Has it now become a nightmare to sell a private car...?
Discussion
Had my car for sale for 5 weeks now and what an unpleasant experience it has been... Seemingly dealing with societies imbeciles on a regular basis it has made me think if it's worth it at all.
I advertised my car in the usual places, priced slightly cheaper than the average for year/mileage etc and have lowered it substantially throughout the period so that it now sits at a price where the bottom of the market is (although the car clearly stands head and shoulders above most of the cars around it regarding mileage/full main dealer history etc).
The enquiries I have had: 1 viewing (at full price) - test drive but chap then told me he only had 1/3 of what I was asking!
Various part ex deals for cat d cars and basically any car but the ones I stated I would do a deal with.
2 Reasonable chaps who were interested but hadn't sold their cars yet.
1 chap who wanted me to drive the car 250 miles to his home for a viewing at a date and time chosen by him sometime in the coming 4 weeks.
1 bloke who wanted another £500 quid off the bottom price and to pay me weekly for the car!!!
Numerous (about 8-10)phone bidders with a rudimentary grasp of the english language that had no interest in viewing car and started of every conversation with "whats your absolute bottom price" in the hope that I would (A) reply 'Glad you called, I'm sick of looking at the car please come and take it off my hands, I will even tax and insure it for you' or (B) 'Thank god you rang, I've just become hopelessly addicted to smoking crack so your offer of a couple of grand should see the week out for me'
No one it seems, views cars anymore, places any value on service history, places any value on mileage, condition or maintenance or infact wants to know anything about them. The only factor is how cheap something is!!!
I only want to sell the car as the mrs won't drive it but it seems if I want to part with the car its got to be literally given away...
p.s forgot to mention the 2 chaps who wanted to buy it for near asking price and would come with deposit next day then never contacted me again...
I advertised my car in the usual places, priced slightly cheaper than the average for year/mileage etc and have lowered it substantially throughout the period so that it now sits at a price where the bottom of the market is (although the car clearly stands head and shoulders above most of the cars around it regarding mileage/full main dealer history etc).
The enquiries I have had: 1 viewing (at full price) - test drive but chap then told me he only had 1/3 of what I was asking!
Various part ex deals for cat d cars and basically any car but the ones I stated I would do a deal with.
2 Reasonable chaps who were interested but hadn't sold their cars yet.
1 chap who wanted me to drive the car 250 miles to his home for a viewing at a date and time chosen by him sometime in the coming 4 weeks.
1 bloke who wanted another £500 quid off the bottom price and to pay me weekly for the car!!!
Numerous (about 8-10)phone bidders with a rudimentary grasp of the english language that had no interest in viewing car and started of every conversation with "whats your absolute bottom price" in the hope that I would (A) reply 'Glad you called, I'm sick of looking at the car please come and take it off my hands, I will even tax and insure it for you' or (B) 'Thank god you rang, I've just become hopelessly addicted to smoking crack so your offer of a couple of grand should see the week out for me'
No one it seems, views cars anymore, places any value on service history, places any value on mileage, condition or maintenance or infact wants to know anything about them. The only factor is how cheap something is!!!
I only want to sell the car as the mrs won't drive it but it seems if I want to part with the car its got to be literally given away...
p.s forgot to mention the 2 chaps who wanted to buy it for near asking price and would come with deposit next day then never contacted me again...
I found that eBay brings out the idiot wanting you to do a straight swap for a car worth a quarter of the price of your own but Auto Trader was fine for me. Having said that, my price was close to the dealer prices as I knew it was in better condition than most. I think that being at the 'bottom of the market' will just encourage people who either can't afford your car or they will assume you are desperate to sell.
I had 2 actual viewings of my car. One from a wide boy trader who wanted to push some of his crap stock to me and left with nothing. The other from a guy who clearly knew what he was looking at and spent 2 hours looking over the car, asking questions, test drive etc, paid £250 less than asking price and took it there and then.
I had 2 actual viewings of my car. One from a wide boy trader who wanted to push some of his crap stock to me and left with nothing. The other from a guy who clearly knew what he was looking at and spent 2 hours looking over the car, asking questions, test drive etc, paid £250 less than asking price and took it there and then.
