14 Sep 01
Take a deposit and set a time limit, ie 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.
Sign and send off each relevant part of the V5 (log book), with the date of sale on it - you don't want to be held liable for any parking tickets or motoring offences the next owner might rack up. Then relax, count your money and enjoy your new car.
