How to sell my RAM for the best price

Let's be honest, driving a RAM truck in Australia isn't just about getting from A to B. It’s a statement. These trucks dominate the road, blending hardcore worksite capability with family-hauling comfort and a level of presence that’s hard to ignore. They are an investment in power, utility, and lifestyle.

So, when the time comes to sell your RAM, you want a return that reflects that investment. You want top dollar.

Now, you’ve landed here, and you might be looking at our name, Car Removal Perth, and scratching your head. "You guys offer cash for junk cars," you might be thinking. "What do you know about selling a premium, high-demand truck like a RAM?"

It’s a great question, and the answer is the secret sauce to getting a great price. For over 15 years, our team has been on the front lines of the Perth car market. Every single day, we assess vehicles and determine their real-world value. We’ve seen what makes a car worth top dollar and what makes it essentially worthless. The lessons we've learned from valuing thousands of vehicles—from old Holden Commodores to tired work vans—are universal.

The principles of preparation, presentation, and process are the same. And today, we’re sharing that insider knowledge to help you, a Perth RAM owner, navigate the market and get the absolute best price for your truck.

Part 1: Preparation: Unlocking Your Truck's True Value

This is where the hard work is done and where you create the foundation for a top-dollar sale. A lazy approach here can cost you thousands.

1.1 Gather Your Documents: The Paper Trail of a Good Owner

A well-cared-for truck has a story, and the documents are the pages of that story.

• The Logbook is Your Bible: A complete, stamped logbook with a full-service history is non-negotiable. It’s the first thing a savvy buyer will ask to see.

• A Folder of Receipts: Did you get new all-terrain tyres? Put the receipt in the folder. Invested in a quality ARB bull bar or a Rhino-Rack roof system? Add the paperwork. Receipts for modifications, big or small, prove you’ve invested in quality and care.

• The Essentials: Make sure you have the owner's manual, original purchase documents, and your current WA registration papers ready to go.

1.2 The Deep Clean: From Workhorse to Show Pony

A RAM truck has likely seen some action, whether it's red dust from a trip up north or sand from a weekend in Lancelin. Getting it truly clean is a game-changer.

• Exterior: Don’t just wash it, detail it. A good cut and polish can bring the paint back to a deep shine. Pay special attention to cleaning the big chrome grille, the emblems, and getting the brake dust off those impressive wheels. Don't forget to apply tyre shine.

• Interior: This is crucial. A worksite truck with a spotless interior screams "well-maintained." Get the carpets steam-cleaned, treat any leather seats, and make sure every surface—from the dashboard to the giant centre console—is spotless. Remove all personal items. Make it look like it just rolled off the showroom floor.

• The Hard Yards: This is what separates the serious sellers. Get under the truck with a pressure washer. A clean undercarriage and chassis show there’s nothing to hide. Open the bonnet and degrease the engine bay. A clean engine suggests a well-cared-for machine. Finally, give the truck bed a thorough scrub-down.

1.3 Mechanical Health Check: Building Confidence

You want to eliminate any reason for a buyer to chip away at your price.

• Tyres are Key: In WA, tyres are a big deal. If they’re nearing the end of their life, a buyer will use that to negotiate thousands off the price. If your tyres are worn, consider replacing them. It can be an investment that pays for itself.

• No Warning Lights: That little engine light on the dash? It’s a big red flag to a buyer. Get any codes scanned and issues fixed before you list the truck.

• The HEMI Tick: Savvy buyers might listen for the infamous "HEMI tick." Ensuring your oil changes are up to date with quality oil can give you peace of mind. For total transparency, a pre-sale inspection from a trusted mechanic can be a powerful tool to justify your asking price.

1.4 Modifications: Your Truck’s Unique Selling Point

Unlike a European sports car, quality modifications can seriously increase your RAM’s value and appeal in the Aussie market.

• List Everything: Create a detailed list of every single modification. A quality lift kit, brand-name tonneau cover, an upgraded exhaust system, a canopy, or a set of premium off-road tyres are all major selling points.

• Quality Sells: A professional job using respected brands (think ARB, TJM, Redarc) adds value. A cheap, DIY job can actually detract from it. Be prepared to talk about why you chose specific mods.

Part 2: Strategic Pricing: Hitting the Bullseye

Pricing your RAM is a balancing act. You need to be ambitious but also grounded in the reality of the current Perth market.

