Selling a vehicle privately - place your bets!
Discussion
I'm currently in the process of advertising my trusty, low mileage, family owned car for sale. Comprehensive history, one family from new, same garage for 15 years and specialists etc.
Started with some enthusiast sites, couple of nibbles but nothing serious so moved to Facebook Marketplace.
I've had someone interested, and I thought it would be fun to place some bets as to whether he is a time waster or not.
History as follows:
Monday
Messages within an hour of listing, asking if still available, can he come and see it. I say yes of course, give him my postcode and ask when he wants to come. Three hours later, a message: I've come by, tried to call you, couldn't see the car etc. so I drove back home. I explained he couldn't have called as he didn't have my number, I'm very sorry to have missed him. He sends me a phone number, which I call and talk to him about the situation.
The potential buyer asks if the cam belt has been changed, the vehicle has a cam chain and I confirmed with the garage that has looked after it 15 years it hasn't been changed as it needs replacing upon being destroyed. Potential buyer not happy with this, but accepts the explanation, then agrees to view the next day.
Tuesday
I message at 9am to say sorry, he's not interested, doesn't want to insult me with a low offer, too expensive to run etc. I offer a small discount, still within the price I'm expecting from the sale and that I'm happy to take, he agrees to come and view just to rule it out. Surprisingly, he turns up!
Nice guy, comprehensively examines the car, literally kicks all four tyres, looks under bonnet, boot, exhaust, full interior examination. I take him out for a little drive round the block, all working well. The guy doesn't look at any of the documentation, asks loads of questions, then has a frank discussion that the price is still wrong and it needs to be closer to £1000. I say I'm not budging any further, he says he's 75% of the way there but needs to run it past his wife, and I will hear from him that evening.
That evening passes, no communication.
Wednesday
I wake up this morning to a message from him, asking about the number of keys and can he come back and take a look at the documentation and the car again. I ask what questions he has, and will he be bringing cash with him, he says no, insurance and cash to be paid tomorrow. I say fine, but I can;t give you a lot of time because I'm working, give him a time to be here.
Less than an hour later, he has had a family emergency and can;t make it today, but can he come with cash and insurance tomorrow?
Now I know what you are all thinking: this is a joke, what a mess, of course he's not going to buy etc. However, this is my first time with a potential timewaster, and would appreciate some wisdom from the gods of PH, as there is nowt as queer as folk, and potentially this is just how some people buy cars!
Over to you, what do you think? Timewaster or just strange?
I'll update the thread once he's either buzzed off or the cash has been traded for the car!
Moderator edit: no advertising. YoungRestorer: Not intended as an advert, sorry if this isn't appropriate.
Started with some enthusiast sites, couple of nibbles but nothing serious so moved to Facebook Marketplace.
I've had someone interested, and I thought it would be fun to place some bets as to whether he is a time waster or not.
History as follows:
Monday
Messages within an hour of listing, asking if still available, can he come and see it. I say yes of course, give him my postcode and ask when he wants to come. Three hours later, a message: I've come by, tried to call you, couldn't see the car etc. so I drove back home. I explained he couldn't have called as he didn't have my number, I'm very sorry to have missed him. He sends me a phone number, which I call and talk to him about the situation.
The potential buyer asks if the cam belt has been changed, the vehicle has a cam chain and I confirmed with the garage that has looked after it 15 years it hasn't been changed as it needs replacing upon being destroyed. Potential buyer not happy with this, but accepts the explanation, then agrees to view the next day.
Tuesday
I message at 9am to say sorry, he's not interested, doesn't want to insult me with a low offer, too expensive to run etc. I offer a small discount, still within the price I'm expecting from the sale and that I'm happy to take, he agrees to come and view just to rule it out. Surprisingly, he turns up!
Nice guy, comprehensively examines the car, literally kicks all four tyres, looks under bonnet, boot, exhaust, full interior examination. I take him out for a little drive round the block, all working well. The guy doesn't look at any of the documentation, asks loads of questions, then has a frank discussion that the price is still wrong and it needs to be closer to £1000. I say I'm not budging any further, he says he's 75% of the way there but needs to run it past his wife, and I will hear from him that evening.
That evening passes, no communication.
