating of 5. My car has great fuel economy at 4.2L per 100km. This Toyota Camry 2020 Ascent has keyless start. Make phone calls safely and conveniently through the Bluetooth enabled audio system. This car has parking assist graphical display, USB charging, USB audio input, selectable driving mode, side airbags, central locking and power door mirrors. Vehicle comes with balance of new car Toyota Warranty

THE FAMILY WILL LOVE THESE FEATURES
This Toyota Camry Ascent has rear vision camera (reverse camera), remote central locking, front cup holders, adaptive cruise control, voice recognition and rear cup holders. 6 Speaker Blue tooth Stereo, Smart Device App Display/Control. The integrated Bluetooth system connects your enabled phone through the audio system. It has storage compartment in centre console. This car has dual zone climate control air conditioning. Alert/warning- collision forward. Full size spare wheel. Powered by a 2.5L 4 cylinder petrol motor, backed by an electric motor, and smooth CVT automatic transmission the Camry is a breeze to drive and returns tremendous economy for a car of its size.

This Toyota Camry Sedan has parking assist graphical display, brake assist, selectable driving mode, keyless start and LED headlamps.
Using the multi-function steering wheel, listen to your favourite music and answer calls without taking your hands off the wheel. This car has knee airbag for driver, regenerative brakes and digital radio (DAB+).

I appreciate any feedback, Thank you guys!!

Automotive Car Carsales Facebook Marketplace Gumtree Toyota

Comments

  • MS Paint on 11/06/2024 - 23:48
    +12

    Ad looks good to me. They only reason I can't see it selling quickly is price. If you want to move it quickly the price needs to be really sharp.

    Department of Justice, I guess this shows potential buyers that the car was looked after and had its regular service done.

    Or been absolutely flogged like nearly every other company / lease car.

    • Jaduqimon on 11/06/2024 - 23:50
      +1

      its only done 10k kms. its a toyota. even if its flogged for 10k kms, its nothing for a toyota and being a company car means it will at least be serviced on point.

  • Elppa8 on 11/06/2024 - 23:49
    +18

    Sounds like a sales pitch to me. If you want to sell your car here use the classifieds

  • sumyungguy on 12/06/2024 - 00:00
    +2

    Per @Muzeeb, price is too high for a private sale with imperfections. For some buyers an ex pool car is a turn off. Knowing you're going overseas means watching your ad for inevitable price drops. Buyers commonly sort by price low to high; yours ranks at number 56 on Carsales.

    • slize9227 on 12/06/2024 - 00:01

      so do you think I should not mention that it was previously owned by the Department of Justice?
      And should I not mention the imperfections in the ad and remove the imperfection-photos?

      • sumyungguy on 12/06/2024 - 00:05
        +2

        It's up to buyers to figure that out. If you get desperate try companies that rent/lease ride share vehicles.

      • MS Paint on 12/06/2024 - 00:10

        Your ad is honest and that's what I like as a buyer (I spend a lot of time on carsales just browsing enthusiasts type cars). If you want to sell it you need to stand out from the competition ie. lower the price until the tag says 'below market value'.

        With the cost of living crisis people either aren't buying or they want a bargain.

      • Nucleus Acumbens on 25/06/2024 - 15:18

        Don't advertise that you're not the first owner. Just let them assume that unless they ask you or see it in service books.

        Selling car to move overseas.

        What colour is the car?

        Can you get the scratches polished out?

        If you have imperfections, detail and photograph them.

        Car comes with up to date log books and a current RWC for your peace of mind.

        Headings are good. Follow some of the important info in point form. You don't need to provide an entire Wikipedia page about it.

        Also, don't talk about it as "your" car. Sounds possessive.

        What condition is the interior in? Any seat covers? Formats?

        Make sure you highlight the important stuff. The stuff that sets your car apart at the top. If you must include the entire autobiography, do it at end.

  • cloudy on 12/06/2024 - 00:07

    Given that Toyotas are known to be able to do 50000000000 kms do people care if they buy a 10k km or 100k km on the clock? Probably not, so price yours like it has 100km and you’ll be able to sell it quick.

    Way too many listings out there cheaper than yours from what I can see.

  • jv on 12/06/2024 - 00:17
    +2

    Is this still available?

    • MS Paint on 12/06/2024 - 00:28

      Roman is the seller

      Carpe diem

  • rickdwp on 12/06/2024 - 00:59
    +10

    The answer is always price. Your asking price is what they were new 4 years ago, and you can claim inflation and supple issues blah blah - personally I think Toyota are full of shit. They sell less then a third of the camrys they sold 15 years ago but magically always have supply issues.

    End of the day it's a base model Camry, your market is almost exclusively uber drivers who will happily save 5-10k and get one with 100kk and everyone else wants SUVs

  • Lichen6420 on 12/06/2024 - 05:52
    +6

    Remove the DOJ stuff, just leave it at full service history.

