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Test drives
Few people would buy a car from a dealer without test-driving it first, and the same is true when dealing with a private-party seller. It may seem odd to hand your keys to a stranger, but the process should run smoothly if you follow these tips:
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When possible, bring along a friend for peace of mind, and make sure family or friends know of your plans.
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You should accompany prospective buyers on the test drive. This is crucial; It gives you more selling time, and it spares you the distress of watching a stranger drive away in your car. When riding along, point out all the features you love about your car, including things you didn't have room to mention in your ad. You've got a captive audience — make the most of your time.
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Pre-plan a general route that allows the buyer to experience a variety of driving situations during the test drive. Give the buyer the opportunity to drive on
a dual carriageway and in local traffic.
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Inspections
Car buyers are now far more willing to pay for used car inspections. If you're serious about selling the car, you shouldn't have any objections. A deposit from the buyer will prove their interest, as should the fact they're spending money on checking your car.
Hagglers
Selling a car can be a daunting prospect, but by knowing what to expect, you can avoid being caught out by experienced hagglers, time wasters or
criminals. Haggling
Buyers will inevitably know how to haggle about the price; it's all part of buying a car. You need to be firm, without being unreasonable. Set a price beforehand and keep it in your head during negotiations.
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Handling the money
Whether you're dealing with a buyer in person, via email or over the telephone, always be careful when accepting payment. Scam artists are good at what they do; remember these steps to make yourself less vulnerable:
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Never wire money to a potential buyer under any circumstances. If a buyer pays via a check or money order, accept only the exact amount of the sales price.
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In an ideal world, you’ll be paid cash during normal office hours and be able to pay it in immediately (checking for forgeries, of course), but this won’t always be the case.
If you have to accept a cheque then confirm with the issuing bank that the
cheque is valid. In addition, it's a good idea to request a cashier's cheque drawn from a local branch.
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Stick to your timeline and don't rush the transaction. If the bank is closed when the buyer wants to pay you, hold off until you can verify the
cheque's validity. If possible, wait until the cheque clears the bank before handing over ownership of the vehicle.
If you do receive cash, try to get it handed over to you in a bank, so you can pay it in straight away and the cashier can check for fake notes. If your buyer gives you cash outside of banking hours, pay it in as soon as possible.
Write a receipt for both you and the buyer, stating the car is being sold and make sure you both sign it.
For more information on payment and buying tips, read our buying a car privately page.
Finalising the sale
The buyer will want to see the registration document or certificate to allow them to check
your vehicle's details. You may not be able to sell your vehicle without one. If you have lost it, you can get a replacement from
DVLA. You should always keep a separate note of the buyer's name and address. You should tell the DVLA using the appropriate section of the registration document or certificate.
If you do not have a V5/V5C you can still inform DVLA that you no longer have the vehicle. In order to do this you must write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR quoting the vehicle registration mark, make and model, exact date of sale and name and address of the new keeper. However, you should note that DVLA records will not be complete until the new keeper tells DVLA in writing. Until they do, the police may need to contact you if they have to make enquiries about the vehicle.
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