Selling a car - experiences

[beergibbon]

I'm selling my CTR privately and wonder whether any of you can give me some good advice, particularly around letting the potential buyer have a test drive.

Any advice gratefully received.

[john_r]

beergibbon said:

letting the potential buyer have a test drive.

My experience has been that without letting someone have a test drive you won't sell the car...

Use your judgement and common sense mostly before letting someone drive the car, but NEVER leave anyone in the car with the key if you get out, i.e. if you drive first and then swap over, then turn off the engine and get out with the key to walk around to the passenger seat. Likewise when you get back to the start point and they are driving - ask for the key back before you get out of the car.

In the past I've also asked potential buyers to bring a copy of a valid fully comp insurance that allows them to drive your car at least 3rd party together with the photo driving licence to prove it is them on the insurance.

[Sods Law]

for test drives I ask for, and expect to show when I am test driving,
1; Insurance cert showing 3rd party cover or a live temp cover at their cost.
2; License with no silly DD points
3; Some form of intent to buy e.g. Cash, or you can normally tell a serious buyer over a serial test pilot.

Edited by Sods Law on Monday 21st June 14:03

[beergibbon]

Thanks for the good advice re. the keys.

Here's the advert, is there anything you would change? It's a bit long-winded but I thought it better to list things that are wrong with it upfront rather than waiting till someone has driven an hour to see it and then telling them!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1809977.htm

Edited by beergibbon on Monday 21st June 12:30

[MrChips]

^^ Only a couple of things I would consider amending:

- For the exterior shots, include a front 3/4 shot, and also consider taking some pics in a different location away from a car park.

- Focus a bit more on the positives before listing the negs only right at the end of the advert. By doing this, the reader will hear the positives first so the negs won't seem so important. If they're not important to you then don't give them so much preference in the ad.

- Finally, I would consider taking the 2 negs (Suspension and Clutch) out if you have proof from a dealer that they've been checked and are fine. Your comments on the suspension sound like something's wrong, but as per your ad, it might be just a perception.
The kerbed wheels (is it all 4?) and parking ding and splitter chip... I would put into one point rather than listing them as individuals. Maybe even get a quote to fix, and then use this as your haggling ammo, rather than just taking a hit when buyers try to lower the price anyway.

Either way... I agree with Johns comments on the test drive and always state what buyers will need to bring with them (insurance/licence) before arranging the viewing. This'll help root out any test pilots.

[beergibbon]

Cheers Mr Chips.

I've amended it slightly and will take some more pictures tonight.

[ShadownINja]

Agreed re the insurance certificate. In the event of an accident, if you did not check they are covered, then I understand that you are equally at fault (read: driving without valid insurance).