• Become a Market Researcher: Your best friends here are Carsales.com.au, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree. Spend a few hours searching for RAM trucks in Western Australia.

• Filter, Filter, Filter: Don't just look at any RAM. Filter by your exact model year, trim level (Express, Warlock, Laramie, Limited, TRX), engine type, and approximate kilometres. This will give you a realistic picture of your direct competition.

• Key Valuation Factors:

  • Condition & Kilometres: These are the two biggest factors. A low-km, immaculate truck will always fetch top dollar.

  • Trim Level: A top-spec Laramie or Limited with all the creature comforts carries a significant premium over a base model. The off-road-focused Rebel and the almighty TRX are in leagues of their own.

  • Engine: The legendary HEMI V8 is the heart of the brand, but the EcoDiesel also has its fans for its torque and fuel economy. Know your audience.

• Set Your Price: Look at the average price for trucks like yours and price it just slightly above that. This signals you have a quality vehicle and gives you a small amount of "wiggle room" for the inevitable negotiation.

Part 3: Marketing: Reaching the Right Buyer

A great truck with a lazy ad will sit for weeks. You need to create a listing that grabs attention.

• Photos Are Your #1 Sales Tool: Your phone is good, but a real camera is better. Take at least 30 clear, well-lit photos.

  • The Shot List: Get full shots from the front, back, and both sides. Take three-quarter angle shots. Photograph the interior from both the driver and passenger side. Show the back seats, the dashboard, and the infotainment screen (while it's on). Take detailed photos of your wheels, your engine bay, the truck bed, and the undercarriage. Photograph every single modification you want to highlight.

  • Location Matters: Don’t just photograph it in a cramped driveway. Take it to a nice park in the Perth Hills, a clean industrial area, or a spot with a good backdrop that makes your truck look like a hero.

• Write a Killer Description:

  • Start with the key details: Year, Make, Model, Trim, Kilometres, Engine.

  • Tell a story. Be honest about its use. "This has been my pride and joy, used mainly for weekend trips with the family." or "A reliable workhorse that’s never let me down."

  • List every feature and every single modification. Don’t make buyers guess.

  • Be upfront. If there’s a small scratch or a dent, mention it and include a photo. Aussies appreciate a straight shooter, and it builds immense trust.

Part 4: Closing the Deal Safely and Securely

You've found an interested buyer. Now it's time to manage the final steps like a pro.

• Screen the "Tyre-Kickers": You’ll get low-ball offers and silly questions. Be polite but firm. A serious buyer will ask specific questions about the service history or features you’ve listed.

• The Test Drive:

  • Always meet in a safe, public place during daylight hours.

  • Take a photo of their driver's licence before they get in.

  • You go with them. Never let someone take your high-value truck for a drive alone.

• The Haggle: They will likely make an offer below your asking price. If you’ve priced it correctly, you’ll have room for this. Know your absolute lowest price and don’t be afraid to say "no" if the offer isn't fair.

• Secure Payment: This is critical. Do not accept a personal cheque. The safest methods are a direct bank transfer or a PayID/Osko payment. Wait until you see the money fully cleared in your account on your banking app. A "payment pending" notification is not good enough.

• The Paperwork (WA DoT):

  • Once payment is confirmed, you both need to fill out the vehicle transfer form (Form MR9).

  • Give the buyer the buyer's copy.

  • Crucially, go online to the WA Department of Transport website and submit your seller's copy (Notice of Disposal) immediately. This is your legal proof that you no longer own the vehicle and releases you from any future liability.

What About the Other Car?

Going through this process to get top dollar for your RAM is smart and rewarding. But as you look at your gleaming, ready-to-sell truck, you might notice the other car. The old family sedan sitting on the verge, the work ute that’s finally given up, or the project car that’s become a permanent garden feature.

For that vehicle, you don’t need a photographer and a detailed ad. You need a fast, simple, and profitable solution.

That’s where we come in.

That is our core business. Car Removal Perth specialises in turning those unwanted, old, or junk vehicles into instant cash. With over 15 years of experience serving the entire Perth region, we are the experts in hassle-free car removal.

So while you focus on getting a premium price for your premium truck, let us solve your other car problem. Give Car Removal Perth a call today on 0412-119-053. We’ll give you a free quote over the phone and can arrange to have that old car removed, with cash in your hand, sometimes on the very same day