Help - sold my car online, what next?

Lisa090982

Hi,

I advertised and have sold my car on gumtree but just want to ensure things go smoothly.

A guy is buying the car on behalf of his secretary’s daughter (he has a car sales company). He’s already sent me the cash via bank transfer to my account.

The only slight issue I have is this. He came on Thursday when I was not here to view the car - he doesn’t live that local but was coming past on that day. We’d arranged for him to come yesterday originally but he said as he was coming by this way, he popped by (this is how he had my address).

Now because of my working schedule this week, he wants me to leave the log book and documents in the boot and a key on the wheel arch so he can get someone to collect it tomorrow.

It just seems a bit strange as I’ve not met anyone and he’s paid for the car without even starting up the engine (the car is sound - only three years old!). He said he will update the V5 info etc online.... his company is legit (I’ve looked it up and all seems above board, even has cars listed on auto trader)

I’m just apprehensive and I’m not sure if this is warranted. I already have the money for the car but am mostly concerned about technically handing the car over to someone I’ve never even seen (and also leaving the keys on the wheel arch!). I am sure it’s all fine but what if the car was stolen off the drive?

Thoughts?

wgl2014

I wouldn't be comfortable doing that.

If it were an old banger for a few hundred quid then maybe but not a newer car.

Has the money cleared into your account?

Lisa090982

Yes, I have the cash in my account now. He’s emailed me a screen shot as well of the transaction.

It’s less the money I’m bothered about though - I hve that.

It’s more that he wants me to leave the key on wheel arch so he can get it collected (I’m at work tomorrow). I also feel I’d like to update the V5 myself (but the actual keeper isn’t coming to collect it....)

facade

You can update the V5 online, and you obviously don't need hissignature to do that.

It will likely be stolen though, even the stupidest thief knows to check round the wheels for the key.

(If you don't want to walk home and you find a minibus in a carpark on a popular walking /climbing route, the key is always in the rear wheelarch- me I'd have 2 keys with 2 people, but that isn't how things are done)

LiGhTfasT

Stinks of a scam to me. Ring the company they are saying they are to verify the its actually them.

loskie

can you not get someone to do the handover or have him collect it from work. Sounds very suspect to me. If the car is nicked or he claims so, your insurance will be invalidated. If a 3 yr old car one would assume a decent amount. Worth taking time off work or arrange collection for a suitable time.

unholyangel

I'd double check with your bank that the payment has definitely cleared and can't be taken back.

For all banks like to give the impression bank transfers are final, they can & do occasionally recall them. I actually had it happen just the other week when our firm paid everyone twice by mistake.

wgl2014

Lisa090982 wrote: »

Yes, I have the cash in my account now. He’s emailed me a screen shot as well of the transaction.

It’s less the money I’m bothered about though - I hve that.

It’s more that he wants me to leave the key on wheel arch so he can get it collected (I’m at work tomorrow). I also feel I’d like to update the V5 myself (but the actual keeper isn’t coming to collect it....)

Be wary of anything sent via the buyer as 'proof' of the transfer, what matters is what your bank say. I would contact them and verify the money has cleared and cannot be cancelled.

It may well be legit but best to make sure NOW before your car goes!

As already suggested find someone who can be present or rearrange the collection.

Lisa090982

In relation to the V5, can I just fill in the information with no signature as the buyer is sending someone to collect the car?

IamNotAllowedToUseMyName

Imagine this.

You do as he asks. In the afternoon you get a phone call from the buyer: "Why didn't you leave the car out for me?" You go pale. He demands his money back over which you have no choice because you can't prove that he took it - after all he can send a mate to pick it up with all the paperwork and then flog it on quickly before the next buyer twigs there is something fishy with the V5.

He might be legit and dealers may well think that this is fine, but you cannot risk it and you would not be insured. (In fact that would be my response - my car would not be insured so I am not going to do it).

facade

Lisa090982 wrote: »

In relation to the V5, can I just fill in the information with no signature as the buyer is sending someone to collect the car?

You can transfer the keeper online as I said in post #4

https://www.gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle

You don't need a signature or anything, and you keep the front of the v5 with his address filled in in case of a speeding ticket or something.

I'd be more worried that the car would simply be stolen. I'm pleasantly surprised each morning that I go out to find my car still there, and it is insured, with the key in the house...