Hello lovely people! I want to ask as I want to upgrade from Hyundai fastback i30 to suv I am on a hunt for a car. I found one on eBay and as I am not from UK (I live here 4 years now) I have now idea how things work. I learned that people and dealers sell cars on eBay too. I found one listing and I like the car but the price is low for it. Their explanation is because the car is after repossessions.
I wrote an email and this is word for word their explanation: The car is HPI clear, free from any accidents or outstanding finance, and comes with a full documented service history. We acquired it from an auction, which allows us to offer it at a competitive price of £9,880 with no additional fees.
In the email they also say that the car runs and basically everything is in green and perfect. Is it a scam? Or it is normal in UK to sell cars in repossession for lower price then normal?
I really appreciate any kind of advice!
The usual with repo vehicles is that they may not have been well maintained. That includes anything from missing service history or advisories from MOTs being left. If it does actually have a full service history, I would want documented proof of that before purchase.
The second is missing pieces. People rarely allow bailiffs to just come and get their stuff, so pieces of trim, engine covers, spare wheels, parcel shelves, etc. Check they are all there.
And finally, the presence of only one key. Most vehicles come with two or three keys. If it's a repo done by bailiffs and the original owners weren't forthcoming with the keys, it may have been one that's been recoded for it. It does mean there is a possibility that someone out there has possession of another set of keys.
You can use a dealer, but there are a few car key recode guys that can clear all known keys off of the module and recode only your key and possibly a spare if you want it later on. This may add cost.
However it could equally be a finance hand back rather than a repo.
I would still use a full car history check on it before parting with any cash. There are a few services around that cost under £10.
There are many fake car adverts on Ebay.
Always go and see the car before any sort of payment.
Do searches on the car number plate and eBay account, is it a business account, how old is the account, and its selling history feedback. The company, its address, phone number, and other stock.. do they check out.
With a low price, they could be looking for an advance payment scam by asking for deposit or reservation fee.