Jong Selling a car

This morning I put a small crappy ad on Craigslist trying to sell our old Subaru. Hate to see it go but my wife got a company car and we cannot afford to have this one sitting around unused. Since this morning the ad has generated 15 inquiries, several of which indicate that folks want to come see car.

My questions are:

What if someone wants to take it for a drive? Do I go with them? Do I hold something in collateral?

What if they want to have a mechanic go over it? Who is responsible for any damages that happen to the car?

Never thought the process would go this fast.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SkiEvil

This morning I put a small crappy ad on Craigslist trying to sell our old Subaru. Hate to see it go but my wife got a company car and we cannot afford to have this one sitting around unused. Since this morning the ad has generated 15 inquiries, several of which indicate that folks want to come see car.

My questions are:

What if someone wants to take it for a drive? Do I go with them? Do I hold something in collateral?

What if they want to have a mechanic go over it? Who is responsible for any damages that happen to the car?

Never thought the process would go this fast.

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Go with the person if they want to take it for a drive. If you don't want to, get a copy of their license and see that their registration address matches their license address. It is easier just to go with them.

If they want a mechanic to go over it and take the car into their possession for a while, get a copy of license/registration.

I would assume you are responsible for any damage to the car because it is still your car. Make sure you have insurance.

You can always ask to see a copy of their current insurance.

I would definately drive with the person. We were selling a car (granfather's car after he died) before that seemed to have no transmission problems and it came back with some after the test drive. I can only assume they were beating the car. As far as the mechanic... I would just say you will drive the car or come with to whatever machanic they want. In the past I would have trusted people but not anymore.

If someone really wants to see the car, ask them to meet you someplace. Not at your home. They don't need to know where you live. And always ride with them if they take it for a drive.

Selling to private parties kind of stinks but that's how you will get more money out of it.

For sure people will try to drive it too hard. You don't need to red line it to find out if it will get you to work. Nothing is suddenly more clear about the engine when you push it. If you have a tach, tell them when you want it shifted. That would tell the educated buyer that you don't red line it yourself. If no tach, just explain that you don't abuse it and expect the same. Don't be afraid of speaking up. If they want the car fine, if not, there are several more behind them.

Know ahead of time if you are into haggling or not. I hate haggling, and will do just about anything to avoid it. For anything I sell online or in person, I say here is a fair price, non negotiable. Saves a lot of time.

I had a guy drive my classic RX7 to red line and then offer me half the asking price before I learned these lessons.

I'm not sure what the exact letter of law is, but when I sell a car; I keep my plates, and don't let it go without certified finds or cash.