996 Gonzo-- Am I lucky or stupid ??

I need some feedback on the sale of my 2001 996: Seal grey 9000 miles on the clock Partial leather 18 inch Sport designs ( needs new rear tires) Small carbon package Fabspeed exhaust GONE in 24 hours: $ 57,500. - Posted the car on Auto Trader yesterday for the heck of it. Got a call from a guy in Indiana, is buying the car for his attorney in Miami as a " bonus". Buys the car sight unseen ( other than pics on site), no PPI, no questions asked, nothing. Is gonna wire the money and have a transport pick the car up ASAP. Basd upon my research, I think I got a pretty good deal on the car. But, having the first caller buy it in that fashion kinda makes me wonder ??? Thoughts.....

Make VERY sure that the wire transfer is verified with your bank AND the bank it's drawn on ... the speed of this transaction makes me very nervous, there are a lot of wire and cashier's check scams going on right now. If it's not legit, you'll be left holding the bag, and your car is gone, regardless of whether the balance appeared in your account or not. Vic 99 C2 cab

Not a bad price at all! The questionless buyer is what scares me though. Run if the deals legit. Who wants to spend all that time and effort to get a couple more bucks, if ya can get it?

I totally agree with this post... make sure you have the money in your account before anything gets shipped anywhere! Good luck! Rob

Thanks for the heads up. I too have read about alot of scams on ebay and with private sales regarding this sort of thing. Rest assured, the car is not leaving my possession without the cold hard cash accounted for. Assuming this happens, do you think I got a good deal ??

Guys-- Thanks again for the advice with regards to this potential buyer. Is there any other words of wisdom from any of you that have sold cars before via this route ( non face to face )?? things to watch out for, things to consider, or just things that will make the transaction go smoother ??? Any advice will be appreciated.

I think there is more risk on the buyers side then yours. If the money posts into your account and your bank verifies it... you're done. He's arranging for shipping so just clean the car up for him remove your tags and reg and it's no longer your problem. When the shipping company loads the car, take plenty of video or digital pictures that show the cars mileage, interior, the working order of the car, etc. Best of luck, Rob

I would also go over the vehicle with the trucker. Make notations of any imperfections and make him sign it. Relieves you of any shipping damages that a trucking company will be sure to deny.

If this turns out to be a legit transaction, I think you got a good price for your car. A good transportation company will always inspect your car for visible damage before loading and give you a signed receipt.

I would also move the money out of the account that it was wired into as soon as it is received. Under certain circumstances, wire transfers can be recalled.

Guys-- Thanks for all the great advice. I will be contacting my bank as well the buyer tommorrow to make further arrangements. If any of you have additional insights, please keep them coming..... Thanks again

congrats scott, that is a great deal you got. Now you gotta start searching for that gt3. I hope everything else goes smoothly.

As Dave said, wire transfers can be reversed - even months later. Jeff

That's true ... and that's what makes me paranoid about selling a car now, even though I've done a handful of long-distance transactions with zero problems. I'd want the buyer to hand me a fat stack of $1000 bills at this point -- at my bank to make sure they're not counterfeit ;-) Vic 99 C2 cab

Make sure he makes all the arrangements for the pickup, and make sure that he takes ownership when the car is loaded, not when it is delivered. That way it will be his responsibility to deal with the carrier if there are any disputes. Make that clear on your bill of sale. I would also review all the necessary statements you need to include on your bill of sale which you will send 2 copies to him and he will return one signed to you. Be very complete on the BofS!

Personally, I would use a secondary bank account or one which normally carries a very small balance. And as someone has mentioned before, take the money out of the account asap and put it into an account that no one but people you know have access to.

BE very very carefull one of my friends got scammed like this selling his car and a week ago another one of my friends almost fell for the scam, click link for more details http://www.cincystreetscene.com/foru...ead.php?t=2873 Jerzy

Update: First of all, thanks to all of that have replied with very solid advice and recommendations for this transaction. It has allowed me to be even more careful regarding each step of this process. Happy to say that so far anyway, this seems to be a very legitimate (albeit odd) transaction. I have discussed my concerns with my bank and they asssure me that my liability is zero if the funds are received by wire in an appropriate fashion. I have talked to the purchaser numerous times today without any red flags ( he has had no issues with my requests regarding transaction and bill of sale, and seems to be a legitimate business owner in the Midwest-- I have spoken with his secretary numerous times today regarding wire transfer, logistics etc..). I have even gotten email from the prospective owners with insurance questions, basic car questions, etc.... So......, I am proceeding ever so cautiously towards the completion of this strange transaction. My antenna are still on high alert, but this does not seem to be one of these "check scams" situations that I have been reading (and worried ) about...... Will keep everyone posted on the outcome....

You got a great price for the car! That's well above the going rate for your car!!! congrats on the sale!!!!!!!

Sounds like you got lucky! Good for you ... congratulations. Another suggestion? That Bill of Sale that Don mentioned. Be sure you have one, even if the info on the title is complete, include the VIN, and I would add "Sold As Is." It won't be absolute, but the comment makes it harder for him to claim you guaranteed anything about the car. Best of luck. J

Update 2: Money cleared the bank today. They are sending me a check overnight (which will be deposited in a seperate, "safe account") along with the title to transfer to new owners. Transport coming to get the car later in the week or first of next. All in all, much smoother than I expected (Thank God). Now, on to the GT3 !!! Any suggestions on how/where to locate one ?? Flexible on options except PCCB's. Do not want them.....

Congrats on the sale, I'm glad everything went smooth fo you. Good luck with the GT3