Urgent advice re selling car on auto trader

[Mummy2Sienna]

Hi, looking for some quick advice on selling a car on auto trader. I haven't sold a car before so really clueless. I listed it today and within about 30 seconds got a call from someone, it sounded like an automated voice at first - like those automated calls you get from call centres, but I can't be sure about that. The guy asked me some questions about the car, then said he needs my address as he's coming over in two hours (he lives about that far away).

I fobbed him off, said I needed to check I'd be in in two hours, so I could check if this is some sort of known scam - is it?

I'm really scared of being scammed! Help!

Don't take payment on cash - do make sure payment in your account before leaving. If you have another bank account I wouldn't use my main account just in case of drama.
Don't let the person test drive alone
Give the details of who the buyer is and why time they're coming round to someone as a precaution

Be firm on the price and know if any issues the buyer may 'see' as they try to haggle the price

Hopefully they are a genuine buyer

He would need your address to see the car - he's buying from a stranger and you could be a scam (like you could think he is)

Thanks for the advice, that's really helpful.

Are used cars really that desirable that people will call immediately an ad goes up? That was what made me suspicious. But I'm clueless as I said!

I think the automated voice thing is normal- because customers are redirected from an auto trader number rather than call you directly

of course he needs your address to come and see the car, not sure why that comes as a surprise

have a friend (ideally male or otherwise confident about cars) there when they come to look at it
test drives are fine but they need to insure themselves via Cuvva (per hour) or similar. You (or the friends sit in the passenger seat or back.

Not got a lot of experience with it but you’ll no doubt get an influx of calls or messages asking questions about the car, if it’s still available and if they can collect today.

Only go with what you’re comfortable with . If you would rather someone else was around when people viewed the car then try make arrangements for someone else to be there, even if it’s just a neighbour.

Make sure you have a set price in mind and what you don’t mind dipping to. People will offer all prices, they will visit and then comment on any damage, scratches or condition and try lower the price. Have you searched what the same model, age, similar mileage and condition of the car are selling for on auto trader? That what you’ll know if you’re asking for too much to too little.

Have you got it ready to go? Got your v5 and ready to fill it out and send off to say you no longer own the car?

We got a call within seconds of listing our car once. If looking for a certain car under a certain price buyers will get an alert.

The automated voice thing is normal. Your number is hidden on autotrader so it transfers through and when you pick up you’ll hear something like ‘someone is interested in your car’ then the call connects through to them

I would say if you're selling privately you have to be prepared to deal with a few idiots before finding a buyer. Try and have someone else at home with you if possible. You will get people who seem keen, say they're on their way and just never turn up. Then you'll get the ones who turn up with their 'mechanic friend/dad/brother' who want to pull the car to bits. Once you have payment in your bank, you can transfer ownership online with DVLA (within their website opening hours!) and if they contact you after with any niggles make sure you have made it clear the car was sold without warranty, tough luck. That's the risk you take buying a car privately. Once you've sold it it becomes their problem. You could ask to see photo ID. Don't let them test drive alone. You'll also get motor traders calling trying to low ball you, but it would be an easier sale selling it to a trader so you may want to consider it. I would also recommend Motorway. I am a motor trader and we buy a lot from Motorway auctions, it is a great platform and for cars of all prices.

As he was so keen, it’s likely you under priced it and it was a dealer tying to get a bargain before anyone else had a chance.