Purchasing vehicle but seller unable to attend

[Jev88]

Hi. Advice on scenario.....

Buying a used MH.
V5 and other important docs (recent bills, old bills, even a copy of driving licence and Adrian Flux insurance agreement) seen with vendors name and address in UK. Tiny amount sent by bank transfer as deposit and checked name, sort code, account number and banking app confirms name and codes match. Vehicle Smart report all clean too.
BUT vendor now lives in Portugal where he has bought a house. Hence, can't physically be there for actual purchase?

Advice please on doing this safely?

 

[Bessy765]

Unfortunately even if the seller signs a declaration of clear title, if there is a loan secured on it that will take priority whatever the sellers states.

 

[stewartwebr]

I have no idea why I feel nervous about this but I do. Please don't take this the wrong way but you seem to be talking yourself into everything is okay. Personally, I would walk away, not sure why, but something is not right...sorry I know that is not what you want to hear.

 

[Lucky]

Just a thought, maybe one way to verify you really are dealing with the genuine owner and not a scammer is to ask them to make a nominal payment from THEIR bank account to yours.

 

[Rusticrogers]

Reading some of the posts on here, it makes me wonder how some people have managed to actually buy anything in life if not from a shop that has been trading in the same spot and since the 1700’s!.
I’d imagine keeping and then selling a motorhome once you’ve upped sticks and gone is quite a chore to be honest and is more of a concern to the vendor than a buyer.
Just remember to be diligent and ask for a transfer of £50 to your bank first of which you’ll return when paying the balance.

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[125BEER]

Reading some of the posts on here, it makes me wonder how some people have managed to actually buy anything in life if not from a shop that has been trading in the same spot and since the 1700’s!.
I’d imagine keeping and then selling a motorhome once you’ve upped sticks and gone is quite a chore to be honest and is more of a concern to the vendor than a buyer.
Just remember to be diligent and ask for a transfer of £50 to your bank first of which you’ll return when paying the balance.

Buyer beware

 

[Jev88]

Unfortunately even if the seller signs a declaration of clear title, if there is a loan secured on it that will take priority whatever the sellers states.

Okay. So HPI / Finance check is clear with two official providers of these checking services. Doesn't that mean it is clear?

 

[Jev88]

I have no idea why I feel nervous about this but I do. Please don't take this the wrong way but you seem to be talking yourself into everything is okay. Personally, I would walk away, not sure why, but something is not right...sorry I know that is not what you want to hear.

I value your concern. But tell me. How would you sell a car if you had moved overseas?

 

[Nanniemate]

It appears that the van may be in Wales, where is it? Because the neighbours will have knowledge of it and will be very happy to chat /Gossip. If it is near me I am happy to go snooping for you because am down right nosey.
My van was an internet purchase, and all the problems were the other way transferring money from 2 accounts same bank first went through second they bounced.
5 hours and numerous phone calls to get it sorted and me feeling like I was a scammer. The bank had been informed the transfer would be taking place I was soooooooooooo embarrassed and in Peterborough with no transport as I had travelled by train.
You have to trust someone sometime sounds like you have set your heart on it I hope it all goes well. I have to admit I was very trusting I sat in the living room of the house they were moving from, with the van on ground opposite.
My transaction turned out fine Good luck please keep us posted I am rooting for you

 

[Jev88]

It appears that the van may be in Wales, where is it? Because the neighbours will have knowledge of it and will be very happy to chat /Gossip. If it is near me I am happy to go snooping for you because am down right nosey.
My van was an internet purchase, and all the problems were the other way transferring money from 2 accounts same bank first went through second they bounced.
5 hours and numerous phone calls to get it sorted and me feeling like I was a scammer. The bank had been informed the transfer would be taking place I was soooooooooooo embarrassed and in Peterborough with no transport as I had travelled by train.
You have to trust someone sometime sounds like you have set your heart on it I hope it all goes well. I have to admit I was very trusting I sat in the living room of the house they were moving from, with the van on ground opposite.
My transaction turned out fine Good luck please keep us posted I am rooting for you

I already physically viewed the RV at the address registered on V5 and sellers business also registered at same property in Anglesey. And as a double check he and his wife are registered as directors of same business.

