NightOwl Blog
Article 7/5/17
Be Safe When Selling or Buying a Used Car
Many people opt not to sell their car directly to a
private seller to avoid the hassles and to ensure their safety. Who wants to advertise their private phone
number for all the world to see on a “For Sale Flyer” in the window of your
car?
Safety issues concern women more than men, but both
genders can take precautions to be sure their safety isn’t compromised when
selling their cars or buying a used car from a private seller.
When
Selling Your Car
First things first! Use NighOwl to sell your car on your terms. You’ll avoid the hassle of late-night phone calls and the potential for calls from those who are interested in something other than buying your car. When using NightOwl, all the information a prospective buyer needs is disclosed on the NightOwl app. Your private phone number is kept private. A professional car flyer is created by NightOwl with options for a potential buyer to scan or text to get all the details.
First things first! Use NighOwl to sell your car on your terms. You’ll avoid the hassle of late-night phone calls and the potential for calls from those who are interested in something other than buying your car. When using NightOwl, all the information a prospective buyer needs is disclosed on the NightOwl app. Your private phone number is kept private. A professional car flyer is created by NightOwl with options for a potential buyer to scan or text to get all the details.
Screen
Buyers
Before agreeing to show your vehicle to anyone in person, screen prospects over the phone. Ask questions and trust your instincts if you feel something doesn’t feel right. Ask what the car will be used for and who will be the main driver. Ask where the buyer lives and other conversational questions as you gauge their interest. Don’t rush to the next step. You’ll want to establish trust for the person before you agree to meet. The more you engage in conversation, the more you get a “feel” for the caller.
Before agreeing to show your vehicle to anyone in person, screen prospects over the phone. Ask questions and trust your instincts if you feel something doesn’t feel right. Ask what the car will be used for and who will be the main driver. Ask where the buyer lives and other conversational questions as you gauge their interest. Don’t rush to the next step. You’ll want to establish trust for the person before you agree to meet. The more you engage in conversation, the more you get a “feel” for the caller.
The
Test Drive
It is best to have a male friend or relative be with you when showing the car in person and during a test drive. This is not a time to be stubbornly independent. Asking for a co-pilot is the safe thing to do. If more than one person comes, it is even more important to have another person with you. Meet in a public place rather than having the buyer come to your home.
It is best to have a male friend or relative be with you when showing the car in person and during a test drive. This is not a time to be stubbornly independent. Asking for a co-pilot is the safe thing to do. If more than one person comes, it is even more important to have another person with you. Meet in a public place rather than having the buyer come to your home.
Ask who will be taking the test drive. It should be the
person buying the car. Ask to see the
driver’s license and write down the name, address, date of birth, phone number,
and license number. Text this information to a friend along with the time and
meeting place for the test drive.
Schedule the test drive for daytime and pre-plan the
route so you travel on well-known and safe roads. Allow for about a 15-minute
test drive. Be sure to remove all valuables from the car before the in-person
meeting and/or test drive. Don’t agree to drive the buyer to another location to get
money or arrange a loan to complete the sale. Tell the prospect to call you
when he is ready to complete the deal.
The
Terms
Be upfront with what forms of payment are acceptable once you agree on a selling price. A certified bank check is the safest. Do not agree to payment plans. Know up front whether you will accept a down payment and for how long before the deal is completed. Have the bill of sale ready, but don’t sign it until you have been paid.
Be upfront with what forms of payment are acceptable once you agree on a selling price. A certified bank check is the safest. Do not agree to payment plans. Know up front whether you will accept a down payment and for how long before the deal is completed. Have the bill of sale ready, but don’t sign it until you have been paid.
After
the Sale
Once the sale is complete and the car is now in the hands of the new owner, immediately file a “release of liability” form with the registry of motor vehicles. Then, if it is in an accident or is used in a crime, you will not be liable.
Once the sale is complete and the car is now in the hands of the new owner, immediately file a “release of liability” form with the registry of motor vehicles. Then, if it is in an accident or is used in a crime, you will not be liable.
Fraud
Prevention
Some scam artists are out to steal your identity. Be sure to block out all personal information on vehicle maintenance reports or receipts.
Some scam artists are out to steal your identity. Be sure to block out all personal information on vehicle maintenance reports or receipts.
When
Buying a Used Car
Look for private sellers and dealers with a NightOwl For Sale flyer in the window. By downloading the NightOwl free app, you’ll be able to get all the information on the car before you agree to meet the owner in person. If you see a car you are interested in at a closed dealer lot, you can still get the information before you visit the dealer during operating hours to talk with a salesman.
Look for private sellers and dealers with a NightOwl For Sale flyer in the window. By downloading the NightOwl free app, you’ll be able to get all the information on the car before you agree to meet the owner in person. If you see a car you are interested in at a closed dealer lot, you can still get the information before you visit the dealer during operating hours to talk with a salesman.
Ask Questions
Prepare a list of questions about the car before you visit the seller. Get the seller’s contact information including email and phone number. Ask to see maintenance receipts and proof of ownership. When communicating by email, keep a paper trail so you have proof of any promises the seller makes, such as having something fixed before the sale.
Prepare a list of questions about the car before you visit the seller. Get the seller’s contact information including email and phone number. Ask to see maintenance receipts and proof of ownership. When communicating by email, keep a paper trail so you have proof of any promises the seller makes, such as having something fixed before the sale.
Check the Car Closely
The 17-digit VIN number on the dashboard must match the VIN on the car door. Be sure to check this out. If you see fresh paintwork, ask the seller to explain. Use CarFax to find out if the car has been in a collision. Check for signs of water damage -- rust, waterlines, and new upholstery. If this is the case, the car isn’t a good buy. It’s best to get an independent mechanic to inspect the car and report his or her findings to you.
The 17-digit VIN number on the dashboard must match the VIN on the car door. Be sure to check this out. If you see fresh paintwork, ask the seller to explain. Use CarFax to find out if the car has been in a collision. Check for signs of water damage -- rust, waterlines, and new upholstery. If this is the case, the car isn’t a good buy. It’s best to get an independent mechanic to inspect the car and report his or her findings to you.
In-Person Meeting and
Test Drive
Take someone along with you to see the car in person and for the test drive. Let the seller know that you are bringing a friend or spouse along. Meet in a well-lit public place and keep the test drive to well-trafficked streets. Be sure to let others know where and with whom you are meeting.
Take someone along with you to see the car in person and for the test drive. Let the seller know that you are bringing a friend or spouse along. Meet in a well-lit public place and keep the test drive to well-trafficked streets. Be sure to let others know where and with whom you are meeting.
Payment
Don’t pay by cash – use a payment method that is trackable such as PayPal or a certified bank check. Insist on a receipt that shows the price paid along with any other pertinent information.
Don’t pay by cash – use a payment method that is trackable such as PayPal or a certified bank check. Insist on a receipt that shows the price paid along with any other pertinent information.
Buying
and/or selling a car should be an exciting adventure – after all, when it’s
done, you have a new car to drive or money in-hand to go shopping for a new
vehicle for yourself! By following these tips, you’ll help to ensure that this
adventure is also a safe one!
Nice post,Thanks for sharing!!!
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