Is This a Scam - Purchasing a Used Car

Overcomer on 22/06/2024 - 21:32
Last edited 02/07/2024 - 17:26 by 1 other user

A seller is selling a Mercedez 180. 2011 for $2000 which is a ridiculous deal. Driven 150kms. Listed just on the weekend.

I rushed to see the car. The seller then gives me the car to take for a drive. I find out that the radio unit doesn’t work, but that is not a problem as the car is already $2000. I then ask for rego papers to buy it. He said that he will write me a receipt as it is a company car. I am like you could go to the service NSW office nearby if you don’t have the paper with you. He said that because it is registered in the company, he doesn’t have it yet. He can get it by Monday.

I tell him no worries that when he has it. He first asks me to drop a deposit for Monday, but seeing that it doesn’t make sense, he says “No deposit” he will let me know by Monday.

I am wondering so as not to waste my time. Is this a scam?

Update. Ad was gone by Monday. Seller disappeared

Automotive Mercedes A180

Comments

  • MS Paint on 22/06/2024 - 21:34
    +14

    Add a poll

    • Sinnerator on 23/06/2024 - 09:00
      +33

      make sure one option on poll is "CALL THE POLICE"

    • HeWhoKnows on 23/06/2024 - 12:07
      +15

      No poll needed

      The seller is NOT THE OWNER.

      Thats all you need to know

      Hence stay well away until you see the car in the sellers name - compare name with thier driver's license

      • photonbuddy on 23/06/2024 - 14:55

        The seller is NOT THE OWNER.

        Not necessarily.

        I had a neighbour who bought and sold cheap cars (<$500) to make a bit of coin on the side. He didn't have a dealer license, so he'd never transfer the rego details over to himself, and would just claim he lost them. He did OK out of it.

        Dodgy AF I agree, but rego papers don't prove ownership anyway - or so I am led to believe.

        • Tleyx on 23/06/2024 - 20:38
          +2

          What proves ownership?

          • kiitos on 24/06/2024 - 08:06
            +4

            @Tleyx: And how would he transfer ownership to the buyer?

          • paloverde88 on 24/06/2024 - 22:31
            +2

            @Tleyx: photograph of the owner nude inside the car, polishing it

        • MrTweek on 24/06/2024 - 10:24
          +4

          Very risky to buy from someone like that. There's no way to verify whether he actually bought the car or stole it.

        • johnfuller on 24/06/2024 - 10:42
          +2

          100% correct, rego papers dont mean you own the car, it just means you've registered the car in X name

          you need actual purchase paperwork / receipt to prove the owner of the car

          • Tleyx on 25/06/2024 - 00:31
            +1

            @johnfuller: So if you have a rego paper and a hand written receipt scrawled on the back of a napkin, you are going to take the napkin as proof?

            • johnfuller on 25/06/2024 - 09:02

              @Tleyx: You need to complete a statutory declaration stating that you purchased the item from X for X price on X date at X time, including their address. Both parties must sign the declaration, accompanied by a photo of their license ensuring all details are clearly stated. Your address is not required. Additionally, perform a PPSR check on the item to confirm it's not stolen or under finance. Once completed, you're ready to proceed.

              In case of any issues, the statutory declaration provides proof of purchase details such as seller information, payment method, and transaction specifics.

              • Tleyx on 25/06/2024 - 10:15

                @johnfuller: You get a stat dec signed for each vehicle you buy?

                Have never heard of this being a thing. I doubt any seller would want to do it to be honest. Do you make the dealer go to the courthouse, how does this work?

                • johnfuller on 25/06/2024 - 10:42

                  @Tleyx: i write it up and make the seller sign it, you can download a stat dec online its a template you fill out

                  • Tleyx on 25/06/2024 - 11:35

                    @johnfuller: Its not a stat dec unless its signed by a JP.

                    Also does the deller have a stat dec from last seller? Did they go to the courthouse as well. I have sold a lot of vehicles and never seen anyone with a stat dec showing they (and all previous owners) owned it

                    • johnfuller on 25/06/2024 - 14:54

                      @Tleyx: yes its true, however better than nothing !

                      • lookingforTV on 25/06/2024 - 19:27

                        @johnfuller: Stat dec without JP witnessed means nothing, so it is actually not better but indifferent.

                        • johnfuller on 27/06/2024 - 08:36

                          @lookingforTV: its still a receipt, .. its a bit like a contract, your saying a contract is void without a jp signing it?