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[Nanniemate]

I already physically viewed the RV at the address registered on V5 and sellers business also registered at same property in Anglesey. And as a double check he and his wife are registered as directors of same business.

Wrong end of Wales , if it was me I would go for it but then again I have done some really daft things in my life. Good luck

 

[chaser]

Most of my posts on this may appear to be negative but only trying to show the down side, but if you are happy with it go for it, all seems ok to me.
I have bought loads of things off eBay unseen and never had any regrets but must stress not big money like this appears to be.

 

[Geistguy]

Not sure if it's been mentioned but have you seen the sellers purchase receipt ? If he had it from a dealer give them a ring to verify the seller is genuine.

 

[Lucky]

From what I can glean the van's paperwork all stacks up as well as any other bought privately. However the person representing the buyer could have obtained access to these fraudulently. Unlikely but that's the remaining risk I think you face when the owner is absent.

Once you can satisfy yourself that you are dealing directly with the owner, then I'd proceed.

Hence my suggestion you request a payment from the sellers bank account to yours - the one thing I suggest a fraudster could not do. NB sending money in the other direction, as you have already, does not prove you are dealing with the owner, only that you are sending money to their bank. Many people might think what you've done already is sufficient but personally I'd ask for payment to you and then there can be little doubt whom you are dealing with. Overkill maybe but what harm can it do?

 

[Jev88]

Not sure if it's been mentioned but have you seen the sellers purchase receipt ? If he had it from a dealer give them a ring to verify the seller is genuine.

Bought from previous owner (widow of buyer) in 2018.

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[68c]

If it is a scam it seems doomed to fail, it has made you so suspicious you have come on to a forum for second opinions. What difference would it make if the seller was there in person, there could still be outstanding loans, spare set of keys so they could steal it back later, money laundering etc. Why not become the awkward customer, mess them around a little to see how they react, a scammer will try to keep you on the hook. Is this really the only van you like in the whole country.
I think you have already convinced yourself it is dodgy, so walk away.

 

[SpeedyDux]

If the OP can afford to lose £15k and is comfortable with risk - go ahead.

Never underestimate scammers and always be on guard. One of my previous bosses, who had owned a garage, with plenty of experience buying cars, turned up at a house to buy an E class Merc advertised in Autotrader. Cash deal. The car was for himself. While he was distracted by one of them, they disappeared with his cash, and the Merc. He never got any of his money back and the Cops failed to find the car or the crooks.

 

[Landy Andy]

I already physically viewed the RV at the address registered on V5 and sellers business also registered at same property in Anglesey. And as a double check he and his wife are registered as directors of same business.

I’m not sure if it makes any difference, but it may do, are you buying from the individual or the business?

 

[Jev88]

If it is a scam it seems doomed to fail, it has made you so suspicious you have come on to a forum for second opinions. What difference would it make if the seller was there in person, there could still be outstanding loans, spare set of keys so they could steal it back later, money laundering etc. Why not become the awkward customer, mess them around a little to see how they react, a scammer will try to keep you on the hook. Is this really the only van you like in the whole country.
I think you have already convinced yourself it is dodgy, so walk away.

Just because someone (me in this case) wants to double check he hasn't forgotten something in a transaction about to take place doesn't mean "it is suspect so you come running to a forum". Frankly, not asking for advice or opinions would be stupid! I like to think MHFun is generally a body of people eager to help and offer their own experience (as well as poke a bit of fun when appropriate). I felt from the start that this was a genuine advert.
I found a vehicle not too big, but with the internal space we want, the LPG conversion, 6 new tyres, new injectors, new front brakes, disks, pads and pipes to boot and a lovely long list of minor faults dealt with in 2020 by one of the best outfits (LAS Northampton).
Hence buying something a bit older where some (most) of the big jobs that come with age have been paid for by someone else already was attractive. It is not immaculate and there are jobs I am already planning to change a few things, as you do once you get your 6 wheeled palace back home.
The fact it matches our budget and ticks lots of boxes means I needed to step back and get some MHFUN brain power advice as a sanity check.
Positive or negative I value anyone taking the time to chip in with advice and pointers.

 

[Jev88]

I’m not sure if it makes any difference, but it may do, are you buying from the individual or the business?

Private. Just used his name to check against databases such as companies House.

