What all do I need to to know to sell my old Tacoma?

So after 18 years of adoration for my first-gen, I've finally upgraded to a new TRDOR, and I'm selling a used vehicle for the first time.

I hit the DMV's site for the basics (title will need signed, odometer disclosure, proof of emissions passing), but what else do I need to look out for?

Things like:
- I'm sure no-one takes a personal check, what are the best means of payment (guessing cash or cashier's check)?
- Do you let potential buyers test drive it? I'm only available a couple of days a week so it'd have to be scheduled, do you ride with them if they take it for a spin?

I'm sure there are other things to consider, I'd really like to know what your experiences have been. Whether you've bought OR sold, what are the things to look out for?

 

In the Front Range you're supposed to have the vehicle emissions tested and give the buyer the Air Care Colorado print out.

Every vehicle before the truck I have now I bought with cash and every car or truck I've ever sold cash was given. Always private party. Never had anything as new as my 2008, though.

We used a personal check to buy the one we have now, but that was at a dealership. First time I ever bought one from a dealer in 2015.

I'd suspect the value of your '98 is low enough that cash is reasonable still. If not, I would consider cashier's check if you meet at the buyer's bank (I'd personally cash it on the spot, but if not so you can verify the funds) or something similar, USPS Money Order, perhaps.

I usually don't offer nor accept deposits, you're either serious or you're not and I don't want to get into a question of "I gave you $200." "No you didn't." I would accept someone's word that they want it but didn't bring cash with them, maybe arrange to meet in a day or two. It's a bad idea to carry that much cash just randomly and if it's a weekend you gotta wait until a bank opens. I understand.

You have to let a buyer drive the truck I think, but you go along for sure.

 

I know when my Brother in law sold cars he would keep their Drivers License (Verified it was actually them as well) when they "test drove" it.

 

always ride with and only trade for gold.

 

I would recommend that you conduct the transaction at the purchasers bank. You can verify that they have funds and cash the check on the spot.

Also, always, always, take your plates. I've got a friend who thought they would be nice and let them keep them so that they could go get their own plates. In short, not only is it illegal to not take your plates but it took my friend about 4 months to finally get things resolved.

I also agree with riding with and... only trade for gold.

 

I consigned a car for sale recently and had a really good experience with it. I'm sure it highly depends on who you find to do it, but you'll get better value than a trade in, and the dealer will take care of the replying to all the email questions, test drives, dmv paperwork, etc. Of course, they'll want a commission on it...

Just an idea if you're short on time.

 

CarMax?

 

I've only bought two cars from a dealer and sold the first one private party. The eventual buyer showed up to a neighborhood garage sale early in the morning. Asked to test drive it, and I let him (and his wife, who apparently were buying for their son) but they left the car they came in at my place. Obviously it was a gut call based on the situation at the time, because I wouldn't have let just anyone take it for a spin. They came back, agreed to buy it, gave me a deposit (whole deal was cash, $750 I believe, things might have been different if it was more - cashier, no personal or if I did personal I wouldn't release until funds cleared), and to address Dave's concern we wrote up a quick sales receipt/contract that specified the deposit amount and total price, both signed it and I made a copy. Within a week, I met them at the county offices to do the transfer - it wasn't necessary, but made things easier for all involved. I don't know what or if emissions proof was required back then, but my current registration at the time covered that. I could also just sign the title over right there, collect my plates before we even went in, and they got new ones and had it registered all at the same time. As soon as the clerk said they were done with me, I left with the rest of cash in hand, and knew that even if something happened as soon as they left it wouldn't be in my name anymore (no after-sale delay of registration or anything).

I did most of my research into what it took to sell via the state and county websites, which it looks like you've already done.