Is this dodgy?

[5678]

Gut instinct says yes but I want other opinions...

Car up for sale on PH, the ad reads...

classifieds said:

1 OWNER FROM NEW
Service History
MOT until October 2011
4 month Roadtax
Both Cup packs
70,000 Guaranteed Miles

All electronics are in perfect working order, the car is in perfect mechanical order and the body work is in Very good condition for its age, as well as the interior which is in a clean condition.

This is a quicksale as i can no longer afford to sustain the car as i now longer work part time.

I am currently in Leicester studying, but will be back home in London in a Month for any viewings.

So I contact the guy and the following facts come to light...
- He is a "trader" so the car is not in his name, I would be the second owner.
- When pressed about the mention of "can no longer afford to sustain the car" he says he has had it for a few months and has to tax/insure it etc.
- When asked specific questions about the service history (i.e. does it have stamps/receipts to prove), I don't get direct answers.

It's not massively cheap, but it is at the lower end of current pricing for the car in question.

Do I go with gut feel, or is it worth a look? Instinct tells me he has bought the car as a "trader" used it for a bit, unregistered, and now wants to sell it on.

[minghis]

Sounds a bit like a trader who's not really a real trader (if you see what I mean) bought it and needs rid of it quickly or someone is selling it for someone else and for some reason doesn't want to divulge it.

If the car's all good I wouldn't be too concerned. Make sure you get a receipt though, and a good HPI report!

[sherman]

If you feel its dodgy walk away. There is bound to be more out there.

[Sam1990]

I'd say the seller may be a bit dodgy but the car may not be, I'd definitely run an HPI check on the car if you're seriously considering it as he may be dodging the questions for a reason, i.e, some history he doesn't want coming to light. If it passes and it's not too far from you then go and have a look, take someone who's knowledgeable and you've got nothing to lose. If it's a shed then walk away, there's more out there.

[205alive]

Ex hire car, perhaps? Just a thought.

[rallycross]

The skill he has shown in writing that advert suggests you may be dealing with someone of dubious intelect, until you see the car for yourself you wont know anything more.

[DazBock]

He doesn't mention that it is HPI clear. So perhaps it isn't, or perhaps there is no log book?

However, if he holds himself out to be a trader then you are in the stronger position and I believe he has to give you at least a 3 month mechanical warranty, I may be wrong.

Generally though I would say if it seems too good to be true then it probably is!

[Papa Hotel]

205alive said:

Ex hire car, perhaps? Just a thought.

No, it says it has "both cup packs", I'd guess it was a Renaultsport Clio.

OP - if you have to ask, you know deep down, it is dodgy. The advert text and the conversation with the vendor are worlds apart.

[tercelgold]

He's not a trader if he describes it as

"the car is in perfect mechanical order"

should be

" no problems I am aware of, genuine bargain, any inspection welcome, viewing recommended"

Edited by tercelgold on Tuesday 5th July 17:27

[iMac Hunt]

Given that it's been for sale for 24 days and still not sold, it can't be that much of a great deal.

www.google.co.uk/search?q=Contact+Location+"q...

[DazBock]

and the price is negotiable! Why?!

Run a mile! It's french anyway!