selling car privately

[mjmills]

I've finally put my car on Autotrader in an attempt to beat the lowly trade values offered by dealers.

My only real concern is the inevitable 'safe' receipt of payment from the purchaser.

Last thing i want is to be 'scammed' yet (In an ideal world) do not want to be too obtrusive to the buyer.

Any tips from those that have actually sold theirs?

[dans1977uk]

I sold my car via ebay a while ago and the chap wanted to pay me by bankers draft, so having discussed it with him and shown him the many orticles in the motoring press about fraudulent drafts we went to my bank to pay it in who checked there and then. As he was genuine he was fine with this.

Another option, if the buyer wants to pay by bankers draft is to suggest that he obtains one, with you, direct from a local branch after you've agreed the price. This way you know it's genuine as you saw it being written by the bank.

Cash is always a good option, and in my experience if a note has the metal strip through it, it's genuine... do check them all as if the buyer's genuine again they should not be nervous.

If you do accept a cheque let it clear first (and ring your bank to check it has), though this involves a risk for the buyer (as they don't know you either) so perhaps agree to write a contract or similar.

Never be afraid to ask.. if they've agreed to buy your car, unless they're dodgy, they'll understand your concerns.

[sarnieken]

Good advice from Dans.
I recently sold my Mr2 through T'ebay and it was a good experience for my first time.

One thing I will add is that, when using an auction, stipulate that people are bidding to BUY, not to VIEW. If they want to view then they have to come and see it. Saves a lot of hassle.

As you're using Autotrader, obviously this isn't the case though.

A few pointers I would suggest though are...
* Make sure they are aware of everything about the car and NEVER lie about it. There are ways of checking everything about a car these days.
* Always make sure you receive CLEARED funds. As Dans said, a cheque has to clear, a banker's draft has to be confirmed and cash is always best. If they get upset about it then it is their loss and they would want the same guarantees if they were in your shoes.
* Check with your insures that you / they are covered for any test drive. The last thing you want to happen is for them to prang it before buying and then scarper.

hope this has helped, good luck with the sale.