Grey '07 Audi S3 Stolen On Test Drive
Discussion
Hi all,
So today my '07 S3 was stolen by a potential buyer during the test drive. Had the car on autotrader for a private sale.
Long story short, we had a chat and a look round the car, he asked if he could start it up, I gave him the key and he bolted.
Completely admit I was naive, had spoken to the guy 4 or 5 times during the week to arrange a viewing and all seemed genuine. Never had anything stolen from me before, I guess you live and learn.
Has anyone had any experience of anything like this before, or know of any such cases? I don't hold out much hope of seeing it again, so my other question relates to the insurance situation - should they pay out without too much fuss?
Thanks all
So today my '07 S3 was stolen by a potential buyer during the test drive. Had the car on autotrader for a private sale.
Long story short, we had a chat and a look round the car, he asked if he could start it up, I gave him the key and he bolted.
Completely admit I was naive, had spoken to the guy 4 or 5 times during the week to arrange a viewing and all seemed genuine. Never had anything stolen from me before, I guess you live and learn.
Has anyone had any experience of anything like this before, or know of any such cases? I don't hold out much hope of seeing it again, so my other question relates to the insurance situation - should they pay out without too much fuss?
Thanks all
d.Post full reg here http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Toilet Duck said:
paulw123 said:
How does insurance stand when you give someone the key?
Is the OP sure he wasn't threatened with a knife and forced to hand over the keys?It's not like the car was left unattended with the keys in it, he'll be covered against theft but obviously it's a big kick in the no-claims...
paulw123 said:
How does insurance stand when you give someone the key?
Taking the car without the owners consent would be an offence in itself. Also, taking it in such a manner, without his consent, would constitute a dishonest appropriate of the car, with the intent to permanently deprive him of it following not far behind. Baryonyx said:
paulw123 said:
How does insurance stand when you give someone the key?
Taking the car without the owners consent would be an offence in itself. Also, taking it in such a manner, without his consent, would constitute a dishonest appropriate of the car, with the intent to permanently deprive him of it following not far behind. 
There is a legal precedent to this.
If I recall the case correctly, a chap met a girl when out one night, they ended up at his. Next morning he drove her home, stopped for fuel, went in and paid, she did a runner with the car.
Insurance said they wouldn't pay out as he'd left her and the car together with the keys.
Insurance ombudsman was involved and ruled that he hadn't been negligent and had no reason to suspect she'd steal the car and ruled insurance pay out.
Appreciate this is slightly different, but I'd have thought a similar enough situation. OP didn't leave the keys in the car and go in for his tea, he was with car with someone he believed to be genuine.
If I recall the case correctly, a chap met a girl when out one night, they ended up at his. Next morning he drove her home, stopped for fuel, went in and paid, she did a runner with the car.
Insurance said they wouldn't pay out as he'd left her and the car together with the keys.
Insurance ombudsman was involved and ruled that he hadn't been negligent and had no reason to suspect she'd steal the car and ruled insurance pay out.
Appreciate this is slightly different, but I'd have thought a similar enough situation. OP didn't leave the keys in the car and go in for his tea, he was with car with someone he believed to be genuine.
Really sorry to hear stories like this. There are trustworthy people out there but you need to have your wits about you and doubt everyone!
Maybe PH could put up a guide to minimize situations like this? Just a thought as PH does host a page for classifieds, as well as a stolen car database. Surely its an obvious idea?
Private seller tips:
If at all possible let them test drive the car with you as a passenger.
If they insist on a drive without you, take something from them that is personal to them - driving license, their keys to their car, etc.
If there is more than one person that has come along to view the car and you don't feel happy, don't take a chance on a quick sale, say the car is sold, if you feel uneasy.
If all has gone well and they want to buy the car, invite them into your property and do all the paperwork in front of them, including the signature related stuff (Give them a receipt saying car sold as seen for x amount of money) check that the notes feel real (if selling cash) wait for the cheque to clear before giving away the keys, or verify with your bank that the bank transfer is legit, if they've done a bank transfer. Remember, electronic stuff has a trace.
Private buyer tips:
Check the car around without the seller present, let the buyer give you space to look around until your happy.
Take it for a drive how you feel you would drive the car, test lock to lock, reverse, everything and if the seller pipes up saying "ignore that, or don't do that" question it or walk away.
Check all documents, service history, etc.
Always make sure there is a trail when you hand over your money, a receipt for cash, etc.
If they are selling the car away from the address registered on the V5, raise eyebrows, question it, etc.
This is a very very obvious and brief guide but no-one wants to end up out of pocket.
I hope you get your S3 back OP.
Maybe PH could put up a guide to minimize situations like this? Just a thought as PH does host a page for classifieds, as well as a stolen car database. Surely its an obvious idea?
Private seller tips:
If at all possible let them test drive the car with you as a passenger.
If they insist on a drive without you, take something from them that is personal to them - driving license, their keys to their car, etc.
If there is more than one person that has come along to view the car and you don't feel happy, don't take a chance on a quick sale, say the car is sold, if you feel uneasy.
If all has gone well and they want to buy the car, invite them into your property and do all the paperwork in front of them, including the signature related stuff (Give them a receipt saying car sold as seen for x amount of money) check that the notes feel real (if selling cash) wait for the cheque to clear before giving away the keys, or verify with your bank that the bank transfer is legit, if they've done a bank transfer. Remember, electronic stuff has a trace.
Private buyer tips:
Check the car around without the seller present, let the buyer give you space to look around until your happy.
Take it for a drive how you feel you would drive the car, test lock to lock, reverse, everything and if the seller pipes up saying "ignore that, or don't do that" question it or walk away.
Check all documents, service history, etc.
Always make sure there is a trail when you hand over your money, a receipt for cash, etc.
If they are selling the car away from the address registered on the V5, raise eyebrows, question it, etc.
This is a very very obvious and brief guide but no-one wants to end up out of pocket.
I hope you get your S3 back OP.
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