Wednesday
I wake up this morning to a message from him, asking about the number of keys and can he come back and take a look at the documentation and the car again. I ask what questions he has, and will he be bringing cash with him, he says no, insurance and cash to be paid tomorrow. I say fine, but I can;t give you a lot of time because I'm working, give him a time to be here.
Less than an hour later, he has had a family emergency and can;t make it today, but can he come with cash and insurance tomorrow?
Now I know what you are all thinking: this is a joke, what a mess, of course he's not going to buy etc. However, this is my first time with a potential timewaster, and would appreciate some wisdom from the gods of PH, as there is nowt as queer as folk, and potentially this is just how some people buy cars!
Over to you, what do you think? Timewaster or just strange?
I'll update the thread once he's either buzzed off or the cash has been traded for the car!
Moderator edit: no advertising. YoungRestorer: Not intended as an advert, sorry if this isn't appropriate.
Edited by YoungRestorer on Wednesday 25th November 13:32
Timewaster who doesn't have the cash.
Buying a car at that end of the market is simple, you go along to look at a car if you are prepared to pay something close to the price asked. You look at it and negotiate seal a deal and drive it away or walk away if you don't like the car.
This guy is hoping to wear you down because he can't/won't afford the asking price. Suggest you ignore all further contact and wait for the next chancer to come along.
Buying a car at that end of the market is simple, you go along to look at a car if you are prepared to pay something close to the price asked. You look at it and negotiate seal a deal and drive it away or walk away if you don't like the car.
This guy is hoping to wear you down because he can't/won't afford the asking price. Suggest you ignore all further contact and wait for the next chancer to come along.
Some people just take longer to make decisions.
Although it's your old car you no longer want, the next buyer maybe putting their life savings into it.
My advice when selling:
ensure the advert is factual, accurate and nothing more
make reasonable time for all serious interested parties and speak to them - I don't do conversation via text
Ignore "best price?" texts
the car is sold to the first person who puts cash in my hand - no deposits and no queue-holding based on "I saw it first, can I have first refusal next week"
provide a decent receipt to avoid idiots trying to come back at you.
And good luck. You normally make more when selling privately, but you do have to put the work in.
Although it's your old car you no longer want, the next buyer maybe putting their life savings into it.
My advice when selling:
ensure the advert is factual, accurate and nothing more
make reasonable time for all serious interested parties and speak to them - I don't do conversation via text
Ignore "best price?" texts
the car is sold to the first person who puts cash in my hand - no deposits and no queue-holding based on "I saw it first, can I have first refusal next week"
provide a decent receipt to avoid idiots trying to come back at you.
And good luck. You normally make more when selling privately, but you do have to put the work in.
chrisch77 said:
Timewaster who doesn't have the cash.
Buying a car at that end of the market is simple, you go along to look at a car if you are prepared to pay something close to the price asked. You look at it and negotiate seal a deal and drive it away or walk away if you don't like the car.
This guy is hoping to wear you down because he can't/won't afford the asking price. Suggest you ignore all further contact and wait for the next chancer to come along.
For clarity: it's listed at £1500 and I offered him £1300 as the lowest price. So not too much between the two, but I'm not going lower!Buying a car at that end of the market is simple, you go along to look at a car if you are prepared to pay something close to the price asked. You look at it and negotiate seal a deal and drive it away or walk away if you don't like the car.
This guy is hoping to wear you down because he can't/won't afford the asking price. Suggest you ignore all further contact and wait for the next chancer to come along.
I sell cars reasonably often for friends and family members.
I put a very detailed description down (usually too detailed if anything). I manually transcribe the service history, date, mileage and what garage carried out the work. I write down exactly how long the MOT has left.
I highlight some good points about the car (for example, it's very good on fuel) and also clearly mention any negatives about the car (for example, the bumper has a small scuff which has been polished/touched in, and two wheels have minor curbing)
I include 360 degree photos in HD, photos of each wheel, interior, and also a video walk around in HD/4K.
I make it clear in the description that
a) Timewasters will not be entertained (except, for my own entertainment!)
b) If you want a test drive I expect a 25% deposit paid, and proof of fully comprehensive insurance specifically for this car (not a Driving other car policy).
c) If you want to discuss price, arrange a viewing and discuss face to face.
