Selling a car to a guy from Slovakia...

Mellow Matt · Scooby Slapper Joined: 14 Oct 2007 Karma :

I'm currently selling my Locoblade (bike engined kit car), and a guy has got in contact saying he'd like to buy it. However, he's from Slovakia, so obviously I'm a bit wary.

He's saying he can send over a deposit via bank transfer, then get the people who pick up the car to give me the rest in cash. Am I gonna be bumraped somehow if I agree?

TIA Smile

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1999 GSX-R 600, 1999 TL1000R

That_Hornet · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Karma :

Say paypal or GTFO.

If you don't feel comfortable don't sell it to him.

HTH
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Dischord · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 May 2005 Karma :

Just say you don't want a deposit but he's free to come and pick the car up anytime, and say you'll only accept cash. Buy a note checker from ebay aswell and check any notes he gives you, especially 20's. IMO that way you can't go wrong.
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Tristan. · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2007 Karma :

meet at the bank, pay it in there and then.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

None of the above. He must give you UK sterling when he collects. He can give a deposit but only via paypal and only if he insists. (apologies Dischord, what you said is exactly right so I guess I mean 'None of the above except dischord).

Do not accept cheques
do not accept bankers drafts
do not accept bank transfers
do not accept western union or similar

If he turns up with a trailer to take the car and a wad of UK sterling notes, then he's probably legit. Anything else and its too much hassle IMO.
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chrisw · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Karma :

Is there alot of other interest?

If there is then don't even entertain the idea.

However, if you're struggling to sell it, then the suggestions above should see you safe. I'd go for the 'full amount in cash on collection only, no deposits' myself.

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

My friend has just successfully sold her bike to someone in Europe, just do as suggested before by Dischord and be sensible and watch your back.
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Mrs Kickstart · Brolly Dolly Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Karma :

Mellow Matt · Scooby Slapper Joined: 14 Oct 2007 Karma :

Thanks guys, helpful stuff. What about if we go to the bank, then they withdraw the cash whilst I'm there, then I deposit the cash, that seems pretty safe.

Mellow Matt · Scooby Slapper Joined: 14 Oct 2007 Karma :

Pete. · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

Mellow Matt · Scooby Slapper Joined: 14 Oct 2007 Karma :

mistergixer · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Karma :

Arrange to do the deal in your local bank - get the bank to count and check all the notes for you as they pay it into your account, then hand over the keys & paperwork for your car if it all turns out to be legit.

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MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

I've heard stories of the kind of bank transfers that are common in Germany being rejected after weeks because they take so long to process.

I suspect bank transfers are safer than bankers drafts for example, but you would need cleared funds in your account before handing anything over. Even so I'm still not 100% sure that the bank can't take it all back again if it goes sour.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

Assuming the deposit is a relatively small amount accept it & explain that they can collect once that has cleared. Check with your bank how long it will take to clear then arrange a date from then.

Make sure they pay in Sterling cash as mentioned and have one or two people you know milling about the house.

I'd trust someone from Europe as much as someone from the UK when buying a car. I see no problem with what the guy has suggested.

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

I sold a bike to a couple of Polish guys. They came along in a van with another bike in the back, paid cash, had a cup of tea, and drove off to Poland.

This was about a year ago, the pound was weak and newly affluent Poles wanted to buy bikes, but there was very little stock in the country so it was expensive. They paid a grand for my bike, it was worth about £750, but they weren't bothered because it would go for more than £1500 in Poland.

Likewise with a locoblade, there won't be many of those for sale in Slovakia.

Get cash. Pay it in at the bank if you're particularly worried, but in my experience guys buying from overseas have been better buyers than British ones. You won't offend them by saying you want to pay it in at the bank to make sure its legit, they're just glad that you'll sell them the car.

Mellow Matt · Scooby Slapper Joined: 14 Oct 2007 Karma :

Thanks guys, some reassuring stuff Smile

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1999 GSX-R 600, 1999 TL1000R

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

What ever you do, do not accept PayPal for motor vehicles or any item where you think its abit dodgy.

As your not covered under seller protection for motor vehicles and if you get a chargeback you'll more than likely be liable for it.