Help on selling car on Craigslist.

[bunnys]

I am currently in the process of purchasing a new car. I don't want to trade my current car in bc I know I'd lose $1500. over selling it myself.

I want to sell it on Craigslist but am afraid of being a victim of crime.

I had thought of
1--meeting in a public place.
2--requiring the purchaser bring their license and copy of license and then I keep their original license as they take test drive (without me in car) while they take the photocopy of their license with them to do test drive.
3--requiring they pay cash upon deal. We then drive in our respective cars to my bank. Go into bank together and deposit money for car then I sign title over to new owner.

Is this workable? Is there some glaring safety issue here I'm not seeing? I don't want to be knifed, stuffed in my trunk and left to die in the heat. I also don't want them driving off in my car never to be seen again.

I'm really a little nervous here. But don't want to lose money in a trade-in.

Any suggestions?

[Rogar]

I have been along with a friend who has bought a couple of cars off Craig's list. I think what people have done for the test drive is to ask for his car keys as security. I guess if the person is driving a clunker that's not much help. You might also consider what you will do if the person wants to have a mechanic check out the car. I think for Craig's list it's almost a given that the deals are cash transactions. I think my friend has paid with a cashiers check which I would think is OK as long as the person seems decent. I might also draft up some sort of bill of sale to be signed by both parties? I would guess there are some examples online

[ctg492]

Son just sold his truck on Craigslist. I was scared to be honest, though both sons deal on Craigslist for stuff. He is living here now so it was my home where the truck. He placed the ad and my rules were. Garage doors shut, meet on the road. He had the receipt all written up, title ready and was ready to ask for license, but did not have too. The person buying was just as concerned as me I guess. That man asked for title to view first, son's ID for proof of who he was, arrived with cash and had all his ID and insurance in order.

[redfox]

All you're suggesting, and bring two friends with you as well.

[Rogar]

I don't want to distract from the topic, but isn't Craig's list where most people sell used cars these day. The last time I sold a car was 12 years ago and it was almost all by newspaper ads then.

[ljevtich]

Craigslist is where we sold my Saturn, my ATV, and my husband's motorcycle. It is an excellent way to buy and sell vehicles. We have bought Trucks and our current RV on Craigslist.

You need to make sure to do it properly, with lots of pictures and a full description.

You should go with them for the drive around. You are not a dealer, and you do not have the insurance in case they drive off with your vehicle.

It should be cash. Nothing else.

Do it in a safe neighborhood. If your neighborhood is not safe, do it at a friend's house.

Do not respond to the emails saying, is it sold yet? They are just harvesting the emails. And especially do not go for a check, of any kind, especially those that will go over and above the price. Those are scams. Do not hold it for someone. If you have priced it right and the car is in good working order, it should go quick.