is there a scam currently about buying cars on Craig's list and the seller having to move out of

[demtenjeep]

country?

A friend of mine is looking for a vehicle and inquired about one and got this reply:

Thank you for being interested in buying my 2003 Honda Accord V6 EX-L, automatic transmission. It is in EXCELLENT condition; the body and paint are great, no scratches and no dents; the interior is clean; it has never been involved in an accident; the title is clear.

I have recently moved to United Kingdom. I was hoping to take my car here but when I found out how much shipping and registration would be I've changed my mind. As I'm unable to travel in the near future and I don't have anyone in the US to help me with the sale I decided to make this transaction through eBay. I believe this protects both buyer and seller and it's the right way to do this.

The final price is $1,500. If you decide to buy this car or need further information please get back to me as soon as possible.

Thank you,
Lauren

[demtenjeep]

1. yup, found what I was looking for, thanks

. The Out-of-Town Seller

Some sellers will list a car at an unbelievable price and then tell the buyer a sob story to go with it. It may be they are going through a divorce, or have been transferred overseas and can’t afford to have the car shipped or registered to the new locale. Whatever the story, it justifies the low price and the buyer thinks he’s getting a great deal. But because the seller is out of the country, the buyer will have to wire funds to them in order to take possession of the car. You can imagine what happens next – the seller disappears with the money and the car is nowhere to be found.

[taught_me_patience]

2. 100% scam n/t

[RebelOne]

9. Definitely a scam. n/t

[MADem]

3. Offer to meet the guy's proxy at the registry of motor vehicles and do the transaction there!

If he has no proxy, what--he thinks anyone is stupid enough to buy the car, sight unseen, no test drive, no scrutiny of the title, nothing? Does he have a bridge for sale? The LONDON Bridge, maybe?

Surely someone must be keeping the car for him--what, did he park it at the airport and take off?

Something smells, unless this guy is being unclear...

I will say, who wants a left hand drive car in a right hand drive country--I've had both, and the left hand drive car is one you have to think about driving, as you're driving on the wrong side of the road.

But something doesn't sound right at all, here.

[taught_me_patience]

7. It's a scam. The poster should not do anything.

I would bet $1,000 to win $50 that this is a scam.

[MADem]

10. Sure it is--but if you offer to meet the proxy at the RMV, they'll say "the car is sold."

Then you'll know for sure.

[K8-EEE]

4. I sold a 2003 Honda Accord THAT A TREE FELL ON for $1600

This guy could EASILY get $8,000 for the car so 2 red flags already; one is, OUT OF COUNTRY TRANSACTION and one is EXTREMELY UNDERPRICED DESIRABLE ITEM. Who wouldn't want an nice older Accord for $1500? It doesn't exist though.

[HooptieWagon]

5. The low price itself is a red flag.

But, as suggested upthread, if the seller has a proxy to show the car to potential buyers, and a test drive is allowed; then making the transaction at a DMV office should be safe.

[demtenjeep]

6. I told her to email back and say thanks but no thanks

it just seemed too good to be true to me.

[tralala]

8. Total scam

Tell your friend not to waste any more of his/her time on this "seller".