Is it time to sell your car? Whether it is old or fairly new, in excellent condition or is showing signs of age, you still want to get the best price for your car. There are a number of ways to ensure you get the best price one of which is presentation. Presentation includes cleaning your car from top to bottom, inside and out, fixing any small dents and scratches, and maximising any advertising you do so that you attract the best buyers. For more information about how to present your car and get the sale you want, check out Selling your Car. Once you have your car in prime selling condition, you need to know how to deal with potential buyers. Potential buyers fall into several categories; there are the time wasters, the experienced hagglers and the criminal element to name but a few. When you are selling your car, it pays to heed the warning ‘Beware of the buyer’. Arm yourself with information and the knowledge of how to deal with any type of buyer that comes to view your car.

Viewing your car

Most potential buyers will ask a whole load of questions about your car when they call. Buyers that are genuinely interested will ask questions about mileage, condition and reasons for selling. Beware of someone that calls and does not ask any questions.

Be prepared for people to have different manners on the phone. Some people are more direct than others but do not allow yourself to be pressurised. When you arrange a time with the potential buyer to view your car, make sure it is convenient for you. It helps to alleviate unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Be patient. If the buyer asks endless questions or repeats him/herself, try not to let it bother you. Timewasters generally do not turn up for viewings, so if the buyer shows up, chances are he/she is serious about your car.

Answer all their questions honestly and directly. Do not take any disparaging remarks they make about your car personally and do not get defensive. It could just be a ploy to haggle about price later.

Do not be intimidated if the buyer brings a friend along to view the car or a mechanic. This is a sign that the buyer is serious.

Test driving your car

Never, ever let the buyer take your car out on a test drive alone. They may just drive off and never come back.

Before the buyer goes out for a test drive, you need to make sure that the buyer has adequate car insurance. If they don’t, you will be liable for any accidents. Check with the buyer on the phone before they come and view the car that they have car insurance cover so that there’s no confusion.

Sit back and let the buyer decide where to take the car on the test drive. The buyer will most probably want to test your car on a range of road surfaces and at different speeds, which could take a while. The buyer might drive your car hard to test its capabilities. Try not to let it bother you. However, if you think they’re pushing your car too hard, you are within your rights to calmly ask them to tone down their driving.

Treat test drives with caution. If you get out of the car to change seats, never leave the keys in the ignition. This is the perfect opportunity for a thief to make off with your car.

The art of haggling

Whether you’re buying or selling a car, haggling is part of the process. Before you are drawn into haggling, set the best price you want and the minimum price you are willing to accept.

Work out a reasonable price for your car based on the make and model, its age and condition.

Haggling is a game of give and take. You need to strike a balance between the price you want without being too stubborn. Always consider offers. Considering an offer doesn’t mean you have to accept it but if you refuse outright, a potential buyer might just slip through your fingers. Haggling is about reaching an acceptable compromise so don’t feel pressured or bullied into accepting an unsatisfactory offer. If you feel out of your depth haggling with a potential buyer, ask a friend to support you.

Remember, you want to make money on the sale of your car. So, ensure the buyer has car insurance before you let them drive out the driveway. Most car insurance companies offer quick and easy car insurance quotes online. For a car insurance quote and more information about the types of car insurance available from Direct Line, visit http://www.directline.com/motor/welcome.htm