Got similar at the min with my dads hyundai i30, Its an immaculate one owner car with only 8700 miles and is already up for a very good price on ebay as he only wants to make a few quid more than he has been offered part ex for it.
One offer came in £1600 less than its up for, when i declined it and said they were at least a grand off what was acceptable they upped their offer by a quid!
Got another buyer who has put an offer in which is about £250 short, I put in a counter offer which he declined, it would still have been a very cheap car for him! after bidding he has now started asking me daily questions about the car ranging from fuel economy, has it ever carried a dog, to how he would get from the station to my dads house when he buys the car, but still a week later no second bid has came. Its all very odd.Why aske the questions after bidding? he would have been screwed if i had accepted his first offer.
Oh and despite the advert saying no canvassers about 5 or 6 have rang, one more than once despite being told to feck off the first time!
One offer came in £1600 less than its up for, when i declined it and said they were at least a grand off what was acceptable they upped their offer by a quid!
Got another buyer who has put an offer in which is about £250 short, I put in a counter offer which he declined, it would still have been a very cheap car for him! after bidding he has now started asking me daily questions about the car ranging from fuel economy, has it ever carried a dog, to how he would get from the station to my dads house when he buys the car, but still a week later no second bid has came. Its all very odd.Why aske the questions after bidding? he would have been screwed if i had accepted his first offer.
Oh and despite the advert saying no canvassers about 5 or 6 have rang, one more than once despite being told to feck off the first time!
Brutal Honesty works for me on Ebay.
I sold a fully loaded CLS on there a few months back, I stated:
I sold a fully loaded CLS on there a few months back, I stated:
- I had been offered X amount from WBAC.
- It was going to make way for my new car that was being delivered on X date, so no PX or swaps
- I would happily end early for 20% above WBAC offer and warned sniper bidder of this
- Brutally honest in the description but added detailed pictures & a strong request to view before bidding.
- I refused to end the auction unless £500 was paid in to my account.
- The newer or lower mileage cars available were not of the same spec, I then went on to show the full spec list, including prices of the options which put the new price at £60k! AMG styling and wheel package was something like £5k if i remember rightly.
I'm selling mine just now. Best priced model based on miles and condition within a 40 mile radius. Had it on PH and no interest.
Put it on Ebay as classified/best offer.......my the vultures are circling... plenty watchers (even though its not an auction), 3 cheeky offers, max 60% of asking price and less than I would get as a trade in.... Had a couple come to see it too, one girl thought it was too big for her (its a 206...) and another offered 70% of asking price.... but was more interested in an older, lower spec, higher priced car at a stealers
Looks like the bullet will need to be bitten and car put on AT next week...
Put it on Ebay as classified/best offer.......my the vultures are circling... plenty watchers (even though its not an auction), 3 cheeky offers, max 60% of asking price and less than I would get as a trade in.... Had a couple come to see it too, one girl thought it was too big for her (its a 206...) and another offered 70% of asking price.... but was more interested in an older, lower spec, higher priced car at a stealers
Looks like the bullet will need to be bitten and car put on AT next week...
MondeoMan1981 said:
I'm selling mine just now. Best priced model based on miles and condition within a 40 mile radius. Had it on PH and no interest.
Put it on Ebay as classified/best offer.......my the vultures are circling... plenty watchers (even though its not an auction), 3 cheeky offers, max 60% of asking price and less than I would get as a trade in.... Had a couple come to see it too, one girl thought it was too big for her (its a 206...) and another offered 70% of asking price.... but was more interested in an older, lower spec, higher priced car at a stealers
Looks like the bullet will need to be bitten and car put on AT next week...
AT got me zero leads at all, was a waste of money.Put it on Ebay as classified/best offer.......my the vultures are circling... plenty watchers (even though its not an auction), 3 cheeky offers, max 60% of asking price and less than I would get as a trade in.... Had a couple come to see it too, one girl thought it was too big for her (its a 206...) and another offered 70% of asking price.... but was more interested in an older, lower spec, higher priced car at a stealers
Looks like the bullet will need to be bitten and car put on AT next week...
