Selling car privately - test drives?

pinkteapot

Have never sold a car before and have never bought privately....

What happens with regard to test drives?

Do you let people drive the car if they show you proof of insurance (either that they have fully comp cover that allows them to drive other cars or that they've taken out day insurance for it)?

I would want to go with them - I'm not letting people drive off in the car. Is that normal practice?

Alias_Omega

Insurance, not really my problem. They get the point if they are stopped.

I would go with them on the test drive. They leave there car on the driveway.

Any damage to the car, they buy it.. !

shaun_from_Africa

Alias_Omega wrote: »

Insurance, not really my problem. They get the point if they are stopped.

I take it that you've never read up on the law regarding motor insurance. (The road traffic act) because if you had, you wouldn't be stating that it's not your problem.

If a driver of your car gets stopped for no insurance, you could also be prosecuted if you allowed them to drive with no insurance cover in place.

(b)a person must not cause or permit any other person to use a motor vehicle on a road [F2or other public place] unless there is in force in relation to the use of the vehicle by that other person such a policy of insurance or such a security in respect of third party risks as complies with the requirements of this Part of this Act.

Hintza

I wouldn't be buying your car if I didn't get a test drive, I would not be getting day insurance nor bringing my insurance with me (as it happens I am covered.)

That in most cases is the reality and if you you are not happy then probably best to either trade it in or auction it.

Mr_Thrifty

just don't let them do any wheelspins or handbrake skids

fivetide

You would go with them, that is normal. Just don't get out and leave them in it witht he keys.

You are welcome to start the drive and take it somewhere a bit safer (if your drive is tricky to get out of for instance) but yes, you need to ask them if they are insured. Most won't bring proof so it is up to you if you trust them or not!

Drives on a 'bend it you bought it' basis.

5t.

TonyMMM

I have sold many cars over the years and have never let anyone test drive the car themselves. I take them for a drive (me driving) and it has never been a problem.

The insurance pitfalls and risks are just too great.

pinkteapot

Hmmm seem to be mixed opinions (which is what I found when I searched online) as to whether I take them out and drive myself, or let them drive.

I recently found out that it's an offence to let someone else drive your car without insurance (a guy whose car hit my mum's car is being charged with it). That's why I was concerned about letting people drive it.

I am of course happy to take them out with me driving, but I didn't know if people would buy it on that basis as I could be hiding problems (e.g. steering against a pull to one side).

fivetide

pinkteapot wrote: »

Hmmm seem to be mixed opinions (which is what I found when I searched online) as to whether I take them out and drive myself, or let them drive.

I recently found out that it's an offence to let someone else drive your car without insurance (a guy whose car hit my mum's car is being charged with it). That's why I was concerned about letting people drive it.

I am of course happy to take them out with me driving, but I didn't know if people would buy it on that basis as I could be hiding problems (e.g. steering against a pull to one side).

Yes it's basically permitting the offence and also carries £200 and 6 point fine.

Personally, I've taken the car for a drive and let them have a go if I've decided they seem legit. Never been an issue and always asked about insurance first.

Easy enough to demonstrate tracking/brakign etc, find a quiet place or big car park and do what you would do if you were testing the car basically.

They'll either trust you or they won't and the same goes vice versa.

You could always offer to reimburse them the cost of temporary insurance if they buy the car should it be a deal breaker. Not a bad thing to add on...

5t.

gord115

Even if the buyer is fully comp with their car,they will only be third party when they drive your car.
If they crash on the test drive,they don't have to pay for your car.
I would never let anyone drive my car without day insurance.

Quentin

Ask them to bring photo id/insurance cert. And to bring cash (for the asking price) to leave as a deposit whilst they do the test drive.

If they don't like it, they cannot drive it till they have bought it!