Dealing with car buyers

Selling a car can be a daunting prospect, but not if you know what to expect and how to deal with a car buyer.

We show you how to avoid being caught out by experienced hagglers, time wasters and criminals.

Test drives

1. Avoid letting the buyer go out alone – there's a risk they won't come back
2. Check they have adequate insurance cover, otherwise you could be liable for any accidents they may have
3. Let the buyers follow their own route, as many are suspicious if you dictate which roads to take. Be prepared for people to drive your car hard - but if it's a performance model and they are seriously abusing it, ask them to calm down
4. NEVER leave your car keys in the ignition when swapping seats. Thieves may try to engineer such situations, so always be aware

For information, read our essential test drive advice.

Car 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.

Find out what car checks buyers make with our guide on how to check a car before buying.

Haggling

It’s likely buyers will try to haggle over the price – it’s all part of the car buying process. You need to be firm, without being unreasonable.

1. Set a minimum price beforehand and remind yourself this during negotiations
2. Don't refuse all offers – car buyers will walk away
3. Avoid declining a sale for the matter of £100 or so. It'll cost you far more in re-advertising fees, time and hassle
4. Avoid setting the price of your car too low. Read our advice on how to set a price for your car

Handling money

1. Ask to be paid in cash as this is the safest method of payment
2. 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
3. If you receive payment by cheque or electronic transfer, the money can take a few days to appear in your account – check with your bank to see when it does
4. ALWAYS keep the car until the full amount is in your bank, no matter what the payment method is
5. Write a receipt stating the date, amount paid, make, model, registration and names and addresses of you and the buyer. Make two copies – one for you and one for the buyer
6. Ask the buyer for ID with an address and landline telephone number. If something goes wrong, you’ll know where to find them. Be wary if they are reluctant to give you this information

Despite common belief, bank or building society cheques aren’t as reliable as cash. There are quality forgeries out there, so don’t release the car until the money has cleared.

Cheques can be cancelled or issued without the available funds in the account. If you hand the car over before the money goes into your account, it could be the last you’ll see of it.

You should ask the bank if you can draw funds against the cheque. Don’t ask the bank if the cheque has cleared as this can mean something different. If possible, go with the buyer to draw the cheque at your bank.

For more information visit the Top Marques selling page.