Overhaulin'

How does payment work when you sell a car privately?

My husband is trying to sell his car online and isn’t sure how the process works. He doesn’t feel comfortable just accepting a money order for thousands of dollars and letting them drive off in the car. How do people verify that the deal is legit?

Public Comments

1. Cash. Personally, I would require cash in my hand. I guess some people would use "PayPal." But your instincts are correct - do not accept a money order. They are very easy to counterfeit.
2. cash or certified cheque
3. just cold hard cash, no checks no nothing.
4. Go through PayPal...or get a cashier's check, or cash
5. lmfao if its a money order ITS NOT LEGIT ITS A NIGERIAN!!!!! people who buy online meet in person and pay cash..... BEWARE THE NIGERIANS! LOL! google car money order scam http://www.used-car-advisor.com/car-buyer-scam.htm
6. A Money Order is backed money... I don't see the problem here... it is as good as cash... so just don't accept any personal checks. oh that's right, i forgot, normal people can't read a fake by looking at watermarks and such. cash is your best option, or paypal ... happy fuckers?
7. WRITTEN Contract is the best, most reliable way. Then, if they don't pay up you take them to court. You'd have a guaranteed win.
8. CASH ONLY!
9. When I sold a car, I received cash. Cash money on the barrel head, make sure you have a detector pen for counterfeits.
10. C A S H
11. you might want to get a tittle with it as well
12. I would require cash.
13. Have them get a cashier's check from the bank, it is as good as cash. Make sure the amount is right, made out to the right name, accurate date, etc. If still skeptical, you can also write them a bill of sale and not give them the car until the check clears with your bank.
14. Get that money order cashed before letting someone drive off with the car. Type up a written aggreement for the sale, including all parties' names, car details including year make and model, VIN, and mileage (and any current damage, if significant). Both parties should sign it, and that should also act as a bill of sale. Don't worry about being too protective, if the buyer has an issue with you cashing the check with them, then look for another buyer.
15. The best way is by direct electronic transfer of funds. Or by Certified Bank Draft. Tell the buyer to meet you at your bank and handle the transaction right there with a bank manager present. They can validate any electronic transaction or Bank Draft immediately. I would not accept any paper from an individual unless it was cash. Any other form is too easily counterfeited.
16. Most, 99% of private sellers, will either demand cash or a cashier's check (if your taking out a loan). Very rarely will they take individual payments.