Overhaulin'

Is it safe to sell car to used car dealer like landmark?

I am selling my car before I am leaving the area. The used car salesman said he could write me check and we exchange the title when I drop off the car. After having read so many bad experiences, I am a little worried. What should I do to protect my rights?

Public Comments

1. If you have a bill of sale, and it is a company check, there should be no problem if it is a dealership. Ideally, you would hold the check for 10 days to make sure it cleared, but take the check directly to their bank and cash it, even their bank charges you a fee, it will cost less than having their check bounce and having to take legal action against them. Get everything in writing, an actual bill of sale that you sold them the vehicle, and fill out the title with their name as purchaser (you can leave the amount sold blank).
2. There are no rights for you to really protect if you are selling to a dealer…it all about price. A dealer is looking to buy at wholesale prices. Of course you will make more money selling to a private party but that takes more time and actually carry more risk because you are not familiar with the car selling process. Whatever you do, protect yourself by signing a release of liability form when you sell to anyone. TS
3. if the dealership is a reputable dealer or business you shouldn't have any problems. the only thing they could do is write you a bad check or cancel the check after you gave it to you. so you could ask for a money order or certified check. or just go and cash it when they give it to you at their bank.