Scam or fine?

[Ross1303]

Been looking for a certain car for a while (shed money).

Finally found one on an owners group so got in to a bit of dialogue with the seller via Facebook.

Asked to go view it and seller said it wasn't a problem but he was away during the date was free but his son would be available.

Essentially I have agreed the price IF I like it etc etc and the guy has said I can take it on the day if I wish.
It's a decent distance away so really only wanted to make one trip.

But he won't be about just his son.

I'm not sure where I stand on this to be honest and the more I think about it the more unsure I am.

Anyone have any views on this?

[Hoink]

It could be genuine but unless a rare model I wouldn't travel for a shed.

[Jono1303]

Hoink said:

It could be genuine but unless a rare model I wouldn't travel for a shed.

Not sure how many left = rare but there's less than 100 left on roads of that model

[ZX10R NIN]

In which dase do an HPI then check the paperwork if everything checks out buy it.

[Jono1303]

It's more the fact the owner won't be there during the transaction that concerns me.

[RSTurboPaul]

You could ask for the seller's bank details and transfer a holding deposit into it (with car-related reference, perhaps "Deposit for X123 ABC" or similar), then go back and complete the transaction when he is there?

Would also mean you can arrange insurance in advance of arriving to collect.

If you only wanted to do one trip, though, HPI and MOT History check it in advance (as mentioned above) and then you could transfer the full amount and make sure that the receipts are suitably worded.

I guess you could also ask for a photo of the chap on the day, holding the receipt and standing in front of the car so the number plate is visible.

Edited by RSTurboPaul on Thursday 30th August 13:43

[OverSteery]

I have sold a car for a mate - he's a lazy F. So when I heard the WBAC quote, we agreed to split any sale price above that offer 50:50. I made a few quid.

I have sold my mother-in-law's car, when she was too old to drive.

In both cases:
- the v5 wasn't in my name or address
- there was a letter from the owner authorising me to sell on their behalf

It didn't seem to cause any problems.