Selling a car privately. Things to look out for?
Discussion
I've currently got my Clio 172 up for sale and it is the first I have ever sold. Any major things to watch out for and things not to do as a seller? I've had one guy called asking to meet him half way between his place and mine so he can look at it (he lives 100 miles away) and he doesn't mind viewing it at night? It all seems a bit odd.
Snails said:
I've had one guy called asking to meet him half way between his place and mine so he can look at it (he lives 100 miles away) and he doesn't mind viewing it at night? It all seems a bit odd.
So he can bash you over the head & bugger off no doubt.I always show people my cars at work, that way there are other people around. During the winter its also useful as it means people can still view the car during the week (in daylight). If they do view at the weekend, i always try & ensure that somebody else is around as well.
Never let the spare key out of your sight, & keep all keys on your person at all times - its known for dodgy types to swop the keys, finish the viewing, then come back and bugger off in your car later on.
Other than that, just use common sense really, if they offer 35% less than the asking price, call you 'blud' or say 'innit' alot just hang up. Also, dont accept ugandan dollars wired into a western union account as payment.
Snails said:
It all seems a bit odd.
Have a look at PH classifieds - think there's something there about avoiding nigerian princes, petrol stations at 3am, and uninsured test drives That Go Bad. You will need a disposable mobile phone number, and a muppet filter.
Oh, and look out for idiots
If it's a good car and properly priced and presented, let them come to you. Always. Make out some kind of bill of sale clearly stating 'sold as seen, offered with no warranty of any kind.' and get them to sign it. Make sure you are clear on how much you need from it and stick to your guns. Never let on if you need fast cash. Always accompany the buyer on a test drive - I'd be inclined to leave his mate outside yours or in the garage if it's pissing down (if he brings one).
ignore text messages about the car.
ignore phone calls after 9pm
if they sound dodgy they probably are
dont give out your address until you feel like you have arranged a sensible appointment and have their contact details.
when viewing the car dont get out while the key is in the ignition
dont let them drive unless they can prove they have insurance and the money to pay for it if they bend it
ignore phone calls after 9pm
if they sound dodgy they probably are
dont give out your address until you feel like you have arranged a sensible appointment and have their contact details.
when viewing the car dont get out while the key is in the ignition
dont let them drive unless they can prove they have insurance and the money to pay for it if they bend it
danjama said:
rallycross said:
ignore text messages about the car.
ignore phone calls after 9pm
Pure rubbish.ignore phone calls after 9pm
I just sold my car tonight, and it started with a text after 9pm only three days ago!
I bought it the next day.
rallycross said:
Well ok, but where do we draw the line then?
9
9.15
9.30
10?
After years of selling cars it's usually only the idiots that text or ring after 9 pm.
My experiences of selling are the opposite. I would say 9 for calls and 10 for texts. Emails are fair game any time of the day or night - if the recipient has their emails hooked up to their phone and hasn't turned their phone off then that's their problem if the email wakes them up.9
9.15
9.30
10?
After years of selling cars it's usually only the idiots that text or ring after 9 pm.
Personally I'll take calls, texts and emails any time of the day or night. If I don't answer then I'm asleep or busy and you'll have to wait or try another time. I also treat all methods of communication the same. Out of the dozen motors I've sold over the past 2 years I'd say that 75% of the buyers started comms with a text or email before phoning, which is fine by me.
If you have your e-mail listed expect lots of scams through - "I'm an oceanographer and am at sea but am happy to pay full price and a shipping agent will collect it, i'll pay via paypal..." I'm on about the 6th now - they always start with a e-mail asking if the car is still for sale (which of course would be rude and silly to not reply to, it could be genuine)
I have a car up now, despite it being one of the lowest of its type/milage on autotrader someone phones up adamant its worth nowhere that and told me hed pay me £1500 than the asking (which is £7K) and he was doing me a massive favor as its been on for a while and obviously not selling (ad had been up 3 days at this point)
Also he went on for ages about how it was severly devalued as he would be the 4th owner, what difference it makes I have no idea - its got full main dealer service history surely that and the condition are all that matters.
problem is there is not much alternative, put up with it or sell it to "wepaybargainbasementpricesforyourcar.com" for 60% of its actual worth.
I have a car up now, despite it being one of the lowest of its type/milage on autotrader someone phones up adamant its worth nowhere that and told me hed pay me £1500 than the asking (which is £7K) and he was doing me a massive favor as its been on for a while and obviously not selling (ad had been up 3 days at this point)
Also he went on for ages about how it was severly devalued as he would be the 4th owner, what difference it makes I have no idea - its got full main dealer service history surely that and the condition are all that matters.
problem is there is not much alternative, put up with it or sell it to "wepaybargainbasementpricesforyourcar.com" for 60% of its actual worth.
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