This usually gets rid of all of the stupidity.
You still get some idiots who offer you prices (of course, very low) without viewing. I take great pleasure in being a bit of a sarcy b
d - and saying things like "Did you read the advert?"
You get a feeling rather quickly who is a time waster and who is a serious punter.
I put a very detailed description down (usually too detailed if anything). I manually transcribe the service history, date, mileage and what garage carried out the work. I write down exactly how long the MOT has left.
I highlight some good points about the car (for example, it's very good on fuel) and also clearly mention any negatives about the car (for example, the bumper has a small scuff which has been polished/touched in, and two wheels have minor curbing)
I include 360 degree photos in HD, photos of each wheel, interior, and also a video walk around in HD/4K.
I make it clear in the description that
a) Timewasters will not be entertained (except, for my own entertainment!)
b) If you want a test drive I expect a 25% deposit paid, and proof of fully comprehensive insurance specifically for this car (not a Driving other car policy).
c) If you want to discuss price, arrange a viewing and discuss face to face.
This usually gets rid of all of the stupidity.
You still get some idiots who offer you prices (of course, very low) without viewing. I take great pleasure in being a bit of a sarcy b
d - and saying things like "Did you read the advert?" You get a feeling rather quickly who is a time waster and who is a serious punter.
he could just be a flighty type and in a flap with other things in the background.
I'd wait and see if he does come tomorrow with cash etc - unless you have other geniuine buyers queing at your door, don't block him and give him 1 more chance, he could come good or if not, it takes another week or 2 for the right buyer to turn up.
I'd wait and see if he does come tomorrow with cash etc - unless you have other geniuine buyers queing at your door, don't block him and give him 1 more chance, he could come good or if not, it takes another week or 2 for the right buyer to turn up.
ritch said:
he could just be a flighty type and in a flap with other things in the background.
I'd wait and see if he does come tomorrow with cash etc - unless you have other geniuine buyers queing at your door, don't block him and give him 1 more chance, he could come good or if not, it takes another week or 2 for the right buyer to turn up.
I think this is what I will end up doing: do you reckon he will buy?!I'd wait and see if he does come tomorrow with cash etc - unless you have other geniuine buyers queing at your door, don't block him and give him 1 more chance, he could come good or if not, it takes another week or 2 for the right buyer to turn up.
I once sold a car to a complete scr*te, who decided to bring his mate with him (why???). Went for a test drive, all good, he offered me £1900 which was low, but I wanted rid so I agreed. Roll on the next day, they both turn up again and he says "£1850 wasn't it", I tell him no, it was £1900, he then proceeds to call his (toothless, literally) mate into my kitchen to argue the toss. I decided it wasn't worth the hassle and waved them off with the £50 loss.
Really put me off selling privately to be honest, the world is unfortunately full of idiots like this.
Really put me off selling privately to be honest, the world is unfortunately full of idiots like this.
ajguk said:
I once sold a car to a complete scr*te, who decided to bring his mate with him (why???). Went for a test drive, all good, he offered me £1900 which was low, but I wanted rid so I agreed. Roll on the next day, they both turn up again and he says "£1850 wasn't it", I tell him no, it was £1900, he then proceeds to call his (toothless, literally) mate into my kitchen to argue the toss. I decided it wasn't worth the hassle and waved them off with the £50 loss.
Really put me off selling privately to be honest, the world is unfortunately full of idiots like this.
You should have then raised the price by £50 to £1950 when he "couldn't remember" the agreed sale price. I'd rather not sell than sell to tReally put me off selling privately to be honest, the world is unfortunately full of idiots like this.
ts like this Not surprising based on my experience selling the Jag earlier this year.
One guy asked if I would take offers...I told him I had had a firm offer at £30500 so he offers £29750.
He then argues that the mileage is higher than he wanted and he tries to negotiate the price lower based on the cost of:
- Wrapping the car because he doesn't like the colour
- The cost of a Jaguar warranty - because I was selling the car with only 8 months warranty remaining
I guess you can't blame a guy for trying but he missed out.
One guy asked if I would take offers...I told him I had had a firm offer at £30500 so he offers £29750.
