Test drives on a private sale

[Al Murphy]

I've got a car advertised for sale on eBay at the moment, the first time I've done this, and have been contacted asking whether it'd be possible to arrange a test drive.

I'm comfortable with the idea, I'd probably want to so the same myself if I was buying something more than the sheds I usually do, but I'd like suggestions on how I cover myself from any shenannigans. I'm sure its all paranoia but I'd like for the car not to go missing!

Do I insist that I do the driving, accompany them whilst they drive or insist on a full sale value cash deposit, car value is (hopefully) £2500.

Thanks,

Al

[Durzel]

You'd be mad not to accompany them unless they left the full amount in collateral. Even then I think it would be stupid, they could easily blaze past a speed camera and you wouldn't know about it until after they'd decided it wasn't for them.

Obvious thing to be sure of is that they are insured. If you let them test drive without being sure that they have cover then you will be at risk of prosecution for "permitting no insurance" if they get stopped and they don't have cover. DOC cover is the exception rather than the norm nowadays so beware someone turning up just saying they can drive any car they want, especially if they're young. I'd want to see their cover note personally, or insist that you test drive the car for them and ask them what they want demonstrated, etc.

[eztiger]

Take them out driving it yourself anyway - always a good idea to break the ice.

Make sure they're insured. Never leave the keys in the ignition etc when swapping sides in the car, don't be afraid to ask them to stop or to just not offer them the test drive at all once they turn up and you get the impression they might do something daft (no idea what sort of car you're selling but certainly letting someone with no experience of a powerful car hop in and do their worst would be a concern).

You might find whoever turns up is generally more worried about the test drive than you are - I know I usually am, I'd be mortified if anything happened 'on my watch'. I'm also aware I don't own the car so no ragging it and if it's something powerful, treating that with respect and / or only exploring the performance at the owners agreement when driving. I always ask the owners to advise the route they want to take - which can be guided by suggestions of wanting to drive it around town or at motorway speeds.

But in a nutshell, make sure they bring proof of insurance, don't be scared to say no and keep an eye on the keys.

[TinyCappo]

Ask for proof of insurance that wthey will be covered either fully comp on the car or minimum 3rd party but the full amount in cash in your hands.

If they dont like it offer to take them out for a test drive. Personally I prefer to be taken out by the owner of the car as that way I get to see how they drive it....If they Rag it like a tit then ill walk away.

[KevinA4quattro]

If they want to drive the minimum I require is proof that they have insurance cover plus a signature on a 'contract' stating that they will pay the full value of the car should it be involved in an incident whilst they are driving. This is because DOC is only 3rd party cover. Proof of name and address (to match the insurance) also required to know where to direct any tickets. Always be in the car with them.

[eztiger]

You can get day insurance to cover fully comp.

Last time I did this it was £20 for 48 hours on an M5. Scale down accordingly I guess.

You could insist they do something similar to have fully comp cover. It would also let you gauge how serious they are as it's a financial investment in the process at that point.

[nonuts]

Check they're insured and be sensible.

[S. Gonzales Esq.]

eztiger said:

You can get day insurance to cover fully comp.

Last time I did this it was £20 for 48 hours on an M5. Scale down accordingly I guess.

I think day insurance has gone up a lot recently - when I got a quote last week I was asked for £86 for cover that was £25 last year.

[eztiger]

Mine was only last week! It was with directline who I already have a policy on another car with - which may have helped.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Also, make it clear to them that they won't be getting a drive without proof of insurance, etc. I almost drove a very long way to view a car assuming he would be fine with a test drive (taking insurance certificate, licence, etc.) and only asked on the offchance whereupon he got a bit funny about it. If I had driven 200 miles to view the car and he had refused a test drive I would have been pissed off. If I didn't allow a test drive I wouldn't expect anybody to buy the car.

[Prof Prolapse]

I don't ask for proof of insurance but I do ask if they have it. Because its not always clear and it isn't my problem.

I insist on cash as collatoral if they're driving. I will accompany, I will drive if they're younger or I don't trust them.

If they get a speeding ticket I would pass their particulars to the authorities.

[Rakoosh]

When I have bought cars privately I have always insisted on test driving myself - but thats with homework done up front, i.e. I am going with the intention of buying so the test drive is more the car is ok rather than 'is this a car I would like' type test drive.

I have taken out insurance starting on the day I am seeing the car (as I would need it anyways to drive off if I wanted it). Worst case is that if I do not buy the car then I can cancel the insurance for an admin fee which is often not a lot more than a 'days' cover.

[sparks_E39]

Make sure they are insured, stay with them. Do not get out of the car with them in the drivers seat. When the test drive is over they hand you ask them to hand you the keys when you are both still in the vehicle. Take a mate with you if possible. If they get funny about this it's their problem.

[StottyZr]

TinyCappo said:

Personally I prefer to be taken out by the owner of the car as that way I get to see how they drive it....If they Rag it like a tit then ill walk away.

I once went to look at a car, let him drive. He said "Shall I show you what it can do?" I just said "Go on then" lets just say he was more than comfortable driving like a dhead.

I did not buy the car.