    Add the word Hybrid, cheap to run.

    Remove imperfection photos, let the buyers figure it out, it's a 2nd hand car.

    Drop the price until it sells.

  • Euphemistic on 12/06/2024 - 06:12
    +2

    Doesnt need DOJ. "Always garaged" can you confirm that if you havent owned it since new?
    Perhaps too many photos. Try to keep it simple for a camry.

    Its got very low kms for a 4yo car. That could be a red flag for some. As in: Why hasnt it been used much?

    Ultimately its a camry. There's thousands out there. Price will sell it, not so much the text in the advertisement

  • altomic on 12/06/2024 - 08:07
    +5

    the price isn't very competitive.

    buyers are not over a barrel like 12 months ago or more.

    market is/has becoming competitive again so you got to play the game.

    if you have the higher price so that there is "negotiation space" then fine, but drop the price by $5000 - as there are several similar cars of the same age and low KMs for ~$30,000.

  • 87percent on 12/06/2024 - 08:37
    +3

    I thought you had to show license plate when selling on car sales?

    • brifog on 12/06/2024 - 08:52
      +2

      Carsales auto blurs out the license plate so not sure why he bothered to remove them.

  • Sinnerator on 12/06/2024 - 09:05

    with that price I hope you keep getting scammers

  • Mr BoMBAStiG on 12/06/2024 - 09:10
    +3

    Lower your price.

  • Boioioioi on 12/06/2024 - 09:15
    +1

    Good add, remove DOJ part. Be patient if you want more money, otherwise reduce the price if you want a quick sale.

  • BargainBenno on 12/06/2024 - 09:37
    +2

    I think there is a big premium in the price on the fact that your car has a low odometer. I attend the government car auctions through Pickles and a 2021 Camry Ascent with 100K on the clock is lucky to fetch 20K. And these come with a Toyota Warranty. Also there is a Camry that is 3 years newer and has the same odometer reading and it is $4,000 cheaper. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2023-toyota-camry-a…. A new one starts at 39K so perhaps you are a bit optimistic? I mean I am looking for a car and a low odometer, I would get delivered from interstate if it was $4,000 cheaper even without driving it. It depends on how quickly you want to sell also.

    I checked Redbook and this vehicle sold for $31K when new in 2020 so yes price is a bit high.

    https://www.redbook.com.au/cars/details/2020-toyota-camry-as…

    • sumyungguy on 12/06/2024 - 09:43
      +1

      OP's is a Hybrid

      • pegaxs on 12/06/2024 - 10:25
        +1

        2.5i/160kW Hybrid Engine

        That Redbook link is for the hybrid.

        • sumyungguy on 12/06/2024 - 15:26
          +1

          Sure, but most of the first para was comparing to a petrol.

  • Browsers on 12/06/2024 - 09:59

    Drop the word immaculate, it only belongs on a car in showroom condition. Get rid of the imperfection photos, people have to sign in to see them and many won't bother but will assume the imperfections are worse than they actually are. Drop the price to compete with other camrys of the same age. Put the plates back on and retake some photos, and have no more than ten in the ad. If you choose to drop price below the bottom end of the valuation range, carsales may query it and contact you. If you don't respond they'll put a block on the ad.

  • pegaxs on 12/06/2024 - 10:22
    +5

    Nice sly advertising post…

    Anyway… too much waffle. Too many photos. Price too high. “Owner going overseas” just screams “scam” now days.

    • Keep your ad clear and concise. Only say what you need to say.
    • Put in photos of the vehicle that need to be there. 4 shots of the same area of the car are not required.
    • Only mention damage and photograph damage if it is considerately obvious. You don’t need to take photos of general “wear and tear”
    • Research your price. It's not about what you want for it, but what the market thinks is a fair price. Compare it to similar cars in your area and price it around that.
    • Leave out the “reasons”. If any one asks “why are you selling it?” Just tell them “it’s surplus to my needs.” But you don’t need to put that in the ad. Saying that you’re “going overseas” is just inviting scammers and low ballers.
  • Broke-Ken on 12/06/2024 - 10:40
    +6

    So many red flags in your ad, that if I saw it, I would give it a hard pass.

    Red flags:
    * You're moving oversea - Most common reason for sellers who wants to ghost you as soon as they sell you the car. If you knew you were going overseas, why buy a car in the first place.
    * It's an Ex fleet car and you're a private seller - Why not just buy fleet car direct from auction and cut out the middle man(you)?
    * You only just got the car and now you're selling - Seems like you're just trying to make a quick buck by flipping cars, or there is something wrong with it and you're just trying to cut your losses.
    * No Rego in photos and no mention of rego status - Couldn't even be bothered to get rego for a car since you're just planning to flip it. Or could be an issue with the car and you can't get it registered. (Probably had rego remove as it would have had a gov plate starting with "M", so can't be passed on to general public, but that's beside the point)
    * and then finally, price, because of all the above risk, the price is too high, needs to be a bargain price to tempt me. but then again, a bargain price then screams scam, can't win :D.

    well, those just my reasons.

