Private seller - spidey sense tingling

[LeftmostAardvark]

I've just had a call back from a guy a few miles down the road from me about a mondeo and a couple of things pinged me off, but I'm not sure whether I'm being paranoid,

1. He couldn't remember the numberplate
2. I'm meant to ring him back tomorrow before I set off, when he'll give me the postcode / address for where he lives.

Is this anything to worry about? Going to make sure the v5 is in the same address as the place I go to and do an hpi check / match the vin numbers, but is this anything to worry about (I.e. Is he actually a trader or is he trying to hide something?)

[anonymous-user]

Either he's paranoid about people cloning/stealing the car or it's dodgy. The only way to know is go and see the car.

[Tannedbaldhead]

I have two cars, don't know the number of either. That said I'd find out and ring a prospective buyer right back with it.

[10penceparalyzed]

As above I am the same, but equally maybe he doesn't want to give it out over the phone due to cloning etc.

[Zarkingfardwarks]

if it was my dad he would struggle to remember what colour his car is - and unlike most of the population the phone is, in his opinion, an emergency device only.

few miles.....go and look

[LeftmostAardvark]

Sorry, should have been clearer - I have the number plate (which checks out apart from a private plate change a couple of years ago), he wouldn't give me his postcode / address until I call him tomorrow.

[Driver101]

Some people genuinely take little interest in their car. Loads wouldn't know their registration.

Loads of folk don't know their own mobile number.

He might not want to give his address out to strangers for no reason. Sounds as if he is being cautious.

I'm sure once you go to see it, things will either make sense, or not.

[Zarkingfardwarks]

in a parallel universe he will be posting about a pushy chap after his postcode so he can nick his prize Mondeo.

Also if you have ever sold a car privately then there are many time-wasters whom I wouldn't want to know where I live.

few miles away....

[rallycross]

Quite normal to avoid you turning up early when he's not there and also weed out time wasters if you call back tomorrow you are genuine last time I sold a car had more than one person take details and then not turn up which is annoying as you end up waiting around for nothing.

[RedBull]

I can't see anything to be concerned about there.

A Mondeo is the sort of car that is often owned by people who couldn't care less about cars so it's not unreasonable that he can't remember the reg. no.

As for not giving his address, I'd agree with what's already been said about no shows and wanting to be sure you're serious.