Car Selling Question

[Region3]

The sad day has come when I have to sell my car, but I have a question about it as I've never had to sell one privately before.

Bearing in mind I'm asking just over £10k, it has silly good brakes, and is quite fast, would you let someone have a test drive without showing they'd be insured fully comp?

I'm definitely not letting anyone drive it without showing some sort of insurance proof, but I don't ever remember seeing any insurance company offering me the chance to be fully comp on vehicles I don't own. I can drive other cars, but it would only be third party insurance.

Obviously I don't want to be responsible for someone else having an accident in my car, especially if it's their fault and causes damage to mine.

On the other hand, I can't see many people being willing to buy a car they haven't driven.

What would you do?

 

[Region3]

Sorry, the other thing I meant to ask is would you take someone (friend, relative etc) with you on a test drive if you were built like Mr. Muscle's little brother?

 

[GOLFBALL_WHACKER_GUY]

You could take them to a secluded and quiet back street type area and then let them have a go.

Cant see anyone buying a car without driving it first, you could ask for proof of funds and stress that if they crash it, they buy it!

And size isnt everything, leave a karate kit on the back seat for good measure

 

[drawboy]

If two turn up, say potential buyer and his mate, do not take both of them out in the car, insist the mate stays back whilst you let the buyer test drive with you. Heard a few horror stories of cars being stolen from the owner by two blokes.

 

[beggsy]

if two bloke turn up and both want to go on the test drive make sure they have the cash with them and its real leave the cash loked indoors with someone and the who cares if they nick it

 

[Region3]

I reckon if 2 blokes turn up then it's a potential buyer and a mate that 'knows about cars'. I would because I don't know much about cars.
Can't see them being happy about only one going on the drive.

Nightmare innit. This is why I've never sold a car privately before, but this time there's too much difference between what I think I can get and what I'd be offered in p/x.

 

[Mick47]

if two bloke turn up and both want to go on the test drive make sure they have the cash with them and its real leave the cash loked indoors with someone and the who cares if they nick it

Yeah right,so I'm planning to buy your car and I've brought my mechanic mate along so far so good, I give you 10 grand and you lock it up in YOUR house,when we get back cash is gone you deny all knowledge and the cars still legally yours. Absolutly no chance matey

 

[Region3]

I agree Mick, but what's the answer. Judgement? Trust? Take a mate?

 

[USER1999]

The potential buyer isn't exactly going to get as feel for the handling and performance with 4 geezers in it? Well, three geezers and a shrimp.

 

[medwayjon]

If someone is seriously considering a £10k plus motor than can buy comprehesive insurance cover from a company online, if you google temporary insurance cover, they come up.

As for test-drive, yes some security is required, I would ask to see a driving license & insurance and take a written note of these, then go out on the test-drive, I wouldnt have a problem with a mate coming along if the driver has bought insurance especially and given ID.

As for money, Cash Isnt king, I would much rather have a bank transfer or bankers draft (which you must treat as a cheque as they can still be cancelled after banking btw) as payment.

The reason for this? I can show you £20 notes that are simply perfect in every way almost yet are forged. They pass every single naked-eye check perfectly. The difference? When you put a genuine note under a UV-Scanner the paper absorbs the light, with these superb forgeries it reflects it, they even have the green hologram that shows up, it is merely the reflection of light that exposes the forgery.

Also what is it you are selling? Drop me a PM with details and I can give you an impartial and unbiased valuation.

 

[surefire]

Probably not what you want to hear, but if I was going to buy a car, I would expect that the seller has sorted out insurance coverage to let me test drive it, not that I would have to do this myself.

As others have said as well, if I bought a mechanic along to check things out, I would be annoyed if he then wasn't allowed to test drive the car with me, as he would be the one who knew what to look\listen out for. I would also be unhappy at having to leave £10k at your place. If you don't trust them not to steal the car, why would they trust you not to steal their money. Its easy for you to say "but I am honest", but they have no way of knowing that, just like you don't of them.

Once you've thought about all this hassle, is it worth the extra money you will make instead of part ex'ing?
Also will the car definitely fetch the price you think?
Not saying you have, but many private sellers have too much sentiment and overestimate the value of their cars.

 

[Smiffy]

What car is is that you're selling Gary?

 

[bobmac]

What car is is that you're selling Gary?

Its a banana on wheels

 

[Region3]

What car is is that you're selling Gary?

Its a banana on wheels

That's the one

2007 Seat Leon Cupra, 37k.

I thought it was difficult to try to price up. There are a few on Autotrader that are quite cheap imo, then lots at or above what I've put it up for.

 

[Region3]

Once you've thought about all this hassle, is it worth the extra money you will make instead of part ex'ing?

I've never thought it in the past, but this time I reckon there'll easily be £1k difference, and that's too much money to ignore for the sake of a bit of hassle.
Plus, I get the impression I've less room to haggle the price on a new one if I'm p/x'ing.

Of course, if I end up in little pieces in a ditch I might change my mind

 

[USER1999]

But the colour of yours must knock a few bob off the price? Does it come with free sun glasses?

 

[Region3]

But the colour of yours must knock a few bob off the price? Does it come with free sun glasses?

It's an iconic Seat colour

Plus you don't need sunglasses from inside the car as it's all black.
I'll give you that the outside is a bit of an acquired taste but someone else other than me must like it....





... somewhere

 

[Aztecs27]

If it was cheaper, I'd have it from you in a heartbeat.

Currently driving a 54 Plate Toledo TDI/FR (older shape, not the newer monstrosity!) and I love it. But it's done nearly 130k and I think is on it's last legs

Would love a Cupra. The Mk 2 that I tested drives like a dream too.