Selling a Defender - what scams am I going to face?

ianc2051 · Jan 17, 2016

I promise this is not a back door sneaky advert but as per the title I may well be selling my Defender soon to buy yet another. The adverts will probably be posted on *bay and *utotrader and I know that I will be bumping in to some less than savoury characters who will try it on. As this vehicle has a galvanised chassis and I've spent (£) thousands on it I expect the responses may well be numerous. Any members experiences on how to vet enquirers, payment precautions etc would be most appreciated.

freelance · Jan 17, 2016

When the pikey viewers have gone, make sure all the windows are shut and the locks work, so they can't nick it an hour later when your backs turned.

Oldfogey · Jan 18, 2016

Take cash or cleared bank transfer. Cheque only if they are prepared to wait a week or so for it to clear. Bank cashier cheques are no longer safe, as they are often forged. Do not take paypal.

If you have various security devices (hidden switches, wheel locks etc.) remove them before a viewer turns up, and if it is garaged bring it out onto the drive.

ER1C · Jan 18, 2016

ianc2051 said:
I promise this is not a back door sneaky advert but as per the title I may well be selling my Defender soon to buy yet another. The adverts will probably be posted on *bay and *utotrader and I know that I will be bumping in to some less than savoury characters who will try it on. As this vehicle has a galvanised chassis and I've spent (£) thousands on it I expect the responses may well be numerous. Any members experiences on how to vet enquirers, payment precautions etc would be most appreciated.

I wouldn't list it on AUTOTRADER....

I wouldn't let them come to your house, arrange to meet them somewhere else and make sure they are gone before driving home.

blue beasty · Jan 18, 2016

ER1C said:
I wouldn't list it on AUTOTRADER....

I wouldn't let them come to your house, arrange to meet them somewhere else and make sure they are gone before driving home.

I wouldn't buy a vehicle if I couldn't view it at the registered address

ER1C · Jan 18, 2016

blue beasty said:
I wouldn't buy a vehicle if I couldn't view it at the registered address

This isn't about buying, this is about viewing of which perhaps 20 will view.......
When someone says "right I am happy have the money etc" then you can drive them to your house show them the V5 etc.

chris7 · Jan 18, 2016

Make them produce evidence that their insurance covers them to drive your vehicle If yours doesnt
If they are serious about buying then they would naturally want to drive it

ianc2051 · Jan 18, 2016

Thanks everyone for your replies which are most appreciated. Those on this site plus others on another forum I belong to are very helpful.

Selling a Defender - what scams am I going to face?

ianc2051

Active Member

freelance

Well-Known Member

Oldfogey

Active Member

ER1C

Well-Known Member

blue beasty

Leaks an prone to bits dropping off

ER1C

Well-Known Member

chris7

Well-Known Member

ianc2051

Active Member

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