I'm currently in the process of selling my brother's car (he's recently moved to USA and needs the money) so I've put an ad up online (well known car website). I've had someone who's interested and has even agreed to buy (via email ) but I'm slightly concerned it might be dodgy. I'm wondering if anyone can give me some advice/guidance...

 

So all contact so far has been by email and the content of the emails has made it sound like he hasn't really read the ad (I'm saying "he"...it might not be but I don't know!)...i.e. asking what condition it's in, how many owners, etc and all this info is clearly stated in the ad. He also said that he was recovering from surgery and so wouldn't be able to view the car in person. Strange time to be buying a car...!!

 

Anyway, he asked what lowest price was and agreed straight away (came down ~8% on advertised price).

 

Now this is where it gets very iffy....I've just had an email saying:

 

 

 

Where is it located? I will need to contact the delivery agent to know the cost and expenses for the pick up from your location.

 

Now, why would anyone agree to buy a car they had never seen, esp when they were then going to get someone else to pick it up for them?

 

I was planning on asking them to call me from a landline (unblocked) so I can at least speak to them in person and find out a little more about their situation and this delivery agent, what or whoever that might happen to be. I would also ask for details on how they were intending to pay for it. The car is currently sat on my parents front drive so obviously I'm reticent to reveal their address if there's any chance there could be something iffy going on.

 

It's only an '07 Renault Laguna so it's not like it's a high value car so I'm wondering if it's just a dealer trying to get stock? I strongly suspect that even though there's been agreement on price by email, something is going to "crop up" which will result in them trying to hammer the price down further.

 

Anyone had any similar experience? Any advice on how to shake this one down? 

 

 

It's a scam...ignore and delete.

Yep.  I'd stop any communication with them straight away.

Yep, obvious scam. Pick up in person at a place of your choosing only. Anything else and you put yourself at risk. If someone doesn't like that, there will be others along to replace them.

It's a scam...ignore and delete.

This, no sane person wouldn't travel to see a low ticket price car.

OK, thanks guys...that was my gut feeling. Always good to get confirmation though :-)

It's a scam...ignore and delete.

+1

There is usually an added bit of a sob story to try and humanise and create some apathy.

JRJG

Now sign that email address up to some sick stuff and done!

I would be wary that they are not collecting in person but this happens all the time on ebay.

Plenty of people win auctions miles away and then get a delivery company to collect them.

He's just bored convalescing and messing you about, Forget about him.