Selling Your Car Privately: Rules You Should Follow

Selling your car yourself does require plenty of time, effort, and organisation. You also need to have patience, because there is no guarantee you will get a quick sale. But while selling privately can be hard work, the benefits of doing it make it all worthwhile. You can get the best price possible without having to pay a hefty commission. This can then be put towards a brand new car or anything else you have your heart set on. If you think selling your car privately sounds appealing, here are some vital rules you need to follow.

 

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Be accurate with your description

 

When advertising your car, whether online or in a newspaper, your description needs to be entirely accurate. This is the law, and if you don’t abide by it, you could face not only angry customers but a possible criminal conviction. Your car’s description should include it’s make, model, colour and mileage. It’s year of manufacture, and general condition is also recommended, as are clear photographs of the car from all angles. Also remember to include your contact details and the approximate price you want for your vehicle. You’d be surprised just how many sellers forget to include these details. Ensure all of this information is provided and correct before you advertise anywhere.

 

Stay safe during viewings

 

As most potential buyers are strangers, it’s wise to follow a few safety precautions during your viewings. Firstly you should ask for them to provide a valid driving license and another form of identification. It can also be beneficial to arrange insurance cover if the buyer wants to take it for a test drive. Always ensure you are in the vehicle during this test drive and don’t hand over the keys until you are inside the car. Never leave the buyer inside the car without supervision. Ask a friend or relative to be present throughout the viewing too. It’s not unheard of for houses to get broken into during test drive. So having someone else present can prevent this from occurring.

 

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Complete payment and paperwork

 

If a buyer wants to proceed with buying your car and you’ve negotiated a price, you then need to receive a full payment and fill in relevant paperwork. No matter how they decide to pay, check that you receive the amount in full. Look for quotes on courier service sites like Shiply if needs be and remember to factor this price in too. Cheques are commonly used by fraudsters, so try to refrain from accepting them. Once the money is in your account, you need to create two receipts for the purchase including the price, car model and date. You will also need to update the car’s logbook which you will then give to the buyer. Before they leave, ensure they have all keys and any MOT certificates you have. Also, remember to get a copy of their contact information too.

 

By following these rules, you’ll have a less stressful and more straightforward selling process. They can also prevent you from scams and fraudulent buyers. If you’re smart and trust your instincts, there is no reason why selling your car yourself shouldn’t be a breeze.

 

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