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Test drives are an essential part of private party car sales. Like vehicle history reports, they're a good idea for anyone looking to buy a used car. Offering test drives is a great way to close the deal when you're selling your vehicle to a private party.
But you may wonder how to safely arrange a test drive when selling your car. CarGurus shares key things you can do to protect yourself and your vehicle.
Before talking with potential buyers, plan a route for future test drives.
If you want to know how to safely arrange a test drive when selling a car, a key aspect involves weeding out potentially problematic buyers. You can do this by having phone conversations with them before agreeing to meet for a test drive. If you want to keep your real phone number private, get a Google Voice number for managing the transaction.
Once you feel good about meeting a shopper, set up a time for them to test drive your car.
When you schedule a test drive, ensure the buyer has a valid driver's license and will bring it with them. Then, when you meet, as an insurance policy, use your cell phone to take a picture of the person's license and immediately send it to a friend or family member.
While this may seem overly cautious, it serves two purposes. First, it ensures that someone you trust has relevant information about the test drive in case something happens. Second, it may come in handy to have the buyer's driver's license information for insurance purposes if there is an accident during the test drive.
You should accompany the prospective buyer on the test drive. Any other attendees can stay behind and wait for you and the shopper to return.
It's a safe way to handle things. Not only will this save you the anxiety of watching a stranger drive away in your car, but it will also offer you the opportunity to tell the potential buyer more about the car than you listed in the advertisement. However, don't do this too aggressively or without asking—behaving like a too-eager salesperson may backfire and irritate the shopper.
If the shopper wants to hear more, you have plenty of time to tell them everything you love about the car. If the shopper has a question about the steering feel, gas mileage, or any other details, you can be right there with an answer.
How do you trust someone to test drive your car?
You can decide if you can trust someone to test drive your car by talking to them on the phone beforehand. If they say anything that arouses suspicion, scrap the test drive and move on to another buyer.
What preparations should I make before scheduling a test drive?
Before scheduling a test drive, select a driving route that starts and ends in a public place. Also, make arrangements to have a friend or family member accompany you on the test drive.
Should I let a stranger test drive my car?
It's fine to let a stranger test drive your car. Test drives are a normal and accepted part of selling a vehicle to a private party. They can help you quickly sell the car and get the best asking price. However, you should take steps before the test drive to protect your safety, such as making a copy of the person's driver's license.
How do I protect myself when selling my car?
You can protect yourself from scammers when selling your car by screening buyers over the phone before meeting them in person. And if you're planning a test drive, schedule it during daylight hours and ensure it begins and ends in a public place. Also, have a friend or family member come with you for the test drive.
What recourse do I have if a driver damages my car during a test drive?
The dealer's insurance typically covers damages in test drives organized by a dealership. However, if the test drive is part of a private sale, it may be up to the private seller's car insurance to foot the bill if damage occurs.
As you consider how to safely arrange a test drive when selling your car, remember this: There's no need to be scared of letting someone get behind the wheel. If you listen to your instincts, meet in public, bring a friend, and take other basic precautions, you will stay safe during the selling process. Even better, you may close the deal thanks to that test drive.
Of course, if managing test drives on your own makes you feel anxious or overwhelmed, remember you have options other than a private sale.
You could sell or trade your car at a dealership. You likely won't get as much for a dealer trade-in as you might with a private party sale, but you will enjoy the peace of mind of dealing with a business rather than an individual. Or you could sell your car 100% online, which removes the inconvenience associated with a private sale.
This story was produced by CarGurus and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.