I have never sold a car or bike privately before, and, to be honest, have only traded one car in, and one bike. I have a slightly broken BMW that I want to get rid of, so listed it on facebook, in a BMW group, expecting not much response, but its actually got a lot of response, but... I find it all a lot weird. every person bar one has an eastern european or asian name, I would have expected a bit more of a mix being honest. the offers are varying from 1k up to the full 2.2k i asked for some of them want to buy immediately, and have their 'agent' collect it to export some just want to buy it without asking a single question. (shut up and take my money) not a single one wants more photos or to view it or asked about the condition or faults every single one is in either London or Bradford. is it just me? ps, anyone interested in a slightly broken BMW?
Most of these guys are buying and shipping them abroad in bulk. Same thing happened to me with my old SV650S when I sold it. Geezer wasn't bothered about anything really. Sent a guy with a van to pick it up. Bike was fixed within a couple of days and sent to Poland. The guy with the van didn't even know what to do with the V5! He said he picked up 5 bikes the day before and my SV was the first of 3 to pick up that day. I wouldn't worry about it, as once you've filled out the V5 the vehicle isn't your problem no more. Chin
I was more worried about getting scammed tbh, i wouldnt trust paypal or anything like that, because of the chargeback stuff, think id want folding cash maybe its not so unusual
Geezer with the van had hard cash. He was a massive 6 foot Polish guy and I was a bit wary when he kept saying to help him get my bike in the van when I kept saying let's do the V5 paperwork and cash transaction first. I thought that if I get my bike on the van there's no way of getting it off. He agreed eventually, but that was the only time I thought something fishy was going on. Probably because I look like Bruce and would kung fu his arse! Bank transfer is the only online payment I'd accept. Definitely no fucking Western Union shit! I bought my old Aprilia paying by Bank Transfer and just rode home on it. Chin
this guy has said he will collect it on a recovery truck, and pay with folding cash, back to bristol which is like four hour drive each way
I don't see a problem with it. Just make sure you have been paid the correct money and filled the V5 in correctly. I doubt it's much of a scam, as he's buying, not selling. I know there were scams on Gumtree where fake sellers rob potential buyers coming with cash! You'll know the buyer somehow based on how they contacted you too. Good luck with it all. Chin
A proportion of them will be scammers and time wasters, be very careful Blink. First thing I usually ask for is a phone call, if they aren't willing to talk to you over the phone then just say no. After you've had the phone conversation with them tell them they can come and view the car and arrange a time. I wouldn't do a deal with anyone until they've been to see you/the car face to face.
well, he is pestering to speak to me on the phone, i have chatted on messenger and he seems genuine tbh, whatever he is doing with it since its broken, and 12 years old, its not going to be a check every panel for scratches etc. Ill see how he is now we have agreed on a price
Could be a restorer, fanatic, who knows the reasoning? As long as you gets your money, all is good. Good luck with it Blink. Chin
My advice @blink: Don’t be on your own when they come to collect, get your biggest mates round for a brew (keeping 2m away obviously). Try getting a photo of them/their face - get whoever you have with you to do that on the sly is easiest. Don’t show them anything else you have - so keep your other car and bike in the closed garage or round at a mates. Don’t wear anything flash, as in leave your Rolex and diamond ring out of site. Don’t let them inside your house even if they just want to use the bog. Don’t leave them unattended even for a second. Don’t give away anything about what you do, where you work or anything else - there’s no need for small talk. Do the inspect, get the paperwork and cash done (and don’t feel rude about examining the notes), take a photo of the completed V5 so you have their name and address then hand over the keys. As they leave, take a photo of your old motor on the back of the truck that captures their reg plate and any phone numbers on the truck. Go online to register the sale with DVLA. Bag the cash, wash your hands and then bank it.
I’ve been robbed of two bikes in one night, one a year old and the other a week old. I’m now very particular who comes near my property. I’ll arrange to meet potential buyers somewhere close to my home first. Assisting them of course coz I’m a good guy. I’ll always be there before them and before they are out of their vehicle I’ve got a picture of them and their number plate. Pleasantries over with the meet it’s unfortunately where I have to explain a few things to them. It’s not nice for me or them but I’m about to take a stranger or strangers into my home. I’ll never forget that feeling of losing those bikes and deliver my chat with that in mind. My security will be viewable to these people and I try to leave little on show. The bike will be in the middle of the garden and not in my garage etc......I could go on about this but enough is enough. Be careful of every stranger when it comes to your home and property.
My son sold his Nissan ZX to a french guy within 24hrs hes managed a services overnight parking fine (£80), 96mph on the M1 both of which he managed to sort only due to a signed form with buyers adress and it timed and dated 6mths later he got a speeding fine for France amd despite the DVLA k owing hed sold it 3 days prior it took 6 mth to sort as for paypal, No... too many buyers rights.. they get back and then say its broken and paypal take your money back and you have no car.. def no, seen it with expensive watches, they report it a fake and your £5k watch has disappeared what BM is it, ironically my soon is after one
def some good things to think about, im gonna lock the house and if it comes up, its my brothers, and i dont have a key!
i dont have visitiors, and dont like it at all, but with this car, i dont have a choice, not insured, and it cant be driven, but totally understand
@blink - won’t the V5 have your address on it though, so saying it’s your brothers house won’t hold water?
Personally, I think you're overthinking things a bit and you're starting to sound like a scammer too. If the buyer is genuine, and you slip up on a little fib, you might give the buyer doubts and lose out on the sale. I know you're just being cautious. Just saying! Chin
