safe location to meet a prospective car buyer/seller

In a police station parking lot.

Absolutely! Many police departments have areas set up in their parking lot with cameras for Craigslist, Ebay, etc. meetings. It makes both parties feel safe and there's little chance of anyone trying anything funny. Even after you leave on the test drive. The police have pictures of you both, your vehicles and license plate numbers. Hope that helps! Jim

This assumes you don't live in Cleveland or Portland.