Acquiring an abandoned car (project) on neighbours driveway

[johnhenry]

Afternoon all

Have seen a brown scimitar on a driveway in a neighbouring village, totally abandoned, flat tires, dirt everywhere, hasnt moved in over a year of us moving to nearby.

im interested in getting hold of the car - bit of a project - plus ive always liked them, so i think i could get it for cheap.

How best to go about asking if i can buy it off them?

polite note through the door? or do it face to face? really dont want to 'offend' someone by being to forward about taking the car of his/her hands, it might have real value to them so would like some pointers on the best way to get hold of it!

Cheers
John

[Mikeyplum]

Keen eye on this thread. A couple of houses down from the in-laws they have a red mark 1 VW Scirocco which I have has my eye on. Apparently it's been there for the best part of 10 years untouched. It was the housowner's late husband's car, so I should imagine it has a certain sentimental value to it, hence why it's just sat there.

I haven't as yet mustered up the courage to knock the door/post a note etc incase i cause offence.

[Mr Gear]

Keep it simple. Just stick a note through the letterbox saying "If you're interested in selling this car, call or text me on..."

If you hear nothing, you have at least tried.

[Fluid]

Face to face. There's an Escort Cosworth near me that hasn't moved in the two and a half years that I've lived here.

When I've got a bit more disposable income, I'm going knocking on the chaps door.

[johnhenry]

According a neighbour we have met its been there for years! which just makes me think it's something like this, im thinking a polite note through the door, but the actual wording of it is what's stumping me.

red mk1 scirocco sounds awesome! good luck with it!

[johnhenry]

do you reckon the action i should take will vary on the person who ill be speaking to?

polite notice - older people

face to face - younger

would be worth trying to find out this i reckon

[MX7]

I'd start by putting a note through the door. Do it at a time when they are likely to be in, and you might get the opportunity to speak to them.

[Porkie]

Why not just knock on the door? what are you so scared of?

[Vantagefan]

I'd go face to face, especially if it's likely to be of sentimental value to your owner. If you show a sliver of the same passion for the car that the previous owner had chances are they'll prefer seeing the car restored and loved than rotting.

[bullitinhead]

If it was something I really wanted and had the money, I would knock on the door and ask.

What's the worst that could happen, get chased off the drive with a pitchfork...doubt it

to coin a phrase MTFU. chances are they might want rid,and just dont know how to, so you turning up might be doing them a favour. maybe , you never know until you ask.


bullit

[Grey Ghost]

Porkie said:

Why not just knock on the door? what are you so scared of?

^^^^^^^^^^^^

This. A polite enquiry face to face along the lines of "I've seen the car on your drive for quite a while now and wondered if you were interested in selling it?" No need to mention it hasn't moved, or you are looking for a project, just give the owner a chance to reply and see if you can develop the conversation from there.

I take no responsibility for you having cans of red bull thrown at you or having your back doors kicked in by a powerfully built man with multiple directorships and a goaty beard

[Ru78]

Go face to face, but have an idea of what you'd be prepared to pay... and adjust based on what condition it looks to be in closer up...
Good luck!

[R0B.]

Vantagefan said:

I'd go face to face, especially if it's likely to be of sentimental value to your owner. If you show a sliver of the same passion for the car that the previous owner had chances are they'll prefer seeing the car restored and loved than rotting.

This, and offer to show them the car once restored.

[Jasandjules]

Grey Ghost said:

^^^^^^^^^^^^

This. A polite enquiry face to face along the lines of "I've seen the car on your drive for quite a while now and wondered if you were interested in selling it?" No need to mention it hasn't moved, or you are looking for a project, just give the owner a chance to reply and see if you can develop the conversation from there.

I take no responsibility for you having cans of red bull thrown at you or having your back doors kicked in by a powerfully built man with multiple directorships and a goaty beard

Exactly this.

If they were considering selling it then you are giving them the immediate opportunity to do so with no effort on their part. If they have no intention of selling it ever, then you will find out sharpish too.

A note is polite but if you don't hear from them in a week, what do you do? Then do you go and knock? If so, then why not do this right now?

[Birdster]

I'd knock and then if no answer leave a note.

Whether by face, or note explain that you have a keen interest in the car and wish to restore it to as new condition. If they do not want money for the vehicle, is there a charity they would like you to donate to if they hand the car over to you?

Say the chap passed away due to cancer, they may like the idea and have a charity in mind.

It may hold sentimental value, but with the idea of it going to someone with good intentions and some money going to a worthwhile cause they may see an alternative to watching the car degrade over time.

[forzaminardi]

Just take it, they obviously don't want it.

[JQ]

R0B. said:

Vantagefan said:

I'd go face to face, especially if it's likely to be of sentimental value to your owner. If you show a sliver of the same passion for the car that the previous owner had chances are they'll prefer seeing the car restored and loved than rotting.

This, and offer to show them the car once restored.

This, you need to play on the fact that you want to fully restore it to it's former glory and intend to keep it for the rest of your life and they're more than welcome to come for a spin once complete. If they think you're in it for a fast buck you'll damage your prsopects.

[housen]

Fluid said:

Face to face. There's an Escort Cosworth near me that hasn't moved in the two and a half years that I've lived here.

When I've got a bit more disposable income, I'm going knocking on the chaps door.

who would do this !?

[housen]

rock up with a bag of loot and a pen to sign off the v5

ive missed deals over the years for trusting people

if you let them know there is some value there (that value generally being sentmental than financial , some people cant say goodbye) they are more likly to not deal

im not saying rip them off but just make it a easy deal then everyone is happy

like this thread keep us posted

especially the cossie !!!!

Edited by housen on Tuesday 22 May 14:04

[jhonn]

Face to face is what I did; knocked on the house door, smiled, introduced myself and asked the question.

Unfortunately the vehicle I was after had been 'let-go' a couple of months earlier, but I had a pleasant chat with the chap and he promised to keep an eye out for any others.