Selling definitions

Car sellers use a range of terms and abbreviations. We've listed the most common ones to help you write your ad.


4WD (four-wheel drive): engine power can be delivered to all wheels.


5 spd: number of forward gears in the transmission (eg. 5 speeds).


A1, As new, Excell. (excellent), Immac. (immaculate), Mint: Sellers use these terms, and many others, to try to convince buyers that the vehicle being offered is as good as when it was first bought. Beware of such claims, and obtain a more objective opinion.


ABS (anti-lock braking system): a recent safety innovation which prevents wheels skidding in slippery conditions.


A/c (airconditioning): note airconditioning can cause significant power losses on older smaller engines, particularly when combined with an automatic transmission.


Auto (automatic): convenient for driving in traffic, but consumes more engine power and fuel (mostly in older vehicles) than an equivalent manual transmission.


Cond. (condition): general description of the vehicle's mechanical and/or visual state. Sellers rarely understate their vehicle's condition.


DL. (Dealer Licence): these letters, followed by a number, indicate that the vehicle is being offered for sale by a licenced car dealer.


Dr (door): the number of doors on the vehicle (eg. 4 dr)


EFI (electronic fuel-injection): a computer controls the fuel being supplied to the engine, this improves engine smoothness and economy.


Factory air (factory-fitted airconditioning): the airconditioner unit was designed by the vehicle manufacturer, to suit the vehicle.


FI (fuel-injected): more efficient than a carburettor. Unless otherwise stated, may be mechanical (not electronic) and throttle body (not multi-point). See also EFI, MPFI.


FWD (front-wheel drive): the engine drives the front wheels.


H/back (hatchback): compromise between a conventional sedan and station-wagon.


LD (Licenced Dealer): see DL.


Man. (manual): transmission, driver changes gears. Requires more skill to operate than an automatic, but consumes less engine power and is usually more economical.


MPFI (multi-point fuel injection): fuel is supplied individually into each cylinder's inlet port.


Multi-valve: this term commonly means more than two valves per cylinder. Improves gas flow into and out of the cylinders which increases the engine's power output.


O/drive (overdrive): additional gear ratio which allows the engine to turn more slowly. Reduces fuel consumption and engine noise level at highway speeds.


Offers: the seller will accept the highest offer received.


ONO (or nearest offer): if no buyer is willing to pay the asking price, the seller will accept the next highest bid.


Opt. (optional): item fitted at extra cost, either by the vehicle manufacturer or the car dealer.


Pwr/steer (power steering): hydraulic system that reduces the physical effort required to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds (eg. parking). Recommended for larger vehicles and most front-wheel-drive vehicles.


R/rack (roof rack): usually fitted to station wagons.


RWD (rear-wheel drive): the engine drives the rear wheels.


S/sys. (sound system): see Rad./cass.


Std (standard): items fitted on the production line by the vehicle manufacturer.


S/wagon (station wagon): handy for carrying bulky items.


Twin cam (twin camshafts): two camshafts are used to control the engine valves, improving combustion and therefore engine efficiency.


Unreg. (unregistered): the vehicle's registration has lapsed, and it cannot be driven legally on the road until it has been re-registered.