Buying abroad - I need International Rescue

[ninesixfourrs]

Anybody out there ever tried to buy a Porsche from a private Seeler in a foreign Country ? Well thats the easy bit, the negotiations are done the price agreed but finding a way to get the money to him without incurring huge charges or being stitched up is the problem.
here's the scenario,
1) Dont really want to use an international wire transfer cos the money will go into his account but will leave me high & dry if this fella is actually fraudulent, I must say everything seems totally in order, but of course it would, wouldn't it.
2)taking a large amount of cash is probably unwise (could be stopped at customs then try explaining 40K in cash away (Full body search etc you know what I mean)or worse still being mugged (can't afford any more whacks on the ol' swede)
3)Using a debit card at a foreign bank once all agreed with my bank etc would cost 2.75% of the transaction (I'll leave you to work that one out)
4)Western union Debit / Transfer are even higher percentage than my bank (thats just a Rip Off)

So as you can see I'm running out of ideas I feel like I'm just banging 'ead on Brick Wall ............ HELP SOMEONE !!

PS....I forgot to mention He won't accept an International Bankers Draft in euro's

>> Edited by ninesixfourrs on Thursday 13th April 14:54

[domster]

Either take cash

or

get your bank to arrange the cash at a foreign bank branch so no risk of you losing it in transit

or

Do an internet banking transfer or BACS transfer, and do the deal over a whole day or even two days (transfer it one day, pick it up the next)

This is why it can be easier dealing with businesses - Porsche Zentrums are quite trustworthy compared to the average mann in der strasse.

[ninesixfourrs]

domster said:

Either take cash or get your bank to arrange the cash at a foreign bank branch so no risk of you losing it in transit or Do an internet banking transfer or BACS transfer, and do the deal over a whole day or even two days (transfer it one day, pick it up the next) This is why it can be easier dealing with businesses - Porsche Zentrums are quite trustworthy compared to the average mann in der strasse.

Sorry Domster been advised against cash and Cash at foreign bank would have to be done via Visa debit card (Charge - 2.75%)
but I'll enquire about BACS though, I'll keep yers posted,
meanwhile any more suggestions would be appreciated

[muzaa]

Fraud Squad who have been working on the eBay scams may well be able to pick this one up!!

[Denis O]

Is ESCROW a possibility. Don't know what charges they have but at least you are protected.

[ninesixfourrs]

Denis O what the is that and where do I find out about it

>> Edited by ninesixfourrs on Thursday 13th April 15:52

[domster]

I have taken 22k cash in a brown paper envelope to za fatherland before now to swap for a car. Scary thought was losing it - must admit I'd never do it again. I hate carrying that much cash, you think even the old grannies are going to mug you.

You can do the bank transfer in a working day... probably have to do the paperwork in the UK first, then give the branch a call to proceed when you are happy with the car... then wait for the money; should take an hour or two in theory but takes most of the day in practice.

PS Do you know all about Zoll plates etc. You'll need these from the town hall and they have funny opening hours. I'd suggest viewing car on day 1 and transferring the money, then picking up the car and arranging the zoll plates on day 2 - can be done in one day but a bit of a rush and loads of waiting chewing your nails.

[ninesixfourrs]

alright Domster what are zoll plates no one has mentioned this to me spill the beans
by the way the country is Austria if that makes a difference ?

>> Edited by ninesixfourrs on Thursday 13th April 16:29

[Denis O]

ninesixfourrs said:

Denis O what the is that and where do I find out about it >> Edited by ninesixfourrs on Thursday 13th April 15:52

In laymans terms it's an account that you deposit the full amount of money in and only the guy who is selling the car can draw that money, albeit only with your approval. Hence he's protected as he knows the dosh is there and so are you as if the cars a wrong'n you take the money back.

It's a bit more complicated than that and I'm sure other PH'ers can fill in the detail. Have a chat with your bank and someone there will explain fully.