Private sale advice requested
Discussion
G'day,
Just after a bit of advice re: a private sale for my V8V. Never sold anything nice privately so have a few questions.
1. Car in question needs some little bits and pieces doing cosmetically (nothing expensive) and the TPMS sensors could probably do with replacing (quoted £700 for all replaced and fitted inc. VAT) alongside a new battery, also with the recoding for powerfold mirrors etc when it once went flat. It's not due a service until September. Is it going to be more cost effective with respect to residuals/ease of sale etc to do all of these bits as well as the the service? Leave the service? Use it as a negotiating tool? Disconnect the TPMS (£700 and it is quite annoying...) to save a bit? Thoughts? Car in question is a 2008 4.3 Coupe (09MY).
2. There is a bit of finance outstanding on the car. I assume that if I am upfront about this to a potential buyer along the lines of "If you do a HPI, it will show finance outstanding, I have a settlement figure in front of me, if we do agree a price, if you pay that to them, they confirm they have received it and then pay me the balance and we are all good", then that is all legal and above board and won't deter too many potential buyers?
3. Test drives. Yes/no? General thoughts?
4. Any none intuitive signs of a time-waster? Any good scams doing the rounds to be aware of at the moment?
Any advice for any of the above or anything related to selling an Aston privately much appreciated.
Cheers.
Just after a bit of advice re: a private sale for my V8V. Never sold anything nice privately so have a few questions.
1. Car in question needs some little bits and pieces doing cosmetically (nothing expensive) and the TPMS sensors could probably do with replacing (quoted £700 for all replaced and fitted inc. VAT) alongside a new battery, also with the recoding for powerfold mirrors etc when it once went flat. It's not due a service until September. Is it going to be more cost effective with respect to residuals/ease of sale etc to do all of these bits as well as the the service? Leave the service? Use it as a negotiating tool? Disconnect the TPMS (£700 and it is quite annoying...) to save a bit? Thoughts? Car in question is a 2008 4.3 Coupe (09MY).
2. There is a bit of finance outstanding on the car. I assume that if I am upfront about this to a potential buyer along the lines of "If you do a HPI, it will show finance outstanding, I have a settlement figure in front of me, if we do agree a price, if you pay that to them, they confirm they have received it and then pay me the balance and we are all good", then that is all legal and above board and won't deter too many potential buyers?
3. Test drives. Yes/no? General thoughts?
4. Any none intuitive signs of a time-waster? Any good scams doing the rounds to be aware of at the moment?
Any advice for any of the above or anything related to selling an Aston privately much appreciated.
Cheers.
My opinion but a high end marque like Aston I would expect to buy a car "looked after". Not saying you dont but we are not talking a Mondeo with a dodgy indicator. Small things cost money on cars like Astons and its a good sign if those things are taken care of throughout. It may not be a bargaining chip for either parties if you are putting off people in the first place. I would get those items done before selling. But thats my opinion. I sold my 911 with newish tyres, new brakes all round and just had a major Porsche service just so it gives the buyer less negotiating power but more money to me. Even though I still had comical offers including offering part money and a 2008 VW Polo!! Bizzare!
As for test drives, yes but go along of course.
As for test drives, yes but go along of course.
Hi.
Thanks for the reply. Completely agree re. Looking after it. Cosmetically and mechanically it will be absolutely immaculate. I probably should have been a bit clearer as I was more just after a bit of advice re. Going to the expense of replacing the TPMS sensors at £700 (considering the system is known to be a nuisance and some people disconnect it out of choice, getting rid of all wanting lights etc)) and getting a service (which isn't due for 4 months). Basically, all in this is the best part of £2k in expenditure and is it worthwhile in the sense of "will I see a return on my "investment" is kind of where I was coming from.
Cheers.
Thanks for the reply. Completely agree re. Looking after it. Cosmetically and mechanically it will be absolutely immaculate. I probably should have been a bit clearer as I was more just after a bit of advice re. Going to the expense of replacing the TPMS sensors at £700 (considering the system is known to be a nuisance and some people disconnect it out of choice, getting rid of all wanting lights etc)) and getting a service (which isn't due for 4 months). Basically, all in this is the best part of £2k in expenditure and is it worthwhile in the sense of "will I see a return on my "investment" is kind of where I was coming from.
Cheers.
I'd get things fixed. You say it's a few hundred quid but things aren't fixed until they're fixed ie you say power fold mirrors just need coding but what if it turns out to be the wiring loom etc. at least that's what I'd be thinking.
