Buying a car that's only been owned a few weeks... bad idea?

[MrModo]

Hi

I've been to look a car and had the offer accepted, but something is niggling at me... the owner has only had the car a few weeks, the story is that he has another car which has been for sale but hasn't sold, so because of this and although he prefers this car he's selling it, as he needs to get rid of a car.

Should I be concerned that he's only had Tue car a few weeks... perhaps a hobby trader?? Or am I being paranoid?

[romeodelta]

He could have realised he bought a lemon, or equally it could be completely legit.

Do your due diligence and go with your gut.

What value is the car?
Can you find his other car for sale?

Edited by romeodelta on Monday 6th May 23:59

[MrModo]

Yeah it's a 20k 5 door golf r ... the other is a 3 door golf GTI. Her bought the R as it has 5 doors and more practical, but the GTI isn't selling

[keo]

Could be a lemon, could be genuine. I had my type r up for sale after less than a month of ownership. Nothing wrong with it I just didn’t like it.

[romeodelta]

MrModo said:

Yeah it's a 20k 5 door golf r ... the other is a 3 door golf GTI. Her bought the R as it has 5 doors and more practical, but the GTI isn't selling

Sounds reasonable.

Is his name on the V5?
Did he buy the R from a dealer?
Why didn't he trade the GTI in?

Need to dig a bit more if it doesn't feel right.

[devnull]

Probably bought it to do a robbery, now no longer needed

[MrModo]

romeodelta said:

Sounds reasonable.

Is his name on the V5?
Did he buy the R from a dealer?
Why didn't he trade the GTI in?

Need to dig a bit more if it doesn't feel right.

Will need to check the V5

I think it was private sale...will check, so would explain the non-trade in

Story goes...had a 3 door GTI - "I bought it to replace my 3 door golf gti as we have just had a baby and 3 doors aren’t practical. Unfortunately, my golf gti isn’t selling and I can’t have £40,000 tied up in cars! "

[fido]

Well if it got all the paperwork from the VAG dealer etc. with his name on it then he can't be a trader surely? Also make sure he pays off the finance ..

[MrModo]

fido said:

Well if it got all the paperwork from the VAG dealer etc. with his name on it then he can't be a trader surely? Also make sure he pays off the finance ..

...I am assuming the V5 is in his name, so a trader wouldn't do that. Just the gamble if it's a lemon, but it is still under the manufacturers warranty, so some security there

[Benbay001]

MrModo said:

Will need to check the V5

Doesnt sound like youre any where near close enough to be making offers.

[MrModo]

Benbay001 said:

Doesnt sound like youre any where near close enough to be making offers.

I'd planned to do the due diligence checks before handing over any money

[ZX10R NIN]

I had my M3 for 2 months before I decided I didn't like & I promptly put it up for sale, this sounds genuine especially if the V5 is in his name.