Buying a used car, is it a scam?

Chibisan

I just got on a computer and read through what I posted. Apologies if I sounded racist as I emphasized eastern European many times. The reason I've done that is because the car is over 10 years old and the guy could barely speak any English. The fact that they also gave me a identification that isn't an English name. The surname on the v5c form is a very scottish name.

My flatmate is from the same country as them, I'm probably going to ask her to give them a call to explain the situation.

The way I see it is that if this guy is just being too honest, then I really would like to buy the car off him.

Also when I mentioned that there are many people inside the house. The way I see it is that he has many friends and family. He wouldn't want to be scamming people infront of them.

Car_54

Chibisan wrote: »

Yes but it seems like a good deal. 1 owner and the price is just right. Low mileage.

Of course it seems a good deal. Scammers would never get anywhere by offering bad deals!

As others have said, walk away: there is no shortage of used cars.

Chibisan

AdrianC wrote: »

The V5C doesn't tell you who the owner is, anyway. It tells you who is legally responsible for the car. While that might seem like a pedantic difference, it is a very important one - just because somebody's name isn't on the V5C, doesn't mean they can't legitimately sell you it. Just because it is, doesn't mean they can.

The V5C advice is to avoid back-street traders. TBH, I've never quite figured out why. If you think you're buying off a private individual, you have no legal comeback against them anyway.

Simple question - do you WANT to buy that car for that price?

If yes, I wouldn't sweat too much about whether the seller's kitchen is tidy or whether his wife is Eastern European or not.

I do want the car for that price. I ran the check on few valuation website and they all seem to agree. However, most website would say you need to see the proof of registered owner, preferably identification or utility bill with name and address. They weren't able to show me that. Having a non english identification with the wrong name kinda worry me.

mollycat

Chibisan wrote: »

The fact that they also gave me a identification that isn't an English name. The surname on the v5c form is a very scottish name.

I've known Hamish McSporran for a number of years now and he is as honest as the day is long; so is his wife Tatania.

Don't worry about the busy house, probably just got a ceilidh about to start!

TBH have no idea what this "scam" is that you're worried about; but you've met the guy, I havent.

You have to use your judgement; asking strangers on here is of limited use IMHO.

Chibisan

mollycat wrote: »

I've known Hamish McSporran for a number of years now and he is as honest as the day is long; so is his wife Tatania.

Don't worry about the busy house, probably just got a ceilidh about to start!

TBH have no idea what this "scam" is that you're worried about; but you've met the guy, I havent.

You have to use your judgement; asking strangers on here is of limited use IMHO.

But wouldn't you say that they can't provide a matching identification could be a scam? I'm asking whether just having a v5c form is enough or you need to have at least some proof of identification.

The guy hasn't called back. I told him that as long as I can see some sort of matching ID. I'm willing to buy it off him straight away with no more question asked.

mollycat

I think we have different definitions of what a "scam" is, no big deal

If i tell you to definately buy it, would you?

Other posters have told you to walk away, will you?

Remember YOU have seen and driven the car, YOU have met the seller; what exact advice are you hoping to recieve from an internet forum?

Chibisan

Yeah I see your point now

mollycat

Cross postings there!

What you've agreed to do in post #16 sounds fine, as long as you're happy with YOUR decision.

Worst car I've ever bought, seller had all the docs, didnt need to see the corrobotive ID he showed as he was high profile GP in our area, never out the papers for this that and the other. Car was his daughters who lived with him, total bag of nails. Did I trust him more than some guy with tons of people in his house and with a foreign wife? Maybe. Should I have done? Lesson learned.

The point of this boring anecdote?

You drive the car, you look all over and underneath, you check everything works, you fine toothcomb the documents and servicing reciepts, you ask the seller if there are any known faults; finally you haggle the price, hand over (usually for me approx), the £500-£900.

Even then you may have bought a total lemon; you can never be 100% sure.

Good luck with your purchase!!

xHannahx

Sounds like a trader trying to pose as a private seller. Not a scam but not right neither.

jimjames

Chibisan wrote: »

Its my first time buying a car and im a very paranoid person. The scam is that they cant provide an identification of the registered owner? We also met at a different address. I did do a online mot check and a HPI. They all came out clean.

When i search online, the advice is that you need a v5c. Which they have. Also the wife might be European but the name is a British name, including the surname.

Why not arrange to meet at the address on the V5? I'm guessing you'll find out that was a previous owner who sold it some time ago.

I'd never buy a car from someone private whose name wasn't on the V5.