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Smart Shopper Pricing my used vehicle for private sale
649 messages, Last post on Nov 01, 2009 at 9:38 AM
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Hi, I am selling my car and I'm very hesitant selling it to private parties only because of security reasons. What safety procedures should I apply? What's the procedure if somebody calls wanting to see the car? How do I screen callers? I'm thinking of meeting at the mall maybe, instead of my house. Expectedly, the potential buyer might ask to drive the car - how can I make sure I'll be safe inside, or if I let him/her drive alone, that the car will be returned to me? What's the SOP's between private parties? I've been unsuccessful in selling to "safe" people (acquaintances, office, etc); my options are now strangers and dealerships. Thanks in advance for any reply.
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I've private sold many cars by running an ad, having a phone conversation, and then giving my home address if the buyer is interested. The callers, without exception, were decent folks looking for a decent price on a decent car. Unless you're selling something flashy or appealing to rough guys (motorcycle?), I don't see where you'd have any trouble. If you're single and female, it might help to have a guy friend record your ans machine greeting, make the initial call backs, and maybe hang around when the buyer comes to look. If you've got the car priced right (low enough), you won't need more than a day or two to sell it. |
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Hi janar99. I certainly can understand your concerns about having complete strangers come to your home to check out the vehicle that you are selling. One can never be too careful. You had a very good idea about meeting potential buyers at a public place, like a mall. Also, if you live alone, you may want to consider having a friend come along with you whenever you show your vehicle. The following article that is available here at Edmunds.com provides a lot of good information on how to sell used vehicles privately: 10 Steps to Selling Your Car. You definitely should check it out. If you ultimately decide that you do not want to deal with the hassle of selling your used vehicle on your own, you can always contact a local CarMax location, if there is one, to see what it would be willing to give you for your used car or truck. The prices that they pay are often fairly reasonable. Good luck and please let us know if you have any other questions. Car_man Host Smart Shoppers / FWI Message Boards |
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Thanks for your tips. Any other suggestions out there - especially on the details of having someone drive my car? I'm thinking I'll get a pic of the person (with his permission of course). I guess I watch too many Law&Order and late-night Discover channel which shows a lot of crimes! That's why I'm too paranoid/safe. Thanks. |
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I just let 'em drive it, LOL. They come to look in their car, and it stays at my house while they take my car around the block. My guess is you'll do the public place thing. How about asking them to meet you at the library or a Kinko's - where you can make a copy of their DL and insurance card? |
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about a year ago here in CT an off duty police office met a perspective buyer in a public parking lot to sell his car....he was carjacked and killed for his mustang. I can't stress enough....be careful who your meeting and where. |
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If your phone number is not unlisted, people can use reverse phone directories on the internet to find your address. I do this to find out where the vehicle is before I make a call. If the address turns up further than I want to drive, I don't make the call. The public place still isn't a bad idea, because the people who aren't interested in buying won't find out where you live. Don't forget to remove credit card receipts and other personal information from the glovebox. Also, don't forget to take out your garage door opener (speaking from experience). |
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Boy that is shocking. I can't see anyone being so stupid as to risk killing someone for a Mustang. It's just not worth it. But a Camaro, Now were talking ! But seriously, I have sold many cars myself. If I am home I go with the driver. If it's just my wife around I tell her to just let them take the car. We'd rather lose a car (which is insured) than mess with people that we don't know. No car is worth getting hurt over ! |
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| I have sold cars myself but considering the times might take the next one to a regional auto auction. True, you can get more at a private sale but it is sometimes hard to judge the person you are dealing with if you get my drift. | |
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Your joke is in extremely poor taste. Do you really suppose that your insurance will cover theft of your car after you willingly hand over the keys? I doubt it will. |
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