Share This Post!

Selling a car is a daunting task, especially when you are trying to sell it privately. You not only have to find potential buyers but also have to take care of all the documentation, ensure the safe transfer of payment, and make sure all necessary steps are done, all the while trying not to get scammed. 

So, to make this process a little easier, we offer you a small guide on how to sell a used car safely in Ireland, without taking unnecessary risks. 

1. Getting Things Ready

The very first step is getting everything ready. This includes anything from cleaning your car to taking care of all the paperwork. You have to make sure that your car is in such good condition that it gives a buyer peace of mind.

After all, nobody wants to buy a dirty old car that has oil leaks. Paperwork like a vehicle registration certificate (logbook) is important as proof of ownership, and they are also necessary for handing over the ownership. 

Offering your car in the right condition with proper paperwork will also show you are a sincere and honest seller.

2. Determining the Right Price

Figuring out the right asking price will make you a genuine seller who knows his/her vehicle’s worth.

If you are having a hard time figuring out the value, look online for similar vehicles for reference. You can also visit car selling websites like https://carsboughtforcash.ie/, Simply submit your vehicle’s details and get a free evaluation for your car.

3. Advertisement-Both Online and Offline

The most crucial step for a seller is advertising. An advertisement should be simple, attractive, easy to read, and it should give all the necessary information.

Since your advertisement is your car’s first impression, putting up a good advertisement, online or offline makes it far more appealing.

Either way, the aim is to let people know that you are selling your car. You can also make a simple post and put it on social media, text friends, or even put up a poster.  Or you can visit our website and sell your vehicle in three easy steps

Visit the site, enter the registration number, fill in the details e.g. registration number, type of vehicle, make and model, then upload images of your vehicle and you are done!

4. Avoiding Scammers

When selling your car, you are approached by three types of people. People that are just inquiring, those who genuinely want to buy, and scammers that have nothing better to do.

Some scammers will scam you with false transactions, scammers with fake selling websites will try to get you to submit your bank details and some will take a test drive, which will be the last time you ever set eyes on your vehicle.  

While there is no proven way to perfectly identify a scammer, you can take few precautionary steps to be safe.

  1. Try to avoid any deals that sound too good to be true.
  2. Stay away from international buyers asking for shipping fees.
  3. Never sell to anybody willing to buy your car without even visiting it.
  4. Avoid cheques, use cash or a bank transfer.
  5. Don’t be alone while meeting them, take family or friends with you.
  6. Go along with them on the test drives.
  7. Avoid sharing any personal details except the ones necessary.

Another way to avoid scammers is to visit a genuine online website. We at Cars Bought for Cash arrange a meeting with you at your convenience, and ensure that you have a safe and fruitful selling experience. 

5. Payment Before Handing Over Ownership

The last transaction of the sale is where most people can get scammed in several ways. This is why it is always preferred to confirm the last payment before handing over the ownership of the car. No matter the mode of payment, check your bank account, confirm the transaction, then and only then offer the keys. 

Finalising the Car Sale

Once the final payment is done and the key is handed over, there are a few things you need to do. Since you are selling your car privately, you and the buyer will have to fill out the log book declaring the transfer of ownership and then post the RF 101 to the department of transport in Shannon Co. Clare.

With the completion of this process, you have finalised the sale and have both legally and safely sold your vehicle successfully.  

Congratulations! On to a new one!