Private car sale during Covid?
Discussion
Hi all
What's the consensus on private car sales at this current state of lockdown?
There doesn't appear to be anything in the guidelines specifically about it but based on other rules I can't really see how its possible.
However obviously they are happening as there are many cars being advertised and sold even up to this point.
I'm thinking that a middle ground of basically allowing a click and collect type arrangement is personally acceptable to me.
What's everyone else's view? I get the impression that many people are just going about private car sales as usual.
Anecdotally I've seen an increase in car sales and enquiries since the lockdown roadmap was released suggesting a change of attitudes.
What's the consensus on private car sales at this current state of lockdown?
There doesn't appear to be anything in the guidelines specifically about it but based on other rules I can't really see how its possible.
However obviously they are happening as there are many cars being advertised and sold even up to this point.
I'm thinking that a middle ground of basically allowing a click and collect type arrangement is personally acceptable to me.
What's everyone else's view? I get the impression that many people are just going about private car sales as usual.
Anecdotally I've seen an increase in car sales and enquiries since the lockdown roadmap was released suggesting a change of attitudes.
Edited by rotaryjam on Saturday 27th February 08:37
I bought the wife’s car in November (was that lockdown 2?) and vendor was cool, transfered the money and drove home.
Sold my 750 to someone in scotland totally remote - did a video answered all his questions, took a deposit then he transferred the balance on the day of collection by his tranport company - so the onus of trust was on his part, but he could tell from the photos and video that it wasn’t being sold out of a caravan park.
Sold my 750 to someone in scotland totally remote - did a video answered all his questions, took a deposit then he transferred the balance on the day of collection by his tranport company - so the onus of trust was on his part, but he could tell from the photos and video that it wasn’t being sold out of a caravan park.
Bought a new car a few weeks ago. Been reading and watching videos about the model for ages.
Called a dealer 150 miles away who had one in stock. Did the deal on the phone.
It was delivered a few days later to my home.
It was delivered by a driver though. Oh well.
Sold my old car via eBay and Facebook last week.
Plenty of pics with a long description. Listed every problem. I'd had it for 22 years.
A few messages and then a chap from 60 miles away came with his friends.
Handed me half cash and half electronic banking and drive it away.
So some health risks in both transactions.
I guess I could have insisted that the new car was delivered by transporter but the truck driver still would have had to drive my car to load and unload it.
The private sale I was expecting bank transfer so was surprised the lad brought cash.
Counted the money. Put it in an envelope and washed my hands after.
He only got into my car after it was sold.
Called a dealer 150 miles away who had one in stock. Did the deal on the phone.
It was delivered a few days later to my home.
It was delivered by a driver though. Oh well.
Sold my old car via eBay and Facebook last week.
Plenty of pics with a long description. Listed every problem. I'd had it for 22 years.
A few messages and then a chap from 60 miles away came with his friends.
Handed me half cash and half electronic banking and drive it away.
So some health risks in both transactions.
I guess I could have insisted that the new car was delivered by transporter but the truck driver still would have had to drive my car to load and unload it.
The private sale I was expecting bank transfer so was surprised the lad brought cash.
Counted the money. Put it in an envelope and washed my hands after.
He only got into my car after it was sold.
I mean, technically, if you don't NEED the car and it's just swapping a car because you want to, then it's illegal as it's not an essential journey and you could be fined 
especially if you go far to purchase it.
I've been after a new car for months but it's not essential and I'd like to test drive so I'll wait till April
especially if you go far to purchase it.I've been after a new car for months but it's not essential and I'd like to test drive so I'll wait till April
croyde said:
Bought a new car a few weeks ago. Been reading and watching videos about the model for ages.
Called a dealer 150 miles away who had one in stock. Did the deal on the phone.
It was delivered a few days later to my home.
It was delivered by a driver though. Oh well.
Sold my old car via eBay and Facebook last week.
Plenty of pics with a long description. Listed every problem. I'd had it for 22 years.
A few messages and then a chap from 60 miles away came with his friends.
Handed me half cash and half electronic banking and drive it away.
So some health risks in both transactions.
I guess I could have insisted that the new car was delivered by transporter but the truck driver still would have had to drive my car to load and unload it.
The private sale I was expecting bank transfer so was surprised the lad brought cash.
Counted the money. Put it in an envelope and washed my hands after.
He only got into my car after it was sold.
This sounds like the kind of transaction I'm thinking of (minus the physical cash). Called a dealer 150 miles away who had one in stock. Did the deal on the phone.
It was delivered a few days later to my home.
It was delivered by a driver though. Oh well.
Sold my old car via eBay and Facebook last week.
Plenty of pics with a long description. Listed every problem. I'd had it for 22 years.
A few messages and then a chap from 60 miles away came with his friends.
Handed me half cash and half electronic banking and drive it away.
So some health risks in both transactions.
I guess I could have insisted that the new car was delivered by transporter but the truck driver still would have had to drive my car to load and unload it.
The private sale I was expecting bank transfer so was surprised the lad brought cash.
Counted the money. Put it in an envelope and washed my hands after.
He only got into my car after it was sold.
I have an interested buyer for a car I'm selling but he's insisting on multiple visits, one to view and another to buy and he wants to test drive before purchase. I have stuck to my rules but may well lose a sale - am I being reasonable?
I've done a video walk around already.
rotaryjam said:
This sounds like the kind of transaction I'm thinking of (minus the physical cash).
I have an interested buyer for a car I'm selling but he's insisting on multiple visits, one to view and another to buy and he wants to test drive before purchase. I have stuck to my rules but may well lose a sale - am I being reasonable?
I've done a video walk around already.
No different to three different potential buyers coming to view it surely ?I have an interested buyer for a car I'm selling but he's insisting on multiple visits, one to view and another to buy and he wants to test drive before purchase. I have stuck to my rules but may well lose a sale - am I being reasonable?
I've done a video walk around already.
You’re overthinking this , why risk losing the sale ?
I've sold 2 and bought 1, all privately during Lockdown. No issues at all.
If you ignore the news then life goes on. That said we didn't shake hands.
Edit, and someone's coming to look at the TVR tomorrow so that would be 3. He's a detailer and asked if he was stopped that I'd corroborate his story that he's coming to detail it, which I'm fine with.
If you ignore the news then life goes on. That said we didn't shake hands.
Edit, and someone's coming to look at the TVR tomorrow so that would be 3. He's a detailer and asked if he was stopped that I'd corroborate his story that he's coming to detail it, which I'm fine with.
Edited by ChocolateFrog on Saturday 27th February 09:17
monthou said:
Covid legislation?
Covid legislation does not cover running a car sales business from your house. It does, however, cover reasonable excuses for being away from home, although not exhaustively. Buying and selling cars is not mentioned.The dealer analogy falls flat because dealers are not encouraging customers to visit forecourts. Unless the OP is going to offer video walkarounds and contactless delivery, he's not going to be acting like dealers are acting.
Encouraging others to travel unnecessarily is a bit irresponsible, too.
Still. He can do what he likes. He should not be surprised, however, when he is issued a FPN.
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