How to sell my Abarth for the best price

There are cars, and then there are cars. Some are appliances, designed to get you from A to B with minimum fuss. And some are designed to make that journey an event. They pop, they crackle, they fizz with personality and put a massive grin on your face every single time you turn the key. An Abarth is firmly, loudly, and proudly in that second category.

It’s a pocket rocket with the heart of an Italian supercar and the soul of a rally champion. Selling one isn't like selling a Corolla; it's about finding a new home for a member of the family with a very loud voice.

Now, it might seem a bit odd to be getting advice on selling a high-passion enthusiast car from the team at Car Removal Perth. Day in and day out, our job is to provide cash for cars that have reached the end of their road. But trust us, after 15 years in this business, we get a genuine thrill when we see a car that was truly loved, meticulously maintained, and full of character. And Abarths are almost always loved.

We know what a neglected car looks like, which is precisely why we know what a cherished one is worth. We’re here to share our ground-level experience to help you translate your passion into a top-dollar sale.

Part 1: Preparation: Honing the Scorpion's Sting

Before you list your car, you need to prepare it to win the heart of another enthusiast. They will be looking closely.

1.1 The Enthusiast's Logbook & Modification File

For an Abarth, paperwork isn’t just history; it’s a story of passion and care.

• The Service History: A complete, stamped logbook is your first line of defence. Bonus points if the servicing has been done by a known Fiat/Abarth specialist in Perth.

• The Cambelt Service: This is the big one. The timing belt and water pump service is the most significant maintenance item on these cars. Having a receipt to prove this has been done at the correct interval is arguably the most important piece of paper you can have. A buyer will either pay your asking price because it's done, or they will knock $1,500+ off the price because they have to do it.

• The Modification Bible: This is your secret weapon. Get a display folder and put every single receipt for every single modification inside. This isn't just about showing what you spent; it's about proving you used quality, reputable parts.

1.2 Modifications: Your Biggest Asset, Not a Liability

On a normal car, modifications can hurt resale value. On an Abarth, tasteful and well-chosen mods are what buyers are actively looking for.

• Document Everything: Make a detailed list. Categorise them:

  • Performance: Record Monza or Akrapovič exhaust, ECU remap from a specialist tuner, upgraded intercooler, performance intake.

  • Handling: Koni FSD shocks, Eibach or H&R lowering springs, upgraded brake pads, chassis braces.

  • Aesthetics: Quality aftermarket wheels (like OZ Racing), carbon fibre trim, official Abarth decals.

• Explain Your Choices: Be ready to talk about your mods. "The Koni shocks give it a much better ride than stock without being too harsh for Perth roads." This shows you’re a knowledgeable owner.

• The Magic of Original Parts: If you kept the original exhaust, suspension, or airbox, this is a massive plus. Mention it clearly in your ad. It gives the new owner options and shows incredible foresight.

1.3 The Pre-Sale Detail: Enthusiast Focus

A proper detail goes beyond a simple wash.

• Focus Areas: Pay special attention to getting the wheels spotless and free of baked-on brake dust—a common Abarth trait. Polish the exhaust tips until they gleam. Inside, ensure the seat bolsters (especially on the desirable Sabelt seats) are clean and show minimal wear. Clean every button and switch.

Part 2: Pricing: Finding Your Place in the Pack

Pricing an Abarth is about understanding the enthusiast market, not just the general used car market.

• Go Where the Fans Are: Your primary research should be on Abarth-specific Facebook groups in Australia and enthusiast forums. This is where you’ll see what cars like yours, with similar mods, are actually selling for. Supplement this with research on Carsales.

• Filter with Precision: When researching, be specific. A 2018 Abarth 595 is different from a 2018 Abarth 595 Competizione. The trim level (Turismo, Competizione), year, and key options (Sabelt seats, sunroof, Xenon headlights, Beats audio) make a huge difference.

• Price in Your Mods: A stock car and your car are not the same. If you have $5,000 in receipts for quality, desirable modifications, your car should be priced significantly higher than a stock equivalent. Don’t be afraid to ask for what it’s worth. A true enthusiast will understand and appreciate the value. Special editions like the 695 Rivale or 70th Anniversario have their own unique market and should be priced accordingly.

Part 3: Marketing: Speaking the Enthusiast's Language

Your ad needs to be as exciting as the car itself.

3.1 Create a Listing that Pops and Crackles

• The Title is Your Hook: Be specific and exciting.

  • Bad title: "2018 Abarth 595"

  • Good title: "Immaculate 2018 Abarth 595 Competizione - Monza, Konis, Full History!"

• Photography with Personality: Take lots of high-quality photos. Go beyond the standard angles.

  • Get low shots that make the car look aggressive.

  • Take close-ups of the Scorpion badges, the exhaust tips, the boost gauge, the Sabelt seat shells, and any carbon fibre details.

  • Find a cool location. The street art in Fremantle or a scenic, twisty road in the Perth Hills makes for a much better backdrop than your driveway.

• The Description: Tell the Story: Write with passion. This is your chance to connect with the buyer.

  • Start with why you bought it and what you’ve loved about it.

  • List every single modification, including the brand name.

  • Be honest. If it has a stone chip, mention it. If the ride is firm, say so. Enthusiasts value transparency over a polished corporate sales pitch.

• The Sound is Everything: An Abarth’s exhaust note is one of its biggest selling points. Film a short (30-60 second) high-quality video of a cold start and a few gentle revs. Upload it to YouTube and put the link in your ad. This is incredibly effective.

3.2 Where to List

Post your ad everywhere. Start with the Abarth Owners Club Australia Facebook group and other relevant pages. Then, list it on Carsales and Facebook Marketplace for maximum exposure.

Part 4: The Sale: Connecting with a Fellow Fan

This is the fun part. You’re not dealing with the average car buyer.

• Handling Inquiries: Be prepared for detailed questions. "What oil have you been using?" "Have you had any issues with the turbo?" "How does the remap feel?" Your knowledgeable and passionate answers will build trust instantly.

• The Test Drive: The Closing Argument: The moment a true potential buyer hears the exhaust, feels the pull of the turbo, and takes a corner, the car will sell itself. Your job is just to be there to share in their excitement.

• Negotiation: An enthusiast who can see the car has been loved and has the receipts to prove it is far less likely to low-ball you. Use your folder of modifications to justify your price. "The price is firm, but it includes over $5,000 of carefully chosen upgrades, as you can see from the receipts."

• Payment and Paperwork: When you agree on a price, insist on a secure, instant payment method like a direct bank transfer or Osko/PayID. Once you have confirmed the funds are cleared in your account, you can sign the WA Department of Transport vehicle transfer forms.

For the Car That's Run Out of Sting...

Selling an Abarth is a rewarding process because you’re passing on a source of joy to someone who will appreciate it. It’s a car you maintain, cherish, and pour passion into.

But what about the car that it replaced? The old daily runabout sitting in the garage? The project that never got finished, or the first car that has simply served its purpose?

That’s the other side of our passion for cars at Car Removal Perth. For the vehicles that don’t have a passionate next owner lined up, the ones that have run out of pops and crackles, we offer a simple, dignified, and profitable solution. We understand that every car has a value, right up to its final day.

For that car, there are no photoshoots or passionate ads required. The process is simple.

So, after you’ve listed your Abarth for the premium price it deserves, make another easy call. Ring Car Removal Perth on 0412-119-053. We’ll give you an instant cash offer for that other, unwanted car. No hassle, no stress, just one easy transaction. We make it simple.