Buying a vehicle through a broker, is it safe? Options

[axelrduvirage]

I have a chance to buy a vehicle for a VERY VERY low price (almost too good to be true). Problem (or paranoia) is that the seller has left the country and is running the deal though an online brokering agent-- moneybookers.com . Does anyone have any experience in these matter? Is it safe? What should I look out for? What demands can I ask of the seller other than the VIN and to actually see the car?

I really want this car and the price is right. I need your input.

here is the ad: http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detaili...mp;r=novascotia

here is the first reply:

from: kevin.peterrson@msn.com

RE: NISSAN 350Z 2005‏

De :<SPAN id=PresenceContainer>Vous ne connaissez peut-être pas l'expéditeur.Autoriser|Marquer comme courrier indésirableEnvoyé :20 mai 2009 00:06:09À : axelrduvirage@hotmail.com

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Hi,
I know that you have many choices on AutoTrader and I appreciate that you contacted me.
The car is in a perfect condition, 100% original and the engine works great. Like you already have seen in
the pictures, no scratches, no rust, no damages, no hidden defects. I sell it so cheap because I just moved from Canada.The car is still registered there. Those are the reasons why I'm selling it for $8,200.00
including the shipping and insurance charges. All documents and the notarized bill of sale will be provided
along with the car.The transaction will be made under an escrow company called Moneybookers.
I'm a serious seller and a fair trader and I prefer to deal only with a serious buyer. If you consider
yourself one please e-mail me back so we can start our deal.
Thank you!

From: SiteCopies@ca.trader.com
To: macbagcc@gmail.com
Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 06:57:04 -0400
Subject: Important Sales Lead from AutoTrader

peace

PS it's been too long since i've posted. life is really too busy but so rewarding these days...

[95CelicaST]

If it sounds too good to be true, then it is.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/320/RipOff0320437.htm
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/...ion-c60652.html
http://www.scamvictimsunited.com/phpBB2/vi...?f=9&t=2864
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/320/RipOff0320441.htm

[Supersprynt]

I wouldn't do it.

[Fastbird]

That SCREAMS scam. Run....fast......then run some more.

[njccmd2002]

lets see...

[jason]

wonder why people bother to buy cars without driving them first... let alone even seeing it

not that low, but there are a bunch of nice condition early z's for sale around me - guess people got more credit than they could handle

one in particular that i had my eye on was a black 03 with ~60k on it going for 10,500. i have no clue how much it would cost to get a car up to canada for you though - prolly not worth it

[axelrduvirage]

i know it sounds too good to be true, that's why i'm asking around for your "gut feeling" about it. don't worry, i wasn't born yesterday and i know how to protect myself in these matters. i surely would never even consider the deal unless i have the VIN in hand and was able to search the rightful registered owner. the escrow company checks out 99.9999% safe. i did some searching and there are reports of various scams using moneybookers as a tool. the real proof will be when they ask me for personal details or to send money using their bank or even worse a money wire transfer service to a moneybookers account. i now am just curious as an agent of the media to see this to its inevitable outcome. if nothing else it will make a good report for a BUYER BEWARE column on CBC RADIO.

what happens to the ones that sound too good to be true but really are?

[Stambo]

I rather play it safe than taking the chance

[axelrduvirage]

well it played out exactly as i expected. a VIN was provided and it checked out as the VIN for a 2005 350z with 8 reports on it. CARFAX wants 50$ for the reports. maybe i should pay the 10$ and run it through my provincial registry of motor vehicles just for ****z and gigglz to see who it's really registered to...nah! not worth it. the car is actually in Vancouver BC crated and waiting for shipping...bullshirt!! i would have 5 days to inspect it...again bullshirt! (moneybookers guarantees 15 days) and the transaction must be done through Moneygram and not a Canadian bank...super stinky bullshirt!!!

anyway, if i had the time i would send the RCMP, FBI, INTERPOL and moneybookers.com after this sorry sack of human waste but i have better things to do.

peace... and keep your stick on the ice

raymond

This post has been edited by axelrduvirage: May 20, 2009 - 7:39 PM

[njccmd2002]

good, case settled. buy another celica please.

prevent the extinction

[axelrduvirage]

good, case settled. buy another celica please.

prevent the extinction

rather put some 00:00:00 and $.$$ into keeping mine alive. it's rusting bad around the bottom door seams (typical maritime climate problem). other than that it runs well and handles like new thanks to the suspension upgrades i did last spring.