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[Jev88]

If the OP can afford to lose £15k and is comfortable with risk - go ahead.

Never underestimate scammers and always be on guard. One of my previous bosses, who had owned a garage, with plenty of experience buying cars, turned up at a house to buy an E class Merc advertised in Autotrader. Cash deal. The car was for himself. While he was distracted by one of them, they disappeared with his cash, and the Merc. He never got any of his money back and the Cops failed to find the car or the crooks.

I don't know many in my world that can afford to throw £18K away.

 

[Jev88]

P.s.
Just received payment FROM vendor to my account as requested.
Also email with mug shot and holding current PASSPORT as proof of ID.
Feel happier now and thanks to those that suggested these extra checks.

 

[stewartwebr]

I value your concern. But tell me. How would you sell a car if you had moved overseas?

Most people sell before they depart, but looks like things are going in a very positive direction. I hope it all turns out well and you enjoy many happy miles in your new motorhome.

 

[Jev88]

Most people sell before they depart, but looks like things are going in a very positive direction. I hope it all turns out well and you enjoy many happy miles in your new motorhome.

I agree, I would sell everything but he successfully negotiated the residence paperwork with help from the property agent in Portugal and decided to be in Portugal faster than planned whilst lockdown rules allowed, rather than be stuck in UK. Admitted it has been a pain to deal with some things.

 

[Googlebot]

Happy new motorhome.

Glad it seems to be turning out right.

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[Jev88]

Happy new motorhome.

Glad it seems to be turning out right.

Can't wait! Collection next week likely. I'll be the one driving back from Wales with white knuckles if all goes as planned until I get used to the new dimensions (current coachbuilt is 7.5metres, new will be 9.6m).
Then on to selling current one.....

 

[gus-lopez]

Glad it seems to be turning out right.

 

[Riverbankannie]

Great news, hope you have fun times in your new MH.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

I already physically viewed the RV at the address registered on V5 and sellers business also registered at same property in Anglesey. And as a double check he and his wife are registered as directors of same business.

Just a thought and sorry if duplicated, but is the van owned as a private possession, or is it registered as a business assert?
Edit: Ignore me!
Seen other comments and all now seems well.
Enjoy!!!!! ( 9m long is BIG!!!!!!!)

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Just because someone (me in this case) wants to double check he hasn't forgotten something in a transaction about to take place doesn't mean "it is suspect so you come running to a forum". Frankly, not asking for advice or opinions would be stupid! I like to think MHFun is generally a body of people eager to help and offer their own experience (as well as poke a bit of fun when appropriate). I felt from the start that this was a genuine advert.
I found a vehicle not too big, but with the internal space we want, the LPG conversion, 6 new tyres, new injectors, new front brakes, disks, pads and pipes to boot and a lovely long list of minor faults dealt with in 2020 by one of the best outfits (LAS Northampton).
Hence buying something a bit older where some (most) of the big jobs that come with age have been paid for by someone else already was attractive. It is not immaculate and there are jobs I am already planning to change a few things, as you do once you get your 6 wheeled palace back home.
The fact it matches our budget and ticks lots of boxes means I needed to step back and get some MHFUN brain power advice as a sanity check.
Positive or negative I value anyone taking the time to chip in with advice and pointers.

Fantastic @ Jev88. Well done.
No harm in asking as many Q’s as you like to help you decide.
Glad it’s worked out nicely and does restore the faith in mankind in these turbulent and COVID excused times.
Now we need some pics please!
Well done for persevering.
Enjoy.

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[sallylillian]

Good question - no, I dont think it is significantly cheaper than market (I know the kind of vans you mean - saw plenty advertised 3 years ago when I bought my current van). Imported 2000 and plated in UK and numberplate remained the same. It's a 2000 plate Four Winds model with LPG conversion from import date. From my browsing I expected the price to be £15 to £25K depending on model, condition, history. It's in the lower end of that bracket and had to negotiate a second time to include a hydra-lift(??) motorbike carrier that is already mounted that was originally being sold separately.

The Hydralift is a chunky piece of kit. I had one on my 20 ton RV. You need to check the rear axle weights the guy who bought mine when I took it off could not fit it to his 12 ton RV as there was not enough capacity. He had to get some engineering done to the back end.