I sold a car to a Finnish buyer about 3 weeks ago (50% wired to my bank in advance), balance on collection.

Like Waylander, I collected the buyer from Stansted and the balance was paid in cash over the counter at a local branch of my bank.

They have sophisticated counting machines that will identify counterfeit notes and once they've accepted the money, credited your account and given you the receipt, you're home and dry.

I'd definitely recommend doing it like this to take out any risk of funny money. To be honest, the same principle could equally apply for UK sales, I guess.

By the way, you don't just fill in the Export section of the V5, the guidelines (http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum.../dg_065264.pdf) state:

"What to do if you are selling your vehicle privately to someone that does not have a GB address
You should fill in sections 6 and 10 with the new keeper’s name and address. Both you and the new keeper (buyer) must sign and date the declaration in section 8. Give the whole V5C to the new keeper to aid registration abroad.
You should then send a signed letter to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AG giving the vehicle’s registration number, the make and model of the vehicle, the date of sale or transfer, and the name and address of the new keeper.
Once we know about the change of keeper, you should receive an acknowledgement letter to confirm that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. "

I sent my letter, along with a copy of the signed bill of sale, but haven't heard back yet.

Hope this helps.

Loving life with the Crossfire!

UKCF