Posted: January 21, 2011

If you’ve decided to sell your car privately, there are some important things to keep in mind in dealing with prospective buyers.  Don’t allow your eagerness to make a transaction lead you into some unsafe or bad decisions.

Before even agreeing to meet with a prospect, manage their expectations.  Both parties should know the general price range and overall condition of the car before any face-to-face time is invested.  Meet in a public place or have someone nearby, to ensure a safe environment.  Ask for the person’s photo ID to minimize scam potential and always go along on the test drive.  You should be prepared for objections, nit-picks and counter-offers.  Role play your response to minimize the likelihood of straying from your game plan.  Anticipate how flexible you’ll be on making final repairs.  The buyer will want to be sure he or she isn’t buying a lemon.  You need to know where you stand on the “reasonable repair” versus “as is” scale.  A used car transaction can be positive experience.  Just make sure you’ve covered your bases and protected yourself ahead of time.