Selling a Car Privately...

[dmw16]

So I am considering selling my car for something more practical. Anyway, I have someone who has expressed interest and is coming to see it today. I am unsure how to handle it if he wants to test drive it.

I'm not 100% sure about driving around someone I dont know.

I'm also shaky about letting someone I dont know drive my car. It would be different if it were a 1998 Honda Civic, but I dont want someone coming to just take a joy ride in my S2000.

I cant come out and say, "you need to have some proof of being able to pay up front" but, well I just dont want some kid looking to take it for a spin, grind the gears, and or F my clutch.

Any input from those who have sold a car themselves before.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: dmw16
So I am considering selling my car for something more practical. Anyway, I have someone who has expressed interest and is coming to see it today. I am unsure how to handle it if he wants to test drive it.

I'm not 100% sure about driving around someone I dont know.

I'm also shaky about letting someone I dont know drive my car. It would be different if it were a 1998 Honda Civic, but I dont want someone coming to just take a joy ride in my S2000.

I cant come out and say, "you need to have some proof of being able to pay up front" but, well I just dont want some kid looking to take it for a spin, grind the gears, and or F my clutch.

Any input from those who have sold a car themselves before.

Did you talk to this person at all? I'd ask how old they are and make sure they are serious about buying the car. Try to weed out those who might just be out for a joy ride.

If the person is younger than 25 I'd be really skeptical.

I'd tell them that if they aren't serious about buying the car that you aren't going to let them drive it and you don't want them to waste your time.

 

[swtethan]

i am selling my practical car for a s2000

 

[dmw16]

Originally posted by: swtethan
i am selling my practical car for a s2000

I have one you can buy, where are you located

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

I've sold several sports cars private-party, and it's the nature of the beast that prospective buyers will want to test-drive it. You just need to develop a gut feeling of the buyer through phone calls and the initial in-person meeting and if something just doesn't add up, decline the deal. Personally I've never had a problem.

 

[iamwiz82]

Go on the test drive with him.

EDIT: And why didn't you tell me you were selling? We could have worked out a deal fro Saints Row! :laugh:

 

[dmw16]

So let's say he seems not-so-serious. What do I say without seeming like a jerk?

I cant really get a feel for his age or seriousness over the phone. He seems to struggle with English to a certain extent (sounds asian over the phone). Im not saying there is anything wrong with that, just hard to judge.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: dmw16

Originally posted by: swtethan
i am selling my practical car for a s2000

I have one you can buy, where are you located

How much are you selling it for?

And how many miles are on it? Year?

 

[swtethan]

Portland, Oregon




you can come visit Rossman too :Q

 

[dmw16]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Go on the test drive with him.

EDIT: And why didn't you tell me you were selling? We could have worked out a deal fro Saints Row! :laugh:

HAHAHAHA! Still can work out a deal, the car and dead rising for $17k and saints row

But seriously, my GF is worried he's an ax murder...oh well. S2000 is too small to wield an ax in.

 

[swtethan]

will you accept money order? you can deliver it on my UPS account.

 

[lokiju]

Just make it clear that he knows your GF knows you've left for a test drive.

 

[slatr]

1. meet in public place, certainly not your home.

2. ask for proof of insurance

3. you drive first , then let prospective buyer drive

 

[Ronstang]

Originally posted by: slatr
1. meet in public place, certainly not your home.

2. ask for proof of insurance

3. you drive first , then let prospective buyer drive

Exactly. I you would not let me test drive the car I certainly would not even consider buying it. I would never expect to go on a test drive by myself but I had better be allowed to drive a car you want me to BUY.

 

[IronWing]

Originally posted by: slatr
1. meet in public place, certainly not your home.

2. ask for proof of insurance

3. you drive first , then let prospective buyer drive

Insurance runs with the car, not the driver. Do ask for a driver's license, check the expiration date, and write down the number.

If something seems wrong, don't offer a test drive. You have no obligation to do so. Will you lose the sale? Probably. But if you are uncomfortable with the buyer such that you don't want to let them drive the car then you probably don't want to complete a transaction with them either.

 

[dmw16]

Good advice, thanks everyone. I live off of a decent sized road with plenty of apartment complexes to turn around in. So I'll take it up the road and let him bring it back down.

 

[IronWing]

Originally posted by: dmw16
Good advice, thanks everyone. I live off of a decent sized road with plenty of apartment complexes to turn around in. So I'll take it up the road and let him bring it back down.

If it's me buying the car I want to drive on urban streets and on the highway. Plan to be in the car for awhile. If it has 4WD I expect to be able to test drive it on gravel so I can see that the 4WD engages/disengages. I want to start it up and shut it down several times, make quick stops, and generally try the heck out of it.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: dmw16
So let's say he seems not-so-serious. What do I say without seeming like a jerk?

I cant really get a feel for his age or seriousness over the phone. He seems to struggle with English to a certain extent (sounds asian over the phone). Im not saying there is anything wrong with that, just hard to judge.

Size him up when you meet him. Ask him if he's serious about buying it face to face prior to letting him drive it. If he seems overly nervous I'd just tell him that you're not comfortable with him driving it. Offer to take him for a ride and then see if you think he's serious or not.

If you do let him drive it I'd definitely go with him on the test drive. Tell him that if he starts getting crazy you're ending the joy ride right there.

 

[dmw16]

Originally posted by: ironwing

Originally posted by: dmw16
Good advice, thanks everyone. I live off of a decent sized road with plenty of apartment complexes to turn around in. So I'll take it up the road and let him bring it back down.

If it's me buying the car I want to drive on urban streets and on the highway. Plan to be in the car for awhile. If it has 4WD I expect to be able to test drive it on gravel so I can see that the 4WD engages/disengages. I want to start it up and shut it down several times, make quick stops, and generally try the heck out of it.

I agree with all of that. But I also try to respect to property of others. I wouldnt beat the tar out of a car that wasn't mine. He can get hard on the brakes and gas, but Im not letting someone hot dog in it. And if you drive a car like the S2000 like a moron it can bite you. The roads are a little cold, and the winter tires arent in yet, so the tires arent at 100% traction.

 

[slatr]

You want to know they maintain insurance are responsible ect..

I would feel better seeing a state farm or allstate card.

If it was Joe's House of High Risk he wouldn't be driving my sports car.

Insurance runs with the car, not the driver. Do ask for a driver's license, check the expiration date, and write down the number.

 

[psydancerqt]

the local car dealership requires proof of insurance and a valid drivers license... the reason for the insurance - fake IDs

 

[daveshel]

Originally posted by: slatr
1. meet in public place, certainly not your home.

2. ask for proof of insurance

3. you drive first , then let prospective buyer drive

His insurance is irrelevant. But make sure he has a current driver's license.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: daveshel

Originally posted by: slatr
1. meet in public place, certainly not your home.

2. ask for proof of insurance

3. you drive first , then let prospective buyer drive

His insurance is irrelevant. But make sure he has a current driver's license.

how is it irrelevant? his insurance would be secondary, but still a good idea to have.

 

[dmw16]

I just want to protect myself and my property. I have no issue with him driving the car. I will be sure to get license and insurance. Should I ask to make a copy? I dont want him to think Im going to steal his identity.

 

[pnad]

I don't think you need to make a copy, but you can jot down the essentials.
Name
Address
License #

Unless the guy is a smooth operator, you will be able to weed out the serious from the joy riders.