  • Drakesy on 12/06/2024 - 11:34
    +2

    A car is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it….

    It's the same with houses, could have the best ad and the best sales agency but it will only sell if it's correctly priced.

  • djones145 on 12/06/2024 - 12:02
    +2

    i would just say its a toyota and add a link to ozbargain

    after they read the forums they will know where ozbargain stands on toyota

    sell instantly after that

    or they might post asking whether this is a scam or not

  • apple2016 on 12/06/2024 - 12:20
    +1

    This car only has one previous owner from new which was the Department of Justice and Community in Melbourne.

    I would not state this, The 'one' owner is a organization with 100's of employes and will be treated as an ex-fleet car which could have been flogged / abused by multiple persons.

  • Ghost47 on 12/06/2024 - 13:07
    +1

    I have a couple of saved searches for vintage cars on carsales and I’ve noticed more of these cars coming up for sale. I’ve also noticed bike sales have been increasing over the past few months. Looks like more and more people are moving to one car to keep their heads above water, so with this information you need to be extremely competitive with your pricing if you want to sell it, which could possibly mean going below market value.

  • slize9227 on 12/06/2024 - 15:59
    -1

    Hi all, Thank you very much for your advice. I have made the changes which you suggested in your various comments. So I deleted the Department of Justice/ State Gov & the leaving for overseas parts. I have also removed the 'imperfection photos' and reduced the price to $34,490, so $1,000 less.

    Here is the upadated ad description:2020 HYBRID CAMRY.
    With only 10,301 km on the clock, this automatic sedan stands out with its great condition and performance. This car only has one previous owner from new and has always been looked after well.

    It comes with a logbook which shows that all the services were done on time (full service history).
    Comes with two key fobs and roadworthy certificate to give you peace of mind that the roadworthy check has already been completed.

    EXCEPTIONAL FUNCTIONALITY
    7 airbags to give you added protection with an ANCAP safety rating of 5. My car has great fuel economy at 4.2L per 100km. This Toyota Camry 2020 Ascent has keyless start. Make phone calls safely and conveniently through the Bluetooth enabled audio system. This car has parking assist graphical display, USB charging, USB audio input, selectable driving mode, side airbags, central locking and power door mirrors. Vehicle comes with balance of new car Toyota Warranty.

    THE FAMILY WILL LOVE THESE FEATURES
    This Toyota Camry Ascent has rear vision camera (reverse camera), remote central locking, front cup holders, adaptive cruise control, voice recognition and rear cup holders. 6 Speaker Blue tooth Stereo, Smart Device App Display/Control. The integrated Bluetooth system connects your enabled phone through the audio system. It has storage compartment in centre console. This car has dual zone climate control air conditioning. Alert/warning- collision forward. Full size spare wheel. Powered by a 2.5L 4 cylinder petrol motor, backed by an electric motor, and smooth CVT automatic transmission the Camry is a breeze to drive and returns tremendous economy for a car of its size.

    This Toyota Camry Sedan has parking assist graphical display, brake assist, selectable driving mode, keyless start and LED headlamps.
    Using the multi-function steering wheel, listen to your favourite music and answer calls without taking your hands off the wheel. This car has knee airbag for driver, regenerative brakes and digital radio (DAB+).

    Please contact me if you have any questions.

    • pizzip on 12/06/2024 - 17:54
      +3

      Personally, get rid of the AI auto description garbage; makes it sound like you know absolutely nothing about cars whatsoever. Half the ads on carsales just use that auto completed description with no actual info from the seller and it's a real turn off.

      Personally I'd get rid of that AI description telling me how great the car is (sounds like an illiterate used car salesman just went on chatgpt) and list anything of importance with dot points:

      • 10,000k
      • Comes with RWC
      • Toyota warranty, etc etc.

      Having an ad using AI telling me the car "is a breeze to drive", I'm just gonna assume the opposite. Maybe post a real description; even "drives well for its age, no issues" is better than that flowery crap you've got there, it shows a real person wrote it at least.

      Though people probably don't care too much about this for a Camry, but still…

      • magic8ballgag on 24/07/2024 - 15:21

        Personally I'd get rid of that AI description telling me how great the car is (sounds like an illiterate used car salesman just went on chatgpt)

        Agreed, I personally avoid cars that have the Carsales auto-generated description.

