Admitting defeat R75 Tourer V6 - Scotland *Tentatively sold* - Page 2

alanjay · 2nd November 2014, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGR South Devon

Glad to see you got to Scotland and back OK.
Sounds as if it was a trouble free journey.
I am about to put the 800 Sterling on here which you saw when you picked the MGZT
up.
Regards
Lynn

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.

lady zed · 8th November 2014, 17:02

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

lady zed · 9th November 2014, 16:10

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!!

Simondi · 9th November 2014, 16:15

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

lady zed · 11th November 2014, 20:47

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!

andymc · 11th November 2014, 23:07

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.

clf · 12th November 2014, 00:15

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!

shasbat3 · 12th November 2014, 07:40

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.

shasbat3 · 12th November 2014, 11:47

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

lady zed · 13th November 2014, 10:37

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

8th November 2014, 17:02	#12
lady zed This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: On the edge Posts: 6,659 Thanks: 1,354 Thanked 1,210 Times in 716 Posts	SFS. I'll now consider offers around the £1200 mark. __________________ it's all about the first person you want to tell good news to

9th November 2014, 16:10	#13
lady zed This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: On the edge Posts: 6,659 Thanks: 1,354 Thanked 1,210 Times in 716 Posts	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!! __________________ it's all about the first person you want to tell good news to

9th November 2014, 16:15	#14
Simondi Regional Secretary MGTF, MG ZS EV Exclusive Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kilwinning Posts: 14,046 Thanks: 1,460 Thanked 3,563 Times in 1,857 Posts	I was trying to convince one of my pals earlier today but to no avail __________________ Simondi FAQ How do you do that? Club Flyers Looking for a car seen in a film or on TV? Fancy a change in colour or wheels - paint configurator OBD - Trip Meter Ultimate Buyers Guide Post YouTube videos

11th November 2014, 20:47	#15
lady zed This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: On the edge Posts: 6,659 Thanks: 1,354 Thanked 1,210 Times in 716 Posts	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! __________________ it's all about the first person you want to tell good news to

13th November 2014, 10:37	#20
lady zed This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: On the edge Posts: 6,659 Thanks: 1,354 Thanked 1,210 Times in 716 Posts	Thanks everyone, will let you know how it goes. I'm hoping for a kindly elderly gentleman with a pipe and comfy shoes. __________________ it's all about the first person you want to tell good news to

11th November 2014, 23:07	#16
andymc Posted a thing or two Wedgewood Connie SE / Black Club SE Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Ballymoney Posts: 1,459 Thanks: 542 Thanked 583 Times in 365 Posts	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.

12th November 2014, 00:15	#17
clf This is my second home MG ZT CDTi Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: carrick Posts: 7,859 Thanks: 3,494 Thanked 2,657 Times in 1,973 Posts	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!

12th November 2014, 07:40	#18
shasbat3 Gets stuck in Jaguar S type. Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Reading Posts: 706 Thanks: 730 Thanked 197 Times in 155 Posts	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.

12th November 2014, 11:47	#19
shasbat3 Gets stuck in Jaguar S type. Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Reading Posts: 706 Thanks: 730 Thanked 197 Times in 155 Posts	Sorry Alan, just noticed you put the same info on the bottom of your post.