Dealing with buyers
Selling a Figaro car privately can be daunting but knowing what to expect and how to deal with buyers helps you avoid running into any problems.
The golden rules of dealing with buyer:
- Never let a buyer test drive your car alone.
- Make sure they have a valid driving license and suitable insurance cover, or you could be liable for any accident.
- Ask a close friend or relative to be with you.
- Keep hold of the car keys at all times, and never leave the buyer in the car with the keys.
- Let buyers follow their own route, as many are suspicious if you dictate which roads to take.
- If they drive recklessly, tell them to slow down or stop; it’s still your car.
Inspections
Make sure you’ve prepared your car for sale
- Allow the buyer to take their time and view the car properly.
- Avoid distracting the buyer from carrying out their own checks.
- Most buyers will want to start the car when the engine is cold, so try not to drive the car shortly before a viewing.
- Used car inspections are very popular. The buyer will pay the cost and, if you’re serious about selling the car, you shouldn’t have any objections.
Haggling
Buyers will be keen to haggle on your asking price. You need to be firm, without being unreasonable.
Decide the lowest price you’re willing to sell the car before you begin negotiations. Don’t decline a sale if a buyer’s highest offer is only slightly below your set price – it could cost you far more in re-advertising fees, time and hassle.
Payment
The best way to take payment is in cash and at a bank, so you can pay the money straight into your account and the cashier can check for fake notes!
- Ask to be paid in cash – this is the safest method of payment.
- If you receive payment by Cheque or electronic transfer, the money can take a few days to appear in your account and you should keep possession of the car until it does.
- Ask the buyer for ID with an address and landline telephone number.
- Don’t hand over your car until the full amount is in your bank account.