  • FSTB on 12/06/2024 - 19:46
    +2

    You're putting way too much thought, time and effort into this. Just drop the price bro, $1000 isn't enough.
    Also fix the rubbish description, it's not a brand new Porsche, it's a 2nd hand Camry.

  • Tobias on 12/06/2024 - 20:51
    +1

    To get my attention the advert must be genuine and feel as if it's been written by a person. Your listing started off well and personal but went downhill with the 'exceptional functionality' & 'family will love' sections. I see sections like that in so many listings and they make it feel like a potential scammer listing. It's a real turn off.

  • slize9227 on 12/06/2024 - 21:55

    Hi all,

    Thank you for the tips, I have listened to your advice and included dot points instead of using the pre-filled blurb, here is the updated description, it looks much neater and compact I reckon:

    2020 HYBRID TOYOTA CAMRY.

    With only 10,308 km on the clock, this automatic sedan is in great condition and drives really well for its age. This car only had one previous owner from new and has always been looked after well.

    It comes with a logbook which shows that all the services were done on time (full service history).
    Comes with two key fobs and roadworthy certificate to give you peace of mind that the roadworthy check has already been completed.

    • Odometer: 10,308 km
    • Comes with RWC
    • Balance of Toyota's 5-year new car unlimited kilometer warranty that covers any part, panel and accessory made by Toyota
    • 7 airbags including side airbags and knee airbags for driver
    • ANCAP safety rating: 5 (highest)
    • Great Fuel economy: 4.2L per 100km
    • Keyless start
    • Hands-free phone calls with Bluetooth audio system (6 speaker Bluetooth stereo) with CD-Player and digital radio (DAB+)
    • Voice recognition and smart device App/Display control
    • Parking assist display/rear vision camera (see photos)
    • Brake assist, regenerative braking
    • Electronic parking brake
    • USB charging, USB audio input
    • Selectable driving mode
    • Remote central locking
    • Power door mirrors
    • Adaptive Cruise Control
    • Alert/warning- collision forward
    • Dual zone climate control air conditioning
    • Front and rear cup holders
    • Spacious storage compartment in centre console.
    • Multi-function steering wheel (see photos)
    • Full size spare wheel
    • 2.5L 4 cylinder petrol motor, backed by an electric motor
    • Smooth CVT automatic transmission
    • LED headlights

    Please contact me if you have any questions.

    • Euphemistic on 16/06/2024 - 12:39
      +1

      TBH half that stuff isnt necesary. Anything that is on most cars doesnt need mentioning. Things like remote locking or power mirrors and cup holders are just adding unnecessary text.

      2.5l backed by electric and smooth car automatic also not really important to mention. You could get away with hybrid, automatic and mention the fuel economy. Anyone buying a camry will likely not care about the size of the motor or transmission type.

  • MS Paint on 16/06/2024 - 12:23
    +2

    Another price drop. Good idea OP. A couple more and you will sell no problems.

  • Nucleus Acumbens on 25/06/2024 - 14:28
    +1

    I'd be cautious about mentioning the first owner DOJ sounds like a carpool car anyone can drive any way they like to.

    2) it's a bloody long ad. Are they normally that long? Prospective buyers eyes glaze over before they read it.

    Maybe a bit more point form and less Gettysburg Address?

    3, you repeat a lot

    1. Did you mention what colour car it is?
    • Euphemistic on 25/06/2024 - 15:43
      +1

      Mentioning colour isnt important when there are photos.

  • Nucleus Acumbens on 25/06/2024 - 15:22
    +1

    I wanna know what colour it is!

    Wouldn't most people buying a second hand car off dodgynevermetyoumate take the car for some sort of safety check?

    They'll factor that into price.

  • MS Paint on 01/07/2024 - 17:47
    +1

    CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SALE

    🎉🎉☝️☝️💥💥🥳🥳

    Understand if you don't want to share but what was the final price with the buyer?

    • slize9227 on 14/07/2024 - 13:31
      +1

      Hey, haven't sold the car yet. Carsales was a bad idea…none of the messages from any people interested were forwarded to my email and I only found that out 2 weeks later, so no one was interested anymore. I contacted carsales and told them about the bad experience. They refunded the $400 for the ad and then took the ad off. Ridiculous, $400 for an ad to sell a car and then people cannot even contact you. So I am just having the car advertised on marketplace and gumtree now. at $32,900.

      • MS Paint on 14/07/2024 - 13:56
        +1

        That's unfortunate. Good luck with the sale.

      • BargainBenno on 24/07/2024 - 10:57

        The good thing about marketplace is you can get an idea of what the market will offer for your vehicle easily. also you can afford to sell the car for a but less as no advertising fees.

  • dkwon10 on 24/07/2024 - 14:08

    With that money I could have bought a brand new i30 sedan hybrid… Newer tech with long warranty and similar size

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