Would this put you off?

[coopedup]

Hi all
The search goes on for a decent older Boxster but I have seen a 54 plate for sale on autotrader that ticks all the right boxes as far as spec, service history, etc. but the last words of the advert state that he is selling it for his best friend who is a solicitor and works all hours, therefore does not have the time to sell his own car.
I am sure it could be all above board, but then again it could have scam written all over it. Has anybody taken the plunge over a similar advert without in coming back to bite on the proverbials?

[ro55a]

So at present the ONLY thing you actually know about this car is.......that you will never meet the owner.
Would not touch it with yours!!

[mrdemon]

If the car can be viewed at the address on the v5 no problem, if not then not worth the hassle.
Also if the guy cannot be arsed only offer trade value, you might get a bargin.

[adbett]

Tread carefully but it does happen - a friend at work sold 2 cars on behalf of our managing director when he relocated to a different country. Good cars, fsh etc, in the end sold above trade but still below what they might have made in a 'normal' private sale

[steveo3002]

yeh tread carefully

could agree to buy on the condition that the paperwork is signed at the address on the v5 , surley he can find 15mins to sell his car

[freddy the frog]

ask for the owners phone number and call him youself, i can understand if he cant be arsed with the whole advertising and web setup stuff but should be able to take a call and answer some quistions on the car.
Just be carefull as there seems to be so many scams running at the moment, most are blatently obvious.

[thegoose]

I'd suggest that if it were a scam the "story" wouldn't have been told at all, it'd more likely that once viewing the car and seeing a different address on the paperwork the excuses would come out. There's no reason to mention this situation up front unless someone's trying to be straight and honest in the first place.

I'd agree that doing the final handover/payment at the registered address is a good idea. Also check that the V5C is the current one on www.vehiclelicence.gov.uk and do a proper HPi/Experian check (not a poxy "car text check" which won't tell you if a car's on finance or not!).

[HappyBoxster]

thegoose said:

I'd suggest that if it were a scam the "story" wouldn't have been told at all, it'd more likely that once viewing the car and seeing a different address on the paperwork the excuses would come out. There's no reason to mention this situation up front unless someone's trying to be straight and honest in the first place.

I'd agree that doing the final handover/payment at the registered address is a good idea. Also check that the V5C is the current one on www.vehiclelicence.gov.uk and do a proper HPi/Experian check (not a poxy "car text check" which won't tell you if a car's on finance or not!).

My Dad sold my car for me when I moved overseas. I dont think this is odd and steps can be taken to provide comfort before you part with the cash.

[ro55a]

OP are you on a budget?

No! then stop messing about, get the best car you can for your money, any doubt is always doubt enough.
Yeah it MIGHT be alright and it will PROBABLY be fine but why take the risk?

[griffter]

I wouldn't buy a car privately from other than the v5 address (and you won't have hpi insurance unless you do). I'd also very strongly ask to transact with the registered keeper. How do you know his 'friend' is authorized to transact for him? He's a solicitor. He'll understand.

[freddy the frog]

as is i said before get the owners phone number, solicitors dont work all gods hours so if he is keen to sell his car he will talk to you, selling the car for someone who is working abroad ill or other realstic reasons ok but a solicitor who is too busy thats a laugh most of the ones i deal with a lazy b-----ds

[RiccardoG]

Oh dear, what a bunch of scaremongers!!

I travel and work long hours and so do many of my solicitor friends, so not having time to sell a car makes perfect sense, particularly if one is not that way inclined.

Personally, I'd go and view the car and, if its the one you like, then request to meet the owner on a second viewing. I'm sure if its all above board they will be willing once they know you're a serious buyer.