Drive the car yourself first, but be prepared to let the prospective buyer have a go - after all, would you buy a car that you hadn't driven? Use your instincts. If a whole gang come together to see your car, insist that only the one actually buying comes in the car with you.
Be flexible, and be prepared to haggle
Whatever the price guides say, your car is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. It's a good idea to ask a little more than you expect to get, to give you a bit to play around with.
Be prepared to knock off the costs of any repairs or replacement parts needed, but also bear in mind that some buyers will invent faults to get the price down.
Be patient if someone wants to have an AA, RAC or professional inspection carried out on your car - it shows they're serious. Be a little more suspicious about 'my mate who has a garage...' This mate could find all sorts of 'faults'.
Agree the deal
Take a deposit and set a time limit, i.e. a week. It's amazing how many people promise to come back the next day with the money and never show.
Do not release the car, the paperwork or the keys until the car has been paid for in full or a cheque has cleared, but do give the buyer a dated receipt for any deposit or cheques given. Any genuine buyer will not mind waiting. If the car is high-value, consider taking a banker's draft rather than a cheque. If the car is cheap, taking cash is the easiest and most secure option.