The service I'd not worry about as it's not due.
You're obviously going to price it with a view to negotiating but a buyer might want peace of mind so work out some warranty options (eg the official aston martin route) and have that price handy. If I was serious and I came to you and you had the numbers it would help (ie '..one like this at a main dealer is 5k more but you can get the aston warranty added inc a full inspection for 2k.. or an aftermarket one costs... ). Of course if they go that route anything that shows up would need correcting so you're best off working out how you'd deal with the cost of that.
Finance, if you're up front I think is detail in the transaction.
Other option is to use a dealer to sell it for you on commission.
The service I'd not worry about as it's not due.
You're obviously going to price it with a view to negotiating but a buyer might want peace of mind so work out some warranty options (eg the official aston martin route) and have that price handy. If I was serious and I came to you and you had the numbers it would help (ie '..one like this at a main dealer is 5k more but you can get the aston warranty added inc a full inspection for 2k.. or an aftermarket one costs... ). Of course if they go that route anything that shows up would need correcting so you're best off working out how you'd deal with the cost of that.
Finance, if you're up front I think is detail in the transaction.
Other option is to use a dealer to sell it for you on commission.
tonyhall38 said:
up the price....sell as sold as seen with full service history....be honest about the tpms...and offer a discount to allow for it....simples....
Nothing like different opinions 
No right way I guess. Tyre thing isn't worth 700, folding mirrors probably worth the 50 at an Indy. Service not due so don't.
If you are serious about selling your car it will need to be spot on. To any aspirational buyer your price needs to be highly competitive against a main dealer or specialist. You will find that buyers will want the re assurance that only a pro seller can offer . If your car has a list of problems you will not attract a percentage of buyers straight away. Those that do express an interest will expect a substantial reduction in price to rectify the problems. Selling a car with reported problems would indicate to the trade that you need to dispose of it so expect calls from traders who will want to hit you hard on the price. They will then make a handsome profit after putting the car in a highly saleable state.
I am sorry if I sound a little blunt but my advice to you is to get the car absolutely spot on, even get it detailed. Thereby you will not limit your market and achieve a much better price. It will be worth the investment. Good Luck!
I am sorry if I sound a little blunt but my advice to you is to get the car absolutely spot on, even get it detailed. Thereby you will not limit your market and achieve a much better price. It will be worth the investment. Good Luck!
robgt said:
I am sorry if I sound a little blunt but my advice to you is to get the car absolutely spot on, even get it detailed. Thereby you will not limit your market and achieve a much better price.
Agreed. If you look at threads on here from people considering buying private (especially first time buyers), they're already nervous enough about not buying from a main dealer, without the car also having 'risk issues'. I'd get everything sorted out.I was going to post a whole load of points but robgt has basically just summed it up. Get the work done. You won't necessarily see a return on your 'investment' (it's not an investment, BTW!) but you will increase your potential market significantly.
The TPMS don't have to cost you £700 either. They can be sourced from here for £66 each: http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/tpms/huf_beru_tpm...
Be as up front with the description as possible and show any blemishes in the photos. Have plenty of photos, particularly of the interior. It is better to know about any issues before a viewing rather than discovering them during a viewing.
Yes to test drives. Just make sure that the potential purchaser has got printed proof of fully comp insurance for the drive. (There are insurance companies who are willing to insure people for the day if they aren't already covered under another policy). Be up front about this and tell people that you are only willing to let them drive with insurance. Otherwise, state that you will be quite happy to take them for a spin.
Finally, it is always worthwhile to know the answers to any potential questions before they are asked. Particularly about a warranty. It would be worth finding out how much it would cost to get an AM warranty put on the car. As part of the negotiation, it might be worth offering to go halves on the initial 140 point inspection. (Or if the car is going to an AM Service Centre for some work, get it done at the same time. £250 spent at that time gives a potential purchaser one less thing to drive you down on price).
The TPMS don't have to cost you £700 either. They can be sourced from here for £66 each: http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/tpms/huf_beru_tpm...
Be as up front with the description as possible and show any blemishes in the photos. Have plenty of photos, particularly of the interior. It is better to know about any issues before a viewing rather than discovering them during a viewing.
Yes to test drives. Just make sure that the potential purchaser has got printed proof of fully comp insurance for the drive. (There are insurance companies who are willing to insure people for the day if they aren't already covered under another policy). Be up front about this and tell people that you are only willing to let them drive with insurance. Otherwise, state that you will be quite happy to take them for a spin.
