How do I sell a used car safely?

[Anonymous]

We have a used car that's in great shape, but we haven't driven it much in the past year so we've decided to sell it. Since I could get a much higher price from an individual than a dealership, I'd like to at least try to sell it myself.

How do I do this safely? Do I let potential buyers test drive it, or go with them? Do I have them meet me at my house?

Am I crazy for even trying to do this? Anyone have any experiences to share?

In case it's important, the car is a basic compact in the $5k range.

[Anonymous]

Did you try Carmax? No way would I let anyone test drive my car without me but... you never know with all the nuts out there. They could kidnap you, rape, murder etc...

[Anonymous]

CarMax

[Anonymous]

I've sold cars on Craigslist with no problem. Ask to see a drivers license and write down the name. Do not go with the potential buyer on a test drive (they will be leaving the car they drove to your house there anyway).

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

CarMax! They will pay $100 over kbb value. Very simple, just bring the title with you when you go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CarMax! They will pay $100 over kbb value. Very simple, just bring the title with you when you go.

KBB FAIR price. wholesale. not retail.

[Anonymous]

Just meet buyers in a neutral location and take someone with you to the meet up. Keep your phone on record if you're spooked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just meet buyers in a neutral location and take someone with you to the meet up. Keep your phone on record if you're spooked.

This. We sold a car on Facebook for substantially more than the CarMax offer. You can see the Facebook profiles of the potential buyers. It was very fast and easy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've sold cars on Craigslist with no problem. Ask to see a drivers license and write down the name. Do not go with the potential buyer on a test drive (they will be leaving the car they drove to your house there anyway).

Good luck.

+1
I've sold at least a half dozen vehicles on craigslist without any problems. I always hang onto their drivers license and car keys while they are test driving the car.

[Anonymous]

I would meet in a neutral setting & bring a friend along.

I would prefer to be present during the test drive, but only if I had a friend along w/me.

If not, make a copy of the DL + only accept ca$h for the payment.

Keep in mind, serious buyers may want to have the car inspected by their mechanic prior to purchase and you should be okay w/that.

Good luck OP! ~
Hope everything goes smoothly for you.