                          • lookingforTV on 27/06/2024 - 08:49

                            @johnfuller: Receipt on a stolen good means nothing. Just proves that you got scammed. I was merely saying having a stat dec means nothing without the JP signing it.

                            • johnfuller on 27/06/2024 - 12:51

                              @lookingforTV: it proves who you got it from, and for what price, getting scammed with no paperwork is worse

                      • Tleyx on 26/06/2024 - 09:11

                        @johnfuller: For truth i would rank it as
                        Stat fec signed by JP
                        Then rego
                        Then receipt unsigned by JP.

                        Though if i am so unwary of the seller they are probably hiding other things on the vehicle so would be walking

                        • johnfuller on 27/06/2024 - 09:48

                          @Tleyx: In Australia, vehicle registration papers, often referred to as registration certificates or rego papers, do not constitute proof of ownership of a vehicle. Instead, they serve as evidence that the vehicle has been registered with the relevant state or territory authority, indicating compliance with legal requirements for road use. Ownership of a vehicle is typically demonstrated by documents such as a transfer of ownership form (like a transfer of registration), a receipt or contract of sale, or a title certificate (like a certificate of registration or proof of purchase). These documents establish legal ownership and should be kept securely by the vehicle's owner.

                          • Tleyx on 27/06/2024 - 12:40

                            @johnfuller: Yes but your getting of a non stat dec is also not proof of anything, even more so.

                            I will continue using rego over a non stat dec reciept tbh

  • Euphemistic on 22/06/2024 - 21:48
    +12

    Multiple red flags. Find another one.

    • El cheepo on 23/06/2024 - 00:49
      +80

      Multiple red flags. Find another one.

      But he already has multiple red flags, why does he need one more? 🤷🏽‍♂️

      • mapax on 23/06/2024 - 09:01
        +6

        Gotta catch ‘em all?

  • Iwantthebestprice on 22/06/2024 - 21:50
    +7

    Scam for sure. I would avoid. Dirt cheap, company car, can’t provide papers etc all red flags. Save your $ and move on

  • lordezekiel on 22/06/2024 - 21:58
    +12

    When in the history of humanity has an online post posing the question "is this a scam?" ever turned out to be legit?
    Asking for a deposit is one of the oldest scams in the book. And it works extra well, because sometimes legitimate sellers may ask for a desposit too…

    • magic8ballgag on 23/06/2024 - 07:22
      +4

      Every private car I have purchased/sold (and there's been a fair few), a deposit has been requested and provided.

      Why is this such a red flag to you?

    • Minimum chips on 23/06/2024 - 10:57
      +8

      There's one genuine Nigerian prince out there, desperately trying to make someone rich in exchange for a little favour. He has no idea why people keep ignoring his unsolicited emails.

  • sumyungguy on 22/06/2024 - 22:08
    +2

    You haven't disclosed much about the car. Is it an A180? How many km? Where was it listed? You need to understand if it's well below value and why. Company cars can go for cheap if none of the employees want to buy them. A 2011 pool/fleet car will be a banger.

  • AustriaBargain on 22/06/2024 - 22:12

    Is it his company?

    • Overcomer on 23/06/2024 - 06:04

      These are things I don’t know. The deal sounds too good. He said he will get the paper from work monday. I can’t really verify that

      • Chandler on 24/06/2024 - 13:11
        +1

        His mate who forges registration paperwork is flying back from overseas on Saturday, hence the delay. Thank you for your patience.

  • Sye on 22/06/2024 - 22:19
    +7

    Probably a scam as you can only get a Mercedes Benz at that price from off shore oil rig workers.

    • MS Paint on 22/06/2024 - 22:24
      +7

      Is that one still available? Asking for OP (my friend)

      Mercedez

      Can you confirm also it's a Mercedez? I don't want those shitty Mercedes.

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 22/06/2024 - 22:49
        +2

        It'll be dropped off by my agent.

        • MS Paint on 22/06/2024 - 22:50
          +6

          Ok. I'll overpay you now. Please sms fake receipt asap. It's been a business doing pleasure with you.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/06/2024 - 22:20
    +9

    Cars stolen bro, you'll never hear from him again

    • Overcomer on 23/06/2024 - 06:05

      This is really what i think. Like why would you tell me you will write me a receipt. In this NSW when we all know the rules

      • DoctorCalculon on 23/06/2024 - 20:42
        +3

        What about the log book? I bet he didn't have this one in the car either.