Finally, it is always worthwhile to know the answers to any potential questions before they are asked. Particularly about a warranty. It would be worth finding out how much it would cost to get an AM warranty put on the car. As part of the negotiation, it might be worth offering to go halves on the initial 140 point inspection. (Or if the car is going to an AM Service Centre for some work, get it done at the same time. £250 spent at that time gives a potential purchaser one less thing to drive you down on price).
Recent
SHED'S GUIDE TO SELLING YOUR CAR
Could be of interest!
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyI...
SHED'S GUIDE TO SELLING YOUR CAR
Could be of interest!
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyI...
To attract the right buyer, and get a fair price, the car needs to be spot on..... Everything working, and nothing worn to the limit....
By following my own advice, I sold my car to the first chap to come along and view it....... He'd been to dealers, and viewed cars that weren't presented anywhere near as well as mine, so he walked......
Yes... The odd stone chip, or light scuff on an alloy can be explained away on a 5 or 6 year old car, but there's no excuse for warning lights on the dash, mirrors or windows not doing what they're supposed to, or worn out tyres and brake pads...
There are to many really nice cars to choose from... So one needs to make your own car stand out from the crowd... Price it right, do a really good advert, and it will sell...
By following my own advice, I sold my car to the first chap to come along and view it....... He'd been to dealers, and viewed cars that weren't presented anywhere near as well as mine, so he walked......
Yes... The odd stone chip, or light scuff on an alloy can be explained away on a 5 or 6 year old car, but there's no excuse for warning lights on the dash, mirrors or windows not doing what they're supposed to, or worn out tyres and brake pads...
There are to many really nice cars to choose from... So one needs to make your own car stand out from the crowd... Price it right, do a really good advert, and it will sell...
Get a trade bid on the car as is (as a base point, so you have some facts to work with)
The cost for you to bring the car up to scratch will include profit for the garage doing the work, if a dealer buys your car and does the work, it will cost him much less than it will cost you. Therefore he may be able to offer you more than your minimum price less cost to address issues. Additionally you have no ideas what else will get thrown up at service time (you know those lovely expensive advisories dealers love to stick on the the receipt for the next buyer to see you never had done).
The type of person that buys a 6 year old Aston private with known issues is going to be a very savvy buyer, you are unlikely to get top money for it.
The reality is most private buyers search cars on price (low to high), I would say don't do any of the work, declare it on the add, list you car as the lowest price and it will sell.
Don't risk putting another £2k into it (or close to that). if you want to sell it as "top notch", it will need great paint, great interior, warranty, tyres, low owners, low miles, etc and you will then be into close to dealer pirices and the phone will not ring
PS you are spot on how the finance settlement works, bought three cars with finance owing, sellers rings finance co, hands phone to me, debit card payment made, email sent to say all settled (fax in the old days), net paid over to the seller.
The cost for you to bring the car up to scratch will include profit for the garage doing the work, if a dealer buys your car and does the work, it will cost him much less than it will cost you. Therefore he may be able to offer you more than your minimum price less cost to address issues. Additionally you have no ideas what else will get thrown up at service time (you know those lovely expensive advisories dealers love to stick on the the receipt for the next buyer to see you never had done).
The type of person that buys a 6 year old Aston private with known issues is going to be a very savvy buyer, you are unlikely to get top money for it.
The reality is most private buyers search cars on price (low to high), I would say don't do any of the work, declare it on the add, list you car as the lowest price and it will sell.
Don't risk putting another £2k into it (or close to that). if you want to sell it as "top notch", it will need great paint, great interior, warranty, tyres, low owners, low miles, etc and you will then be into close to dealer pirices and the phone will not ring
PS you are spot on how the finance settlement works, bought three cars with finance owing, sellers rings finance co, hands phone to me, debit card payment made, email sent to say all settled (fax in the old days), net paid over to the seller.
Sump said:
ADF123 said:
if you pay that to them, they confirm they have received it and then pay me the balance and we are all good",
I'd walk away at this.You settle your finances and then I will consider the purchase.
.... I settled the finance, and paid the owner the difference..... I was savvy enough to ask the finance Co what would happen if I settled HIS finance, and then he decided not to sell??..... I was told that I'd recieve the settlement figure back from them..... I asked for that in writing, and they obliged..
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