Hi!

Thanks for prepping the ZT for the journey, a very smooth run.
Already seen your ad for the Sterling and hopefully given it a boost.

Trying to interest my brother in the Sterling at the moment.

SFS. I'll now consider offers around the £1200 mark.

I've dropped the price now to £995 and that is that, not a penny less. I realise we're getting to that horrible time of year and I want it away before the end of Nov, I'll give it another week then it's going on ebay. Surely someone should be biting my hand off!!

I was trying to convince one of my pals earlier today but to no avail

Someone's coming to view the car on Thursday. What's the procedure? I've never sold a car private before, do I let them drive it? Do I ask to see their licence and insurance? Obviously I won't let them drive the car without me in it!

Be honest about the car, but tell them everything good about it! If I'm looking at buying a car I want to deal with someone who's upfront about any foibles, faults or upcoming repairs/maintenance that it'll need - the car should be priced accordingly. If it isn't, and I spot something untoward which the seller hasn't mentioned and should really be aware of, I'm much more likely to walk away. However, there's no need to undersell it either. You know why it's special, you know why you bought it in the first place, you know if it's had any significant maintenance (such as belts/clutch etc) recently - all of these are plus points, so don't be afraid to let them know.

People will probably try to haggle and if you're happy to accept a bit less than your asking price, decide on your bottom line beforehand and be assertive with it - simply dismiss any stupidly low offers and let them see you're not there to be a walkover.

Try and give them as much time as they want to look it over - maybe even point out that you haven't warmed the engine up prior to their arrival (so they can see it starts first time from cold), encourage them to look under the oil cap for mayonnaise, to check the inner side of the tyre for uneven wear, etc etc etc. This shows you are confident they won't find any faults.

It can be useful to see their driving licence and insurance before they take the car out - any time I've looked at a possible car purchase from a private seller, I've offered to bring them with me when arranging the test-drive, just to show goodwill. If you think that's necessary, best to mention it on the phone beforehand, to save any trouble. If this has been agreed and then the prospective purchaser turns up without them - or if for any other reason you "smell a rat" - you can politely but firmly explain that without a security deposit you can't let them drive the car themselves, but will happily take them out for a spin as a passenger and do any accelerating/braking demonstration where it's safe to do so while they sit in the passenger seat. It's still your car till the money is handed over and the documents have changed hands!

Hope it all goes well & you get what you're looking for it. :}

If you think they are unsure, or the conversation dries up a little, I always found a good question starter, has been, 'what do you think of it?' There will be sucking of teeth, and hmmm ing and ha ing, they will start trying to ask questions directed at where they can knock you down in price. This is where you become enthusiastic. You know the bad points on these cars. Tell them, if they dont already know. Tell them each one, where you have corrected, or know them to be fine. Dont be frightened to mention things that may need doing. But mention how easy it is to sort out, but you didnt have the time to do it, or get it done yet. Mention how easy it is to get support and spares for the car (this forum, specialist traders etc).

Dont fill the car up before hand, but dont have the light showing either.
Give the car a rub down (as in a clean, not massage lol) before they arrive. Spray vinyl and rubber care or similar on the tyres (it is amazing how clean, blackened tyres make the rest of the car look good).
Take everything out of the car, it gives the impression that the person can drive away in it as soon as they hand over the cash.
Do not give the car away because they have cash, it is easy to be sucked in, when the paper is waved in front of you. As mentioned before, set your price mentally, and dont drop below it. You have obviously put a lot of effort and money into it. If you have it advertised for (as an example) £1200, and your bottom line is £1000, and they say 'what is the least you will take for it'. Do not say £1000. They may try then to go to £900 or less maybe. My reply has always been not to suggest my lowest price, but to say'I think it is worth £1200, especially with all of the work I have put into it, what were you thinking?' Then you know where they are with it, and can negotiate to where you want to be. If they say they would have preferred leather, or some other feature it doesnt have, remind them leather interiors can be picked up for peanuts, but the car is still priced accordingly.
(and I am sure it goes without saying, cash - feel for it being real notes, count it too. A cheque - make sure it clears before handing over the keys).

One thing most important of all, that has been skirted around. BE SAFE! Try to have someone around when they call.

Good luck!

Hi Anna, I would totally agree with the above advice. The only thing I would add is be safe. You don't know who you are inviting to your home, so if you can, have a friend or family member with you. Particularly when you go on the test drive. I'm sure you've already considered this so the only thing left to say is good luck with the sale.

Sorry Alan, just noticed you put the same info on the bottom of your post.

Thanks everyone, will let you know how it goes. I'm hoping for a kindly elderly gentleman with a pipe and comfy shoes. :D