Selling your car to a private individual: instructions

1. Selling your car to a private individual: the law and hidden defects

It is essential to consult the Civil Code when selling your car to a private individual. The buyer, for his part, can request the cancellation of the sale if he discovers hidden defects. He then has two years to do so. To be valid, these defects must affect the car sold in such a way that it is unable to function as it should.

For its part, the seller can partially protect itself when reselling a car to a private individual, by stating in the contract that the vehicle is sold “as is, and without warranty.” If the car breaks down a few months after the sale, the buyer will not be able to turn against you.

2. Be honest!

It’s only natural to want to sell your car privately as quickly as possible. The vehicle should look great. You’ll have a much better chance of selling a perfectly clean car than one that hasn’t been vacuumed.

However, avoid crude staging, which won’t fool even the most knowledgeable interested parties. Naivety has its limits! As long as you’re not trying to defraud your interlocutor, you have nothing to worry about. But it’s better to stay within the law and not make your vehicle look better than it is.

In the event of deception, the buyer has the option of resorting to Article 1641 of the Civil Code cited above and therefore filing a complaint. It is important to gain a buyer’s trust when selling your car to a private individual because it is easier to negotiate.

3. The road test: an essential step

Selling cars privately is a delicate process, and to detect even the slightest mechanical defect, it’s best to perform a test drive. A flawless bodywork can also hide worn-out mechanics. It’s also possible that your contact chooses to drive on different types of roads.

Don’t refuse such an inspection, the buyer will then think you have something to hide, such as a noisy engine, a slipping clutch, a rusty gearbox, or difficult braking. To sell your car to a private individual, put all the chances on your side.

Make sure you keep your vehicle’s maintenance logbook in good condition , as the buyer has the right to consult it before purchasing.

4. Administrative procedures for selling your car to a private individual

 It’s best to handle these quickly after the sale to avoid any hassle. Indeed, if the buyer causes damage to the vehicle while you are still the owner, you will be liable.

You will need to provide the name of the new owner, the date and time of the sale, and the mileage at the time of the transfer.

5. Selling a car to a private individual: ensure secure payment

When selling a car privately, payment must be made quickly and securely. No matter how much you trust the person, it’s best to conduct the transaction directly. Payment remains the most delicate step in selling your car to a private individual.