selling a used car

[Silver_M6]

I amm in process selling a used car, boy alot more trouble than i thought.
I got ditched twice for showing the car and no heads up no phone calls.
Anyways i might have a potential buyer, and he wants me to bring the car to his mechanics to look at even my car is e tested and certified. Does that sounds reasonable?
He says he needs 3-4 weeks to get the money. I mean i hate to waste my time if he ends up not buying it. Should i ask for deposit?

anyone has more experience? thanks

[S.F.W.]

I would say let his mechanic take a look, that is fairly standard. As for the 3-4 weeks, only if he gives you a deposit.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

let his mechanic look at it, but make sure he is paying for it, not you.

[mleblond]

Make sure it's clear that it's a non refundable deposit. Figure out a % of the total price. And get him to sign on it. You don't want him to cheap you out in the end.

[Sean80]

tell him he can have it in 3-4 weeks if you havn't already sold it by then, otherwise make sure you get a substantial non-refundable deposit

[Wild Weasel]

Yeah, this all sounds reasonable. He pays his mechanic to look at it and you hold it only for a pre-set period of time with a significant (at least $500 I'd say) non-refundable deposit, and make sure you get the agreement in writing.

[Silver_M6]

so i should take deposit from him before i take the car to his mechanics? does that make sense? what if the mechanic doesn't like the car? not that i don't have confidence in my car.

[Wild Weasel]

No, take the car to his mechanic and let him look at it. Only take the deposit if he's going to buy it and expects you to hold it a couple weeks for him.

[S.F.W.]

take the deposit after the mechanic

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Also if you are willing to give him that long to scrap up the funds.. I would ask for a deposit of 20% nothing less.

Also on the 'agreement' give him a deadline to provide the rest or he risks losing the deposit, you don't want to be holding on to a car you need to sale for months, because he can't put together the money.

[Wild Weasel]

Yep. Have him sign a contract with a firm date so there's no argument later.