        Driven 150kms

        I think you meant to write 150K km, right?

    • barge-in hunter on 23/06/2024 - 09:45
      +2

      Why would someone steal this amazing example of European engineering? It’s not worth much, looks to have lots of leaks, and probably would have a reasonable immobiliser to work around - effort with minimal reward

      • [Deactivated] on 24/06/2024 - 09:27

        Thieves aren't exactly known for there intelligence, and immobilizer isn't an issue, you just steal the keys these days

      • gromit on 24/06/2024 - 09:32

        opportunity. $2k may not be a lot to you, but to many a thief if given an opportunity they would jump at it for far less. May be as simple has had easy access to the keys.

        PS: not suggesting this is or isn't a scam. Just the amount is well and truly above the threshold to be worth the effort of a thief or scammer.

  • Davo1111 on 22/06/2024 - 22:22
    +6

    I'd be paying for that check.. ppsr or whatever it's called

  • MS Paint on 22/06/2024 - 22:30
    +17

    I found it.

    Looks legit to me. That's about it's true value especially if those oil leaks are from said vehicle.

    It's registered until the end of the month

    • sumyungguy on 22/06/2024 - 22:40

      2011 B180 5D hatchback $7,040 to $8,000
      Price guide based on a similar car, with an average 192,000 km

      • MS Paint on 22/06/2024 - 22:41
        +8

        If you want to sell it before rego renewal or because those oil leaks are a $6k repair job or the turbo is cooked then $2k seems about right to me.

    • Sye on 22/06/2024 - 22:42

      Those number plates belong to a blue sedan. Possibly a hatch. NSW gov site says both.

      • MS Paint on 22/06/2024 - 22:43
        +12

        The B series doesn't fit into any style category specifically because it's:

        • Friggin weird arse shape
        • Friggin ugly
      • Overcomer on 23/06/2024 - 06:07
        +1

        I think I am more concerned if the car is really a company car, then i am happy to wait and deal with the issues it may have later. As $2k is a deal

      • Overcomer on 23/06/2024 - 06:09

        Its a hatch

      • kerfuffle on 23/06/2024 - 10:13
        +3

        All hatches are listed as sedans in NSW.

    • AustriaBargain on 23/06/2024 - 00:33
      +3

      The badge says Mercedes. But the rest of the car says Hyundai.

      • Murkymerv on 23/06/2024 - 08:41
        +1

        The Hyundai is clearly better value here !

      • JIMB0 on 23/06/2024 - 09:03
        +7

        This is a rubbish car for people who have no money but want to give the impression that they do by driving a car with a Mercedes badge.

    • barge-in hunter on 23/06/2024 - 08:07
      +6

      Yep - it is an almost 15 y/o cheap model Mercedes. Honestly wouldn’t touch it myself.

      If it’s a company vehicle that’s had all the tax depreciation claimed, the owner will have to pay gst on the sale price etc etc. The low price could also be a tax minimisation thing

    • pegaxs on 23/06/2024 - 10:20
      +6

      The longer I look through the sellers profile… the better it gets… 100% would buy a car from them… :D

  • RockyRaccoon on 22/06/2024 - 22:41
    +3

    Its got to be a small private (family)company, and tax wise not many companys would keep a car 13 years.

    Then is this person authorised to sell it.

    Is the address its registered to the same as the person selling it.

    I wouldnt put a deposit down unless I saw the papers

    If its Muzeebs linked car, its plates are about 2 years old. Why is that? It was bought secondhand? A little unusual of any company to buy a 11 year old car. Only logical explanation if they have owned from new are maybe these are replacement plates if the old ones were stolen.

    All questions to find out why

    • MS Paint on 22/06/2024 - 22:47

      And there's P plates on it as well.

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 22/06/2024 - 22:55
        +1

        Could have been worse, might have Ls.

        • MS Paint on 22/06/2024 - 22:59
          +3

          Put the big L's back on for the eventual buyer

          • DashCam AKA Rolts on 22/06/2024 - 23:06

            @MS Paint: And a set of #11s as it peels out the carpark, but only if it's been raining heavily.

      • Overcomer on 23/06/2024 - 06:11

        Dude said its for his wife though i never saw his wife

        • RockyRaccoon on 23/06/2024 - 08:48

          Have a friend ring up and enquire about the car, see what they are told. Then compare. Often scammers/sharks give out what you want to hear and this will be inconsistent.

          eg. You said it was listed at 150k Km the Muzeeb one says 200k. are they the same? And post below by CS says its reported as 230k. If they cant read the odometer correctly - thats a big worry. They aren't going to worry about you reading it as you will probably never see it.

