How To Sell Your Car Safely

Avoid Risk With A Few Simple Steps 

West Herr would love to buy your car from you, but if you'd prefer to sell it on your own be safe about it  

That may sound fairly obvious and common sense, but some of the horror stories about private online sales through such sites as Craigslist would shock you.  A thorough screening process will make your private care sale much safer.

We won't get into those here, but Phillip Reed of Edmund's has sold over 50 cars online.  He also spoke to police and, interestingly enough, real estate agents for tips on meeting with strangers to sell goods. 

Here's what he found out:

1.  Don't go to a meeting alone. It's that simple, says Rico Fernandez, a sergeant with the Long Beach Police Department in California. "Take someone with you. People are less apt to harm you if there is someone else there."  Also meet in a public place such as a mall parking lot. 

2.  Tell the caller you will want to see a driver license before the test-drive. This might discourage anyone with criminal intentions from going any further.

3.  Refuse any unusual requests, such as driving the would-be buyer to another location. Often, such a request is framed in terms of getting the money or arranging a loan to finish the sale. 

4.  Accompany the buyer on the test-drive. This ensures that he can't just drive off with your car, never to be seen again. Furthermore, the buyer may be unfamiliar with the area and will need directions for the test-drive.

5.  This is a big one:  Once the deal is complete and the car is out of your hands, immediately file a "release of liability" form with the registry of motor vehicles. Then, if it's used in a crime, you won't be held responsible.

Be safe and good luck!