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2023 Audi S5 — safest way to handle a test drive with a stranger

OldSchoolCommuter155Community StarterJun 14, 20262023 Audi S5 SportbackDetroit
2023 Audi S5 Sportback, about 60,000 miles. I am selling privately for the first time. I want serious buyers to drive the car but do not want to be careless with keys, insurance, license info or where we meet. What is a sensible process?
apr
8.22
location
Detroit
trade in
ppi planned
term months
36
asking price
36000
dealer doc fee
199
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7 replies

WrenchEnthusiast541Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 14, 2026permalink
I'd treat this like cash with a paper trail. Bill of sale, VIN, odometer, and names matching the title — I'd want all four on the 2023 Audi S5. I'd do that before spending real money. On “safest way to handle a test drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the sequence I'd use. That's my plan before I call anyone.
HighwayDIYerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJun 15, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Independent PPI on the 2023 Audi S5 is cheap insurance versus a seller who “already had a friend look at it.” That's where I'd start. This is from a 2023 Audi S5 in Detroit with 60,000 miles. When does it actually happen? Calling insurance in the morning before I reply to the desk.
UsedCarBuilder830Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 15, 2026permalink
Private-party deals fail on paperwork, not vibes. A rushed deposit before you can inspect the 2023 Audi S5 is enough reason to walk. I'd do that before spending real money. This is from a 2023 Audi S5 in Detroit with 60,000 miles. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. I'll update if anything new shows up.
TruckLearner280Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 16, 2026permalink
I'd push back a little: If the 2023 Audi S5 still shows a lien, coordinate payoff with the lender before any cash changes hands. That's where I'd start. This is from a 2023 Audi S5 in Detroit with 60,000 miles. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. I'll update if anything new shows up.
UsedCarBuilder830Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 15, 2026permalink
Title status is the whole conversation. Bill of sale, VIN, odometer, and names matching the title — I'd want all four on the 2023 Audi S5. I'd do that before spending real money. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. Going to re-read the worksheet tonight.
ColdStartDIYer320Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 15, 2026permalink
I'd treat this like cash with a paper trail. A rushed deposit before you can inspect the 2023 Audi S5 is enough reason to walk. Then you'll know the next fork. On “safest way to handle a test drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. I asked for the buyer’s order in email, not a text.
MarketHunter747Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 15, 2026permalink
Title status is the whole conversation. Bill of sale, VIN, odometer, and names matching the title — I'd want all four on the 2023 Audi S5. That's where I'd start. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I'd rather be boring and correct. I'll post OTD once I have two apples-to-apples sheets.
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