It’s almost always a case of giving a deposit on the agreement a vehicle doesn’t need anything has no damage etc and showing up to find considerable damage (usually hail or keyed panels that sellers try to convince you doesn’t exist or can be “buffed out” which flat out isn’t possible. This is why I mentioned back about using terms like “if the vehicle is as you described” and getting it in writing is always preferable. I always get a receipt for deposits as well. Unfortunately people think that can now just keep the deposit or we can take it (and either make no money or potentially lose money depending on what needs to be fixed) without negotiating on price or handing back the deposit. I always make sure I have a VIN in writing (usually a photo of their registration with their name also showing) before I ever give a deposit. I’ve also had to register liens for deposits that people refuse to return in situations like this in the past which is another reason I don’t like them. I’d rather send them a photo of the bank draft and receipts while I’m on the way there to prove I’m serious.This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
As for the stolen vehicle, it was a terrible situation where someone broke into a rural home and targeted someone away long term who wouldn’t know it was stolen for a period of time and wouldn’t be able to report it. They knew the vehicle had no liens so a lien search wouldn’t raise flags and were working in a ring with other people. All paperwork, ID, addresses etc matched up and they probably figured by the time the owner knew and reported it they would be long gone. Lucky for me they were stupid and showed up to post bail in a small town for an associate in a stolen vehicle, and RCMP recognized the vehicle and arrested them over a month before we found out we had bought a stolen vehicle.