Overhaulin'

Best way to sell your car privately, and pitfalls to avoid?

Howdy All. We have a Honda Pilot. It's a nice car, but I've been thinking of selling it for awhile and then the gas crunch hit. I was going to trade it for something smaller, but am getting super low estimates from dealers, and I'm sure I could do at least a little better than that. So, what are the things you need to do to make the process as easy and safe as possible for both the buyer and you? We usually keep our cars until they're pretty old, then trade them in when they're not worth much more anyhow. I don't want to have anyone trying to pull any craziness on us, so I'll put FIRM next to the price in the paper, but am sure there are tons of other things that come up that we won't know until we actually start. Thanks so much for your help!

Public Comments

1. This is now thought of as a gas guzzler. With gas going to $5 per gallon, no one wants to be stuck with a poor mileage car even if it is a Honda. So be sure to find accurate estimates of its value. When you get a buyer, only take cash. No checks. Good luck.
2. SuperGeek, I've had success using both Yahoo Autos and Craigslist. Pitfalls - make certain the people pay you with a valid form of payment. Today's printers can print good looking cashier's checks. Arrange to go to your bank with their form of payment. Also, have your mechanic go over the car and certify it has good brakes, tune-up, etc. That is an excellent selling feature. Additionally - ensure you have a good price on your car. Firm is a big turn-off, I don't recommend putting that next to the price. Good luck, "Ranger"
3. just run an add on it and put what you want for it,and then go from there with it,be sure to accept only cash no checks,and make sure the people who buy it understand its being sold as is,no warranty,i have sold a lot of them like this,but be careful of who test drives it make sure they have a valid drivers license,i once had a 15 year old come to test drive one with no license or nothing,so be careful on that part of it,other wise run the add and answer the phone on it,you will sell it ,good luck.