Vocal Voices

I have decided to sell our car, as, at 90 I think it's time to pack up driving, even
though I'm still competent to drive. So I've put an advert in our local papers.

Mrs A has now questioned financial security, when selling something through a
newspaper advert - for example, what happens if a cheque bounces? Is there any
safe way of dealing with this type of business?

Any suggestions?

There was an interesting warning on Facebook of men actually calling on properties attempting to purchase cars. Never accept a cheque Aggers.

John, depending on how much you are asking for the car cash is the safest way to go. However, if banker's drafts, cheques or other money transfer methods are proposed make it clear that the car will only be released once the money is safely in your account. When it is I would immediately transfer it to another account. Do not give out any of your account numbers.

Prospective buyers will want a test drive. At your age you should only do this if you have a passenger to go with you and make sure you both have working mobile phones with you. Be subtle about it but let this be known to the person who wants the test. Note that I say person singular. Do not let more than one person test drive, even if it is a dad and daughter. They can each have a go so long as they are on their own with you and your passenger. If they do not like that way of doing things that is their problem.

Stay safe, physically and financially, and if you have any doubts about the deal do not be afraid walk away. There will always be other buyers out there.

In this day and age I would say cash
You will miss the car but good luck on a sale

Crumbs Frank, you have put us off selling it!

We hadn't thought of the test-drive business.

We need to have second thoughts, me thinks.

Aggers, an ex BIL of mine is in the trade and when ex FIL, aged 85, had to sell his car my ex BIL put it on his forecourt and saw the sale through. I was just wondering, should you be a bit worried, if a local dealer would offer that service, for a price.

Just a thought.

How about selling it to your usual garage, the one who does your MOTs etc. I think that is what I would do. I know they would want their cut, but it saves all the hassle.

Aggers wrote:Crumbs Frank, you have put us off selling it!

We hadn't thought of the test-drive business.

We need to have second thoughts, me thinks.

Heck! I didn't want to put you off, but to make you aware of some potential pitfalls. It is better to be aware than to not know, that way you can proceed with confidence.

You have a PM.

Aggers, I agree with Rodo and Frank, and to be perfectly honest it's probably what I would do as well if I ever had to sell my car; go via a reputable company or garage. Yes, you may get a bit less for it, but at least you know it's all legit and above board and safe

Good luck!

Ria, I have bought and sold quite a few cars and never had a problem. When selling I followed a few simple rules, and when buying I was always happy to wait for monies to clear before taking the car. However, for a single woman or an older person going the Auto Trader route might not be the best for them.

Another thing has come to mind. The new rules regarding tax mean that it is not transferable any more. The seller has to claim unused tax back and that runs from the next month after the car is sold, so if a car is sold on the 2nd of the month the unused tax is from the 1st day of the following month. On the other side of the coin the buyer has to tax the car before being legal on the road. If the buyer buys the car on the 30th of the month s/he has to pay tax from the 1st day of that month.

A rather nice little con for the DVLA to make a bit more cash.