        • SuperLate on 23/06/2024 - 22:26
          +1

          i never saw his wife

          Now that's being greedy.

    • Davo1111 on 24/06/2024 - 12:10

      tbh that whole thing seems the least suspicious.

      Car is a company car or novated lease etc etc. Has the parents plates on it.

      After 10 years, car is worth SFA. Parents upgrade, take the plates. Give the car to the kid and swap the plates with generics.

  • Brucet on 22/06/2024 - 23:02
    +1

    Car for $2000…..99.9% scam.
    For get this car.

    • El cheepo on 23/06/2024 - 00:42
      +8

      99.9% scam.

      So… you’re saying theres a chance!

      For get this car.

      we are all for getting this car!

  • randomusername2017 on 22/06/2024 - 23:15
    +2

    He said

    Sure you're using the right pronoun

    Sellers company appears to be in the personal services industry

    History of selling clapped out euros due to imminent move overseas…

    • Overcomer on 23/06/2024 - 07:51
      +1

      How do you tell this? Like where do you get the info from

  • Jaduqimon on 22/06/2024 - 23:17
    +5

    why would you even buy a merc thats >10 years old. its a scam regardless.

    especially a bottom of the barrel model

  • Hybroid on 23/06/2024 - 00:08
    +11

    A seller is selling a Mercedez 180. 2011 for $2000 which is a ridiculous deal.

    Definitely not for a 13 year old B-series that's done 230,000 KM (as of last June 2023) and you haven't done a pre-purchase inspection to gauge condition and any issues. Put aside $10k for repairs.

    • tttttz on 25/06/2024 - 15:28

      I have worked on this type of car before (Mercedes w245/w169)
      If everything else is legit (what are the chances?),
      make sure you can find history that its CVT transmission fluid has been replaced every 60km (also it's very hard to replace this vehicle's transmission fluid properly),
      otherwise, you will be looking into a transmission replacement, $10k sounds about right (also, there is no guarantee that your replaced 2nd hand transmission will last)

  • Commander Shepard on 23/06/2024 - 00:31
    +5

    REGO: DSL73S

    VIN: WDD2452322J713702

    2011 MERCEDES-BENZ B180 CVT AUTO 7 SP SEQUENTIAL 5D HATCHBACK: Colour: Blue

    If he has the rego papers and you can confirm the owner/company etc. It might not be a scam. But the car may be mechanically totaled. Or it will be shortly.

  • CurlCurl on 23/06/2024 - 08:49

    Don't forget the CVT with 230,000kl on it.

    • CocaKoala on 24/06/2024 - 11:08

      Look at how it's marketed: "7 speed sequential" - yeah, sure thing. 😅

      • Browsers on 24/06/2024 - 14:53

        If it's the petrol engine, combined with the CVT it is a lousy mix. I drove one myself for a short while and the memory that lingers most is the flat spot where you put your foot down and nothing happens at all. Not fit for any overtaking and I wouldn't recommend it even if the seller is genuine.

  • solidussnake on 23/06/2024 - 09:24

    Nah seems totally normal i always sell cars registered in companies without paperwork all the time 🙄

  • pegaxs on 23/06/2024 - 10:39
    +8

    selling a Mercedez 180. 2011 for $2000 which is a ridiculous deal.

    Trust me, it isn't a "ridiculous deal" for a busted arse 13yo base model MB with over 230,000km on it. It is about market value, and $2,000 is basically scrap metal value for this car.

    Driven 150kms

    No, the last rego check from June 2023, it was stated as: 228,145km and they averaged about 12,000km each year. It would be closer to 240,000km that it would be to 150,000km. If you looked at it and it had only 150,000km on it, then the odometer has been rolled back. The ad even says 200,000km+

    I rushed to see the car.

    Why? It's a bog stock base model shitter. With 240,000~ish km on it. Owned by someone, judging from their profile, doesn't know a hell of a lot about cars. What's the rush? FOMO? On a base model, clapped out MB?

    Isbthis a scam?

    It's not a "scam", but you're a sucker if you think you need to rush around and get in a tizzy over a busted arse shit box that they likely couldn't give away.

  • TightAl on 23/06/2024 - 11:06

    2011 Merc lol,
    did this guy drive it from the wreckers?

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