Somebody wants to buy my car without seeing it!

missile

Norman_Castle wrote: »

Assuming the second buyer will be paying cash on collection, whats to stop him changing his mind when, or if, he arrives?. .

+1

or offering less that you asked.

verityboo

Sold a car as a classified ad on ebay once where I agreed a price via e-mail, they travelled 200 miles to get the car, without even opening a door or looking inside paid me the agreed price cash, and then drive off the 200 mile home. The son was then going to travel a further 200 miles to following day to Uni

House_owner

Just a quick update - I sold the car to the man from 40 miles away - he came, had a thorough look at it test drove it. Then he gave me the money in cash, and drove away with it!

Quentin

Next time don't allow a test drive unless he proves he has insurance cover!

(And ask for a deposit in cash before he drives if he only has third party)

LincolnshireYokel

fivetide wrote: »

Actually having two copies of the reciept isn't a bad idea.

Ensure you write the date, reg number and importantly the time on it and sign both copies (get them to sign too).

That way if they 'test the performance' on the way home and get snapped by a camera they won't be able to claim it was you driving it and they only bought the car after the offence took place.

5t.

Exactly, you have to think of all the angles you can get caught out. I would even note the reg numbers of any vehicles he turns up in or on. With all due respect to ashleypride, hes being naive and far too trusting of a complete stranger, who may well have a different plan than just buying a car. Theres no harm in playing safe and covering your back just in case. 30 years in local government teaches you a thing or two about such things.

House_owner

Well, its done now. I have the cash and will be sending off the V5 form today, first class post. I also have his address as it is on the V5 form and a copy of the receipt which states that the car is sold as seen. Maybe I was ignorant about not asking him for proof of insurance, but you live and learn.

I couldn't get his car reg number, as he came up by public transport.

Incidentally when I brought the car I just sold, from a private buyer, he never asked me for proof of insurance when I test drove it, nor did I get asked for proof of insurance when I test drove the car I have just brought.

Thanks for your help everyone, next time I sell a car, I will know better what I am doing.

interstellaflyer

To be honest, I wouldn't worry too much, back in 2009 I sold a Y reg Audi A4 on Ebay, the buyer was Eastern European and lived in Rotherham, about 200 miles from me, the car went for £1700 with lots of faults and tax and MOT about to expire, the guy turned up with a couple of friends and a car transporter, happily paid up and loaded in onto the wagon and were on their way, that evening I got feedback basically saying he was over the moon with the car, and no it wasn't broken for spares either, last time I checked it was showing as insured.

idiotabroad1979

I almost fell for the same scam, thank god I found this website! I have included the email trail below, please read from the bottom


Hi Astrid,

Before I call you I think I should mention that the car has no front seats. The steering is a little sensitive so it's best to only drive on straight roads where no turning is required. However, it was originally bought from a garage that burned down mysteriously 1 day after I bought the it so I guess you could say it’s a lucky car! The air freshener is also brand new so it has a lovely interior smell (I can scan you a copy of the receipt if required).

Anyway, if you still want to go ahead with the purchase my address is 32 Getajob Lane, Spain. Please don’t forget to send me a cheque for more than the asking price so that I can transfer the balance to your courier or refund you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,
Danielle

From: Astrid Mack [mailto:astridmack@ymail.com]
Sent: 05 December 2012 12:43
To: Info
Subject: RE: Payment £3500

I can not call. I am presently in the UK... Only if you want to call me

Date: Wednesday, 5 December, 2012, 10:08

Hi Astrid,

It just seems unusual that someone would want to buy a car without seeing it in person, especially since it’s in another country and has a different number plate. If you’re not happy with it after purchase then what would happen? I think it’s better to discuss over the phone if so please feel free to give me a call.

Best Regards,
Danielle

From: Astrid Mack [mailto:astridmack@ymail.com]
Sent: 05 December 2012 10:51
To: Info
Subject: RE: Payment £3500

I appreciate your transparency in this transaction. Please do not bother yourself about the delivery, I will make arrangement with the carrier agent that would come for the transporting as soon as you receive my money. Kindly send me your name and address for the cheque payment. Sincerely.


--- On Wed, 5/12/12,

Subject: RE: Payment £3500
To: "'Astrid Mack'" <astridmack@ymail.com>
Date: Wednesday, 5 December, 2012, 8:35

Hi Astrid,

Just to make sure you understand that this car is in Southern Spain and has a Spanish number plate?

Best Regards,
Danielle

From: Astrid Mack [mailto:astridmack@ymail.com]
Sent: 04 December 2012 18:30
To: Info
Subject: Payment £3500

Thanks for getting back to me. In fact am so happy with the present condition as stated by you. I'm willing to buy at the price you specified but I will not be able to visit you, I am currently in London, but I still want to buy it. I will send payment by bank cheque and after your bank has confirmed the payment, I will inform my carrier agent to pick up.

Please send me your Full Name? Contact Address? and Mobile Phone number?

I await these details, so I can send the cheque immediately.

Sincerely.

--- On Tue, 4/12/12, Info <info@castlehillrecruitment.com> wrote:

From: Info
Subject: BMW
To: astridmack@ymail.com
Date: Tuesday, 4 December, 2012, 16:00

Hi Astrid,

Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, it’s still available. I should mention that it’s actually done 122,000 miles, not kilometres – it did ask for mileage on the Friday Ad system when I entered the details. Would it still be of interest?

Best Regards,
Danielle

________________________________________
Message: Hello, I want to buy your car. Please can you reply if it's available for sale. Thanks
Buyers Name: astrid
Contact No.: Tel: 20082783
Email: astridmack@ymail.com

TrickyWicky

verityboo wrote: »

Sold a car as a classified ad on ebay once where I agreed a price via e-mail, they travelled 200 miles to get the car, without even opening a door or looking inside paid me the agreed price cash, and then drive off the 200 mile home. The son was then going to travel a further 200 miles to following day to Uni

I can better that. I drove 300 miles to buy a car I wanted that was advertised on ebay that didn't even have a photo. I offered the seller a fixed amount and he agreed to take it. 11 hour journey up there (thanks to traffic and google maps) and by the time we got there it was 11:20pm. Poor bloke and his missus looked like they were exhausted. The bloke offered to show me the car first but I refused and just gave him the cash, signed the V5 and then went to see the car :rotfl: I don't think he could believe it. He showed me a few faults with it and I just told him not to worry - It was the car I wanted and I'd deal with the faults another time (I just wanted to get going ) I don't think he could quite believe it to be honest. We didn't get home until gone 5am lol. Although it's now sorn I've still got the car (and if you're reading this Steve, no I still haven't done those front shocks and its passed two or three MOTs ).

The things I do..

Rolandtheroadie

My records Caledonian Sleeper to London Euston, tube to Paddington, train to Plymouth to then drive home 450 ish miles in a 1973 VW Camper (slow).

It wasnt even for me.