He then argues that the mileage is higher than he wanted and he tries to negotiate the price lower based on the cost of:
- Wrapping the car because he doesn't like the colour
- The cost of a Jaguar warranty - because I was selling the car with only 8 months warranty remaining
I guess you can't blame a guy for trying but he missed out.
STe_rsv4 said:
I'd rather not sell than sell to tts like this
Over the years I've had a couple of people that mucked me around so much I'd rather torch the thing than let them have it. One bloke after having been a no show for two viewings then 2hrs late for his final chance and then trying to re haggle after we'd already agreed a price got very upset when I showed him the door unless he doubled his offer. Called me rude and unprofessional for wasting his time. There's some very special people out there.ts like this Another one forgot to take the second key. In plain sight on our kitchen worktop. When he rang about it I told him I hadn't seen it and chucked it in the bin. When he drove off in it originally I regretted selling it to him. Was a great car and he was such a revolting specimen he didn't deserve it.
Edited by Harry H on Wednesday 25th November 16:39
100% time waster, dealt with idiots like this before they ask unbelievably stupid questions & think they are buying a brand new car for a couple of grand.
Few years ago I was selling a really nice 15 year old Mercedes one previous owner low mileage, guy turns up revs the nuts of a cold engine starts moaning about every little mark on it, I got fed up and suggested he went to the local Mercedes dealer if he wanted a new car, locked the car and went back in the house he stood there for a few minutes before he got the message I wasn't interested in selling him the car
Few years ago I was selling a really nice 15 year old Mercedes one previous owner low mileage, guy turns up revs the nuts of a cold engine starts moaning about every little mark on it, I got fed up and suggested he went to the local Mercedes dealer if he wanted a new car, locked the car and went back in the house he stood there for a few minutes before he got the message I wasn't interested in selling him the car
Harry H said:
STe_rsv4 said:
I'd rather not sell than sell to tts like this
Another one forgot to take the second key. In plain sight on our kitchen worktop. When he rang about it I told him I hadn't seen it and chucked it in the bin. When he drove off in it originally I regretted selling it to him. Was a great car and he was such a revolting specimen he didn't deserve it. ts like this Edited by Harry H on Wednesday 25th November 16:39
That's really a nasty thing to do....... Perhaps he forgot the key, didn't notice.
I wouldn't be proud about that if I were you.
Facebay is a whole new world of time wasters.
Recently sold a car with a short MOT for £700 or best offer. Drove well but scruffy, so priced half the price of comparable cars as I just wanted shot of it.
One guy offered me £500 on the provison I get it MOT’d and pay for any repairs before he bought it - wasn’t happy when I rejected his kind offer.
Ended up selling to the 2nd guy who came to physically see it for £650 and a virtual queue of 15 others who were definitely going to buy it, bit like stories others have shared.
One guy was honest, said he really wanted it, 2 hrs later, messaged to say his wife wouldn’t let him buy it!
Recently sold a car with a short MOT for £700 or best offer. Drove well but scruffy, so priced half the price of comparable cars as I just wanted shot of it.
One guy offered me £500 on the provison I get it MOT’d and pay for any repairs before he bought it - wasn’t happy when I rejected his kind offer.
Ended up selling to the 2nd guy who came to physically see it for £650 and a virtual queue of 15 others who were definitely going to buy it, bit like stories others have shared.
One guy was honest, said he really wanted it, 2 hrs later, messaged to say his wife wouldn’t let him buy it!
It would appear private sales are not worth it based on these forums.
I suppose you've had the webuy valuation?
Was it much lower than you've advertised?
Is that amount worth any hassle?
Are you honestly up for it, should it kick off?
If so, rock on, might all be fine, plenty sell and all is well!
I suppose you've had the webuy valuation?
Was it much lower than you've advertised?
Is that amount worth any hassle?
Are you honestly up for it, should it kick off?
If so, rock on, might all be fine, plenty sell and all is well!
YoungRestorer said:
Timewaster or just strange?
Timewaster. Do not take a deposit from them, he either pays what you want or sod him off into the distance.TBH, I know everyone has different budgets, but for sub-£1500 this sounds as good as it's possible to get. Most cars in that range count "service history" as having the v5.
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