Some questions about selling a car

September 24, 2009 9:01 AM

Car selling questions: (1) Is there any reason for me, as a seller, not to disclose the VIN in a car ad, say on Craigslist? A Carfax lookup would reflect favorably on this car, but I don't know if there are "car identity thief" issues here. I know dealers list VINs all the time. (2) What is considered a reasonable precaution if someone wants to take a test drive or have their mechanic inspect the car? I'm not sure what would stop a thief from asking for a test drive and then never coming back. This is an older model car so I don't have any loss/damage coverage, but I'm guessing I should until it's sold.
posted by crapmatic to Work & Money (9 answers total)

The answer to (2) varies. It's reasonable to have the car checked out by a mechanic, so you need some provision to handle it. If you're uncomfortable in letting the buyer take the car to their mechanic, offer to take it to there yourself.
posted by hwyengr at 9:09 AM on September 24, 2009

Anecdote: I recently bought a used car from a Craigslist seller. The seller listed the VIN, and allowed me to take the car on a test drive alone. The latter surprised me, but I left my old car in his driveway, so he had a fair assurance that he could find me again if I took off with his car. I suppose a particularly dedicated thief might show up in a stolen crappy car, then steal the nicer car, but that seems like a lot of effort.

I'm not sure I would have trusted me, had I been in the same circumstances -- and definitely not if I hadn't left my old car.
posted by Alterscape at 9:13 AM on September 24, 2009

Photocopy their driver's license before you let them test drive the car.
posted by muddgirl at 9:15 AM on September 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

I've taken two cars to mechanics for pre-purchase checks before selling them, on behalf of the seller. It works well -- I asked them to tell me what mechanic they'd like to use, then call and make the appointment myself.

Also, for test drives, either I go along, or I keep the keys to their current car, or their driver's license.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 9:17 AM on September 24, 2009

I know a guy who lost a car to a thief this way. It's not just thieves you have to worry about though. Years ago a salesman at a dealership took my truck for a test, and decided to check out the clutch. He must have put the vehicle up against a curb or something and dropped the clutch, shearing three of the four bolts holding the driveshaft. I guess the clutch was good. He brought the truck back, said "What's that funny noise?" and promptly left for a long lunch. Needless to say, I didn't buy my new car from that dealer.

On the other hand, I went with a guy who was test driving another of my vehicles, and he nearly killed me turning left against highway traffic.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 9:40 AM on September 24, 2009

I would bet that some people who shop for cars via Craigslist don't know or care about the importance of the VIN. But if you don't include it you lose out onpotentiwl buyers who do understand its importance.

Accordingly i don't understand why you wouldn't include it.
posted by dfriedman at 10:20 AM on September 24, 2009

2) - Agree on photocopy of driver's license, holding their car keys and license.

Would add:

- meet them in the visitors parking section at your local police station where the test drive will commence and end.
posted by de void at 10:42 AM on September 24, 2009

I know dealers list VINs all the time.

I believe that's more of an advertising legal requirement. The dealer has to prove that there's actually a car for sale at their super amazing advertised price. That keeps them from lying to get people on the lot.
posted by sideshow at 11:10 AM on September 24, 2009

I can't see any reason why you wouldn't include the VIN in the ad. I've always gone along on rides when selling my car. After showing your car a few times you'll definitely be able to spot the people who are really interested and those who are just there to kick tires. Don't feel like you need to waste your time equally with everyone.

When I bought my last car I had the owner take it to a mechanic of my choosing for an inspection, with the understanding that I'd pay for the service--it was the final step before I purchased it.
posted by danny the boy at 11:26 AM on September 24, 2009