Amongst the hype surrounding selling your car, all the marketing signs point towards, “getting the best cash price”, “sell quick and fast”, and “hassle-free selling.” These taglines generally sway towards the perceived positivity and the effortless transaction you can expect. Of course, this is what every seller wants when selling or trading in their vehicle. But in reality, not every experience pans out exactly like this.
Rarely, if ever, do we talk about the grey area surrounding lowball deals, potential scammers, or offers that just don’t feel justifiable. That is, until now. There is no shame in backing out of a deal if you don’t feel entirely comfortable.
We look at a number of scenarios where you should stick to your guns and say “No thanks” to a deal or offer you believe is not worth your time or attention when selling your car.
A potential deal stinks of ‘scam alert’
It is astonishing that so many people still fall for the oldest tricks in the con book. Unfortunately, with the growth of online sales, this has become more commonplace. Under the veil of online anonymity, selling your car can often lead you to scammers looking to ‘purchase’ your vehicle through devious methods.
Keep a careful eye out for requests such as the following:
- A prospective buyer who wants to pay by cheque
- A potential buyer who refuses to meet you at your residence or a public space
- A buyer who wants to transfer a large sum of money in advance, without prompt.
- A buyer who is willing to pay more than your asking price
- Someone who claims to be “abroad at the moment” but will pay online, without seeing the car.
Don’t be fooled by fake Proof of Payments, Email receipts, and unusual, colour-coded ID documents. If you pick up any red flags during communication, just walk away before you get burnt.
Selling your car to someone who drives a hard bargain
In any transaction, there’s a fine line of negotiation in which you are willing to drop your price. However, if a buyer sends a message claiming that your car is not worth the asking price – to justify a discount – politely decline to deal any further with them. Often, they are fully aware of its value and are attempting to drive your selling price down in order to re-sell your car for far more. Beat these chancers by having your car inspected and valued in advance.
Negotiating a major discount due to minor damage
This is not just a private sale dilemma but also something you may encounter at a local dealership. If a potential buyer is trying to justify superficial damage to pay significantly less, stand your ground. Selling your car can be difficult enough without being offered ridiculously low deals. Do your homework; get your car pre-inspected and valued. This gives you better room at the negotiation table and a more realistic picture of your car’s actual worth.
Sell under the ‘no-obligation’ principle!
Despite the occasional chancers and frustrations around selling your car, it can be a breeze for many.
Rule #1 – always remember that you are in control and under no obligation to sell your used vehicle for a price that you are not entirely satisfied with.
Rule #2 goes without saying – if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
To ensure that you do get the best cash price – without the hassle and uncertainty – we recommend selling your car on a reputable and secure online marketplace that gives you complete control over your final selling price. Above all else, make sure that the amount that lands in your bank account is a fair exchange for the used vehicle you are saying goodbye to.
