Safety First: Buying And Selling Your Used Car

If it’s a local buyer, they will undoubtedly want to visit you and see what the car is like - but for a lot of people, inviting a stranger round to their house might not be something they would jump at the chance to do. So what are the best ways to stay safe when either visiting a used car seller or when a buyer is visiting you?

First of all, if you can, make sure you have someone with you when you’re expecting to visit someone to buy their car. Ideally, take a friend who has some experience of working with or buying their own used car, as this will help you come to sensible decision; but even if you just take a friend with you, you will be in a safer position if you need any help. It’s fine for the buyers to visit you at your home, especially as many buyers take this as a sign of assurance (visiting a garage may mean that the car hasn’t been obtained legally or may not belong to the owner it says on the paperwork), but there’s no need to invite the buyer into your house for a cup of tea. Keep in plain sight and preferably get them to visit at a time of day you know your street will be busy, rather than with hardly anyone around.

There are also some common sense tips to remember too. Never take cash on your first visit if you’re visiting as a buyer – you wouldn’t walk around with a lot of money in your pocket at any other time so make sure the seller is aware you aren’t there to purchase immediately and avoid any risks of theft. Make sure that you also stay with the buyer at all times, and don’t leave them along with the car (or the keys and the car!): it sounds a bit suspicious but it’s important to remember that not everyone is as honest as we would like them to be. In a similar vein, if your buyer would like to take the car for a test drive, make sure you accompany them and sit in the front of the vehicle to ensure your car’s safety – and your own.

Generally, people who are looking to buy a second hand car are also looking to get a great deal and a simple transaction; following simple safety rules will ensure you don’t get caught out and make your selling experience as easy as possible!