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Wed 1 Oct 2003 19:15
The List - Monaro
I am looking for a used car as I have mentioned here before, but due to the good weather I am enjoying cycling a 27 miles round trip to work which has delayed the buying, but I am not sure how long this will last.

So I would like to compile a list of the questions to ask over the phone about a car, and then maybe HJ could put it in the FAQs. I have looked at the FAQs and dione a search but don't think I am treading in chartered territory.

So who will start us off?
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Wed 1 Oct 2003 19:40
The List - Vansboy
Q Is the car still for sale?
A Which car?
THINK...did he say he was a dealer?

Q Why are you selling?
A Getting new car
THINK...wonder why the dealer didn't want it in part exchange?
Overpriced? Really tatty? Still on HP?

Q Is it on finance.
A No
THINK...if it's fairly new, could be, so ask for proof it's paid off, letter from his financeco. Do HPI check if you want to buy.

Q How long you owned it.
A Whatever the answer....check the log book agrees with this answer.

More along in a minute!!

VB

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Wed 1 Oct 2003 19:56
The List - CMark {P}
Paul C, I think you are looking in the wrong place. The info is not in the FAQs but in the "How to Buy and Sell cars" link below it.

Then you need to navigate using the menu options that appear on the right.

Select "Buying Used Privately" and then "Buying used from an Advertisement or website".

HJ lists just the sort of thing I think you are looking for.
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Wed 1 Oct 2003 23:02
The List - M.M
After about 30 secs chat I ask a very specific question of "private" sellers...

"If I come and see your car today will I find the V5 registered to the address where I'm viewing it".

That knocks out 50% or more of the potentials as the standard set of excuses about selling on behalf of their auntie's boyfriend's best mate are trotted out.

M.M
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Thu 2 Oct 2003 07:03
The List - Godfrey H {P}
Brilliant question MM!
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Thu 2 Oct 2003 08:46
The List - owen
What if their "excuses" are genuine? I've sold quite a few cars on behalf of relatives who didn't want the hassle, and always worried that people would be very suspicous that the log book in my name. Not had a problem though - suppose i must have an honest face ;-)
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Thu 2 Oct 2003 09:41
The List - M.M
Sorry Owen but there is never really such a thing as a rare car for sale so I bulk together all the "wrong address" guys into a no further interest pile.

You are right there could just be a genuine excuse, I've had to do it a couple of times myself for good reason. But overall it's not worth the brainpower of trying to suss them out...just go onto the next one.

M.M
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