The biggest laugh was someone who clarified the mileage then said they werent interested as the mileage was too high and they wanted something low mileage. (its a 19 month old car and has 8700 miles on it lol)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2602516.htm
Fao the moose!
It was previously on as a premium ad and had a lot more pics..
Fao the moose!
It was previously on as a premium ad and had a lot more pics..
Tuvra said:
Brutal Honesty works for me on Ebay.
I sold a fully loaded CLS on there a few months back, I stated:
This is the way to do it ^^. It scares away those timewasters wanting something for nothing and shows the seller isn't stupid.I sold a fully loaded CLS on there a few months back, I stated:
- I had been offered X amount from WBAC.
- It was going to make way for my new car that was being delivered on X date, so no PX or swaps
- I would happily end early for 20% above WBAC offer and warned sniper bidder of this
- Brutally honest in the description but added detailed pictures & a strong request to view before bidding.
- I refused to end the auction unless £500 was paid in to my account.
- The newer or lower mileage cars available were not of the same spec, I then went on to show the full spec list, including prices of the options which put the new price at £60k! AMG styling and wheel package was something like £5k if i remember rightly.
My experience was completely the opposite when selling the RX8 at the end of last year. Within 10 hours of it being on AT two wide boys were driving it away for £100 less than I was asking (it's worth about 10% of that now 
).
Likewise though they didn't give a toss about the mazda service history or my meticulous topping up of oil, they just wanted to "get some bling alloys on it init bruv". Probably wrecked by now
).Likewise though they didn't give a toss about the mazda service history or my meticulous topping up of oil, they just wanted to "get some bling alloys on it init bruv". Probably wrecked by now
The girlfiend recently sold her 125cc learner bike, advertised at £350 which is about as cheap as you can get and she still had dozens of timewasters. Amazing how many people from several hundred miles away rang up and asked where we were, despite it saying in the advert! Then there's the idiots who offered £100 less and wanted us to deliver to Kent, and the bloke who kept e-mailing virtually every day asking for more photos and details!
I'm liking Tuvra's approach of stating the price offered as tradein, though she included most of the rest of his suggestions in her advert and still got numerious idiots.
I'm liking Tuvra's approach of stating the price offered as tradein, though she included most of the rest of his suggestions in her advert and still got numerious idiots.
I think it's just the type of car. Lots of people won't be after these now with the price of fuel. I wouldn't reduce it any further because this one has sold for just a bit less.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2564222.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2564222.htm
Advert looks fine to me very unusual to find one of these with such low mileage at that age. Lack of sale maybe due to fuel costs and general lack of money for nice toys like this.
More photos would be good including drivers seat, engine, boot, pile of history and keys, close up off front of the car, dash with service indicator etc.
Auto trader and pistonheads are the places to try eBay might help you find a buyer from Europe it's cheap enough to go to Germany or even Bulgaria etc but most of the enquiries will be from morons'from the UK.
Don't give up hope.
More photos would be good including drivers seat, engine, boot, pile of history and keys, close up off front of the car, dash with service indicator etc.
Auto trader and pistonheads are the places to try eBay might help you find a buyer from Europe it's cheap enough to go to Germany or even Bulgaria etc but most of the enquiries will be from morons'from the UK.
Don't give up hope.
1974nc said:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2602516.htm
Fao the moose!
It was previously on as a premium ad and had a lot more pics..
Looks like a great M5 but guess the market for them just now is quite small and lots of people will want the pdc, satnav, facelift car with angel eyes etc. which is probably around the same money even if not quite the same condition as yours. Fao the moose!
It was previously on as a premium ad and had a lot more pics..
Would be nice to have details of the interior in your add, cars with wood are probably harder to sell than dark leather and metal trim.
1974nc said:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2602516.htm
Fao the moose!
It was previously on as a premium ad and had a lot more pics..
I personally think that is extremely good value for money, Im suprised no one has bitten your hand off at that price!Fao the moose!
