Car buyer wants to check car before buying

Keith

I wouldn't let them just take it, they may just pop down the local post office rob it and then bring the car back. *an example*

You don't know what they'll do with the car in the meantime, or that they are going to bring it back

kitchpoo

I think we have reached a compromise........ they are leaving 50% of value + their car and car keys with me whilst they take the car for inspection.

kitchpoo

Hintza wrote: »

Can you get hold of some ramps that should at least allow them to look underneath it if they want.

I've got ramps, but it has a bodykit fitted, and has limited clearance for the 'diy' ramps

espresso

So what will you do when they bring it back and say that after the inspection it need £xxx of work doing and therefore our top price is £3xxx? Get them to agree the price first.

lisyloo

they are leaving 50% of value + their car

You should ask for V5 document and their driving licence for identity.
Otherwise you could jsut be having a stolen card dumped on you.

I know it's horrible to do this, but you don't know who these people are and if they dump a stolen car on you, then they've got your for 50%.

steveo3002

is the car something flash? sports car etc? id be extra wary of idiots wanting to race it around etc

Keith

And proof of Insurance, it'll also need to be taxed

cowbutt

I always get the cars I buy inspected by my regular mechanic. I reckon their opinion is more useful than that of the RAC/AA inspectors, as it tends to be more pragmatic (the RAC/AA inspections are backed by an insurance policy if they neglect to tell the buyer something that later affects the value of the vehicle... so they attempt to disclose every possible fault, even if it may not be that likely!)

As a buyer, I've never expected to take the car to my appointed garage, and I've been surprised when dealers have asked that of me. As far as I'm concerned, it's part of their cost of making the sale (but I'd do it if it was a car I really liked). Sometimes a dealer will allow an inspection without an inspection, but on my recent round, most dealers have asked for a deposit first, which is fair enough. We agree a price beforehand, subject to the inspection.

Obviously the situation is a bit different for private sellers, as they don't have standing insurance policies and access to trade plates. I consider that selling a car without tax, insurance or MoT is such a risk and/or pain in the !!!!, that I've just let my old car go for less than Glass's trade-in value (dammit, I should have taken the trade-in price offered when I bought my new one!)

In the OP's situation, I'd only allow the buyer to inspect the vehicle in-situ. They'll have to decide whether or not that's good enough for them. I would, however, allow them to leave negotiation over price until after the inspection.

Inactive

kitchpoo wrote: »

I think we have reached a compromise........ they are leaving 50% of value + their car and car keys with me whilst they take the car for inspection.

You are breaking the law by allowing it on the road, read the SORN Document that you agreed to, you will be liable for any fines incurred, as well as back payments of tax.

You have asked for advice, been given good advice, and chosen to ignore it.

Why bother?

Keith

Inactive wrote: »

You are breaking the law by allowing it on the road, read the SORN Document that you agreed to, you will be liable for any fines incurred, as well as back payments of tax.

You have asked for advice, been given good advice, and chosen to ignore it.

Why bother?

A Fool and his Gold are soon parted