I would appreciate advice from wiser heads.

I may have found a buyer for my Morgan, but he is happy to wait until the end of lockdown to have it delivered. Others are interested in the vehicle and I would not want to lose them if he withdraws in the interim. Is insistence on a large (eg 10%) deposit the best way to lock him in or should I go to the trouble of setting up an escrow account and demanding full payment into that in advance?

Before you ask, I have offered to have the vehicle professionally delivered, but the prospective buyer is happy to wait and avoid the cost

I think this all boils down to trust.

If the individual is a long time Morgan owner and you have established a good relationship via Zoom or similar platform where you can "see the whites of their eyes" then I would personally be inclined to trust and ask for a securing deposit.

If there is any doubt at all in your mind about them, then I would ask for the whole amount, and explain very politely that you have had several other offers, but as a man of your word you have agreed a deal and will stick by it. However if this causes friction suggest that they could they possibly set your mind at rest by paying a larger amount now (say 50%?) and the rest on collection.

I faced a similar conundrum. In the end I had my mini delivered by the seller and transferred the funds while he was here.

We didn’t come close to each other and he left the car, keys and v5 in the car which was left parked outside our house. The ‘handover’ took about 5-10 mins max and we were never closer than the width of a road. After he left I donned gloves and a mask, windows down (not a problem with the Morgan) and drove it straight into my garage.

He was quite local and I know him well so that all helped

I would have thought if they were a genuine buyer a 10% deposit & note of sale would work. But it depends how long you think the lockdown lasts & how quickly you need the cash

I have just sold my KTM bike to someone in Devon, he offered to send a deposit to secure until the end of the lockdown. I am happy that he offered but will wait until he can collect.

We bought and sold a couple of cars in a similar manner during lockdown (end of March) the new one being delivered by VAG from Lancaster, we exchanged virtual money on the drive in both transactions to different parties it all worked well when selling Heathers both involving 10% deposits.

Trust and the feelings you get are your best guide, anyone committing to 10% I think you'll find will be genuine and I think your last line tends to confirm that.

Good Luck, looking forward to hearing about and seeing your new acquisition it's going to be big FUN

When selling a car its always worth considering including a Romalpa clause in the contract. A retention of title clause (also called a Romalpa clause in some jurisdictions) is a provision in a contract for the sale of goods that the title to the goods remains vested in the seller until the buyer fulfils certain obligations (usually payment of the purchase price). I usually stipulate that tittle to the vehicle only passes from the seller to the buyer when the seller receives cleared funds in their bank account or words to that effect.

regards

You are allowed to take your car for an MOT car service and repair. You can also buy a new car from a garage and pick it up but your not allowed to browse for a car. Buying a new car 200 miles away might be a stretch and is a grey area. As mentioned a 10% deposit seems very fair......Em

I would also get them on pick up to sign a receipt so you have time & date just in case the a camera catches the car speeding etc.

I believe you can now notify change of ownership to the DVLA on line.