Buying a used car - Such a PITA

[danrc]

I was in an crash on Friday and I think my car is definataley going to be written off. I have been looking at motors all weekend and found one today. It was a 2003 Mazda for £1100 with a years MOT and low milage. Fine, it won't set the world alight but its should be reliable and do us till we can afford something better.

I called the guy and explained we are 70 miles away dog sitting but can be there in 1.5 hours. He says ok, I will see you then. I specifically said to him that we are travelling up to see the car and if anyone else gets in touch then please keep it as bar any major problems we'll definately have it.

We turn up and try to call him but he doesn't answer. I text him to say were in the area and can we see the car - the reply was "sorry, sold".

I went fking nuts.

So now its back to the drawing board and trying to buy a car whilst working during the week. Ace.

[danrc]

To be honest if someone had called me and said that they are coming to see the car and going to be there in an hour and a half, and explained that they are travelling over 70 miles but very interested in the car then I would actually hold other people off until they either turn or give them 30 minutes grace and call them back.

Maybe thats just me though, because you know, I have manners and a sense of decency and stuff. Maybe things have changed since I last bought a car.

[danrc]

tyranical said:

If you were selling you'd turn someone away who is definitely buying the car to wait for someone who claims they are on their way?

The only thing he possibly did wrong is not to let you know it had sold before you got there.

I wouldn't turn them away, but I would explain the situation to them and say if they fail to materialise after 30 minutes when they said they would be there then they would be more than welcome to come and look at the car. As a buyer i'd respect that and would be willing to wait to hear.

And anyway, no one just turns up to look at a car, the owner has be called and then something organised with a short test drive before keys/cash is exchanged. This guy obviously did all this in the 1.5 hours it took me to get to him which to me just isn't cricket.