[DGF]

I have the same concerns.

I have my wife's 325XiT posted in the classified section of the 'fest and have recently listed it on autotrader.com. Within one day I received the following email:

"HELLO,I AM A VEHICLE CONSULTANT AND INTERESTED IN YOUR VEHICLE,PLEASE UPDATE WITH YOUR VEHICLE INFORMATIONS,IAM OFFERING THE SUM $27400 IF STILL AS DESCRIBE IN AD . ADVICE ASAP.
REGARDS
BRADLEY"

....and then a day later, I received this:

"Sam Patrick, Director SAMPAT AUTOS INC.
#59 Kensington high street, Chelsea, London w84pt specialist in Auto
shop/sales/serv & general delivery.I have an interested buyer,
to offer $27,400 for your car,if ok and available, reply ASAP."


Both these offers were $100 under my asking price of $27,500, and, as you can see, almost identical formats. I think that my price is a good one, but surely these "in the trade" guys have access to wholesale inventory? I mean no offense to these gentlemen, but the whole thing feels a little strange.

I emailed responses, but stipulated that I wouldn't even consider handing over the car until funds were firmly in my account - no replies back yet.

What do people think? Are these for real?

Thoughts obviously appreciated!

- Dave

 

[DGF]

Thanks for the responses - coincidentally I did hear from the first guy. He wanted to know a bunch of things about the car, including the VIN - I read elsewhere on the Forum that "VIN-theft" is on the rise. Apparently stolen VINs are used to legitimize fake car listings...... again, I'm not sure if the emails I received are anything to do with this type of transaction, but the info on Craig's List and the Cashier's Check advice seem very pertinent!

It's sure scary out there!


- Dave

 

[DGF]

Coincidentally I just sold my car too! I took a cashier's check from a cool couple that I was able to meet in person and look squarely in the eye. I arranged to drop the car off at their house....... so I know where they live!

FWIW, I have our second BMW up for sale (330CiC) on autotrader and I am recieving multiple "I am a veicle consultant and I'll give you $100 under asking price + just send me details" emails each day. I'm just ignoring them all. [Now the Xit has been sold I can actually afford the new E90 that we're picking up in 3 weeks on the ED program! ]

Thanks again to all those that gave advice.

- Dave

 

[DGF]

Thanks Paul,

I got the same link from one of the earlier posts, but very worthwhile re-reading. I particularly like the recommendation to "trust your instincts"........ if it looks like a rat, and smells like a rat, then it proba........



I laughed out loud when I saw LDV's post about "Victoria Gardens" in Turkey - I guess that we're not talking about criminal masterminds here!!

Safe selling,

- Dave