How to Allow Test Drives When Selling a Car

Allow potential buyers the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a car you are selling. Buying a car is a major purchase and most consumers will not seriously consider a car without taking it for a test drive. However, there are a few things a seller should consider before handing over the keys.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Contact your insurance carrier to determine whether your policy allows for others to drive the car. This is usually not a problem. However, if this inclusion is not part of your policy, you will need to make sure the buyer has full coverage including collision, liability and comprehensive.

2. Preplan a familiar route that will give the buyer a variety of road types and speeds at which to drive the car. This will allow him to see how the car drives on different surfaces.

3. Meet the potential buyer in a public location during daytime hours to ensure your safety. Do not allow the buyer to come to your home.

4. Ask to see the buyer's license before he drives the car. The license should be issued in the state in which you reside.

5. Accompany the interested buyer on a test drive if you feel comfortable doing so. This will help ease your fears about a stranger driving your car and give you an opportunity to point out some of the car's great features.

6. Write down the potential buyer's name, address, cell phone number and driver's license number if you choose not to accompany him when he drives the car. This will allow you to locate him if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• The test drive gives you more time to sell your car. Point out features unique to your car or upgrades that you enjoy. It is also a good idea to fill the buyer in on all the reasons you decided to purchase the car. This information might also help to persuade him to buy the car.
• Make sure you can answer any questions that might come up during the test drive. It is important to be knowledgeable about the car you are selling.
• Be friendly and honest when selling a car. It is important that the buyer sees you as a responsible and organized person. This impression will help assure him that you have properly maintained the car.
• Always ask a friend to accompany you when meeting with a potential buyer. Your friend can either come along on the test drive or stay behind with a copy of your pre-planned route and the potential buyer's information.