Safest way to sell a car now days

[cmayna]

I need to sell one of our daily cars and with all the scams and robberies going on resulting from ads in craigslist, how the heck are you suppose to sell?

Just this morning on the news, two guys go to see a car for sale, make an offer, take the car for one more test drive and then puts a gun to the sellers head demanding him to get out of the car and off they go with his car.

But financially speaking, besides cash, what other means of payments are safe to accept? Bank draft? Cashiers check?

 

[AtlantaSteve]

Even Cashier's checks and such have been known to be forged. And you won't find out for 2 or more weeks while the banks try to figure it out! By then the car's long gone.

The only safe money these days is Dead Presidents, or go with them TO THE BANK and watch the cashier draw the check. Sucks, but dishonest people always ruin it for everyone else.

 

[DEL65]

Craig, you're a good judge of character, so I'm sure you'll know if a potential buyer is acting suspicious.

I prefer cash only so, you may want to buy one of those Sharpies that detects counterfeit bills.

When showing a car, I usually have another friend/family member present. Never alone.

I only let one stranger in the car during the test-drive.

 

[opentrackerSteve]

cah is preferred but I took a cashier's check from a gent who flew out to CA from NM to buy my Diesel Suburban. I suspected the cashier's check but he had his father in tow (good jewish boy). Everything worked out.

Del's right. you can judge character of people well. You're working with a specialty item (not!). Stil, my recommendation is to take your time and sell it on your terms! If you are not comfortable, wait or tell the potential buyer so!

 

[cmayna]

It's my sons Honda so unfortunately that type of car attracts the crooks and then some. I guess I might be paranoid but with all the issues happening around here via Craigslist, I cringe selling such a car. Thanks for the advice.