It was previously on as a premium ad and had a lot more pics..
Ive tended to use ebay to sell cars, usually due to the amount of exposure you get. I set a 7 day auction with a starting price of whatever my lowest price is and no reserve. I guess then everything thats bid above the starting price is kind of like a bonus... at least thats how I see it!
Good luck all the same.
1974nc said:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2602516.htm
Fao the moose!
It was previously on as a premium ad and had a lot more pics..
WIL U SWP 4 A CORRSA - QICKER THAN A PORSSHE AND £££ MY WAY Fao the moose!
It was previously on as a premium ad and had a lot more pics..
Colour may be putting some off as foolishly I bought on condition instead
Started it at £8K and gradually reduced it as it just sits there looking forlorn until I take it out for spin every weekend to keep it running.
Had it in trader for 3 weeks with photos of engine/interior etc so apart from biding my time theres not much more to do.
Ironically PH classifieds had a salvage one that sold for £5995 according to ad!
edit: did ebay as well got 20 watchers and no bids (starting bid of £6700 iirc)
Started it at £8K and gradually reduced it as it just sits there looking forlorn until I take it out for spin every weekend to keep it running.
Had it in trader for 3 weeks with photos of engine/interior etc so apart from biding my time theres not much more to do.
Ironically PH classifieds had a salvage one that sold for £5995 according to ad!
edit: did ebay as well got 20 watchers and no bids (starting bid of £6700 iirc)
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 27th April 09:38
Tbh, selling a car privately has always been a nightmare.....(usually)
What you have to do is sort the wheat from the chaff.
Firstly, do your bit by making the car as attractive as possible.
Then:-
Set a fair and realistic price, (not £100 less than dealers with warranty back up and finance facilites are asking.)
Never EVER stay in especially for viewers, they come to see the car when it's convenient to you, so if they don't show you haven't lost anything and wated any valuable time.
Take THEM for a reasonable test ride on various roads, show them under the bonnet, boot etc, service history if applicable....answer any questions honestly, if the car has had a minor prang don't mention it unless THEY ask. If THEY insist on driving the car make sure they have some valid insurance and if in doubt don't let them. Play it by ear really.
Insist on cash, or if a bankers draft/cheque ensure 100% funds are DEFINITELY in your account before releasing car.
Get a decent deposit, at least £100, and MAKE IT CLEAR it is non returnable if they change their mind for any reason, AND the price agreed is firm.
Always allow a little bit of leeway for a haggle, people like to think they have got one over on you, even if it's only £100. Obviously try to get full asking price if you can.
Be patient, many sellers expect to get a sale within days....dealers don't, why should private sellers?
Be polite but firm, if they start messing you around just f
k them off, you are not going to get a sale anyway, and it will give you great satisfaction when you send them away with a flea in their ear...
Finally, good luck.
What you have to do is sort the wheat from the chaff.
Firstly, do your bit by making the car as attractive as possible.
Then:-
Set a fair and realistic price, (not £100 less than dealers with warranty back up and finance facilites are asking.)
Never EVER stay in especially for viewers, they come to see the car when it's convenient to you, so if they don't show you haven't lost anything and wated any valuable time.
Take THEM for a reasonable test ride on various roads, show them under the bonnet, boot etc, service history if applicable....answer any questions honestly, if the car has had a minor prang don't mention it unless THEY ask. If THEY insist on driving the car make sure they have some valid insurance and if in doubt don't let them. Play it by ear really.
Insist on cash, or if a bankers draft/cheque ensure 100% funds are DEFINITELY in your account before releasing car.
Get a decent deposit, at least £100, and MAKE IT CLEAR it is non returnable if they change their mind for any reason, AND the price agreed is firm.
Always allow a little bit of leeway for a haggle, people like to think they have got one over on you, even if it's only £100. Obviously try to get full asking price if you can.
Be patient, many sellers expect to get a sale within days....dealers don't, why should private sellers?
Be polite but firm, if they start messing you around just f
k them off, you are not going to get a sale anyway, and it will give you great satisfaction when you send them away with a flea in their ear...Finally, good luck.
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