Bonatti Grey 110 in Langley???

[birdy]

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone knows something about this vehicle and it's not a scam. I've been looking for a 110 for a long time, so regularly check auto trader/kijiji (just keeping an eye out for the right one more than anything). There's been a 1995 Defender 110 listed on Auto Trader for a while in Langley. Three pictures appeared to be from the owners, while another 5 were from the shop where it was built (LRUK - decal plate is evident in some of the owners photos and the orange/white shop wall is evident in other photos). None of the owners pics show a license plate. It was originally listed for a fair price, considering the build quality, and was up for a couple months if I remember correctly. This past weekend the price was dropped substantially (with the explanation that he'd bought a house and needed to sell), to the point of thinking it was a scam, and then gone completely on Monday. I emailed as soon as I saw the price drop, and the guy has been back and forth with me a bit this week but has been vague with info (i.e. won't give me a VIN to run a search and hasn't replied since I asked to have a mobile mechanic take a quick look). Never once asked for $, and when I said I'd fly out and drive it back home (would be roughly 10 hour drive), he asked if I could come on Saturday (gave me a postal code? not sure why...). If it's legit and someone has actually seen or knows of the vehicle, I'd be on the first flight.

I'm sure it would go against forum policy to post the name, so I could provide that and the postal code I was given through PM if anyone is local and wants to go for a drive.

Thanks for the help.

[Crs]

If you're suspicious, you're probably right to be suspicious.

The only reasons I can think of not to give out the VIN:
1. The car doesn't exist.
2. There's some serious issues with its history (accident write off, etc.).
3. There's a lien or other financing outstanding on the car.

If I were selling a car, any car, and the buyer wanted the VIN and a general location, I'd be replying pretty promptly.

[withabix]

The $76,900 one?

This appears to be one that was for sale in the UK last August/September on eBay from someone in Cheshire iirc.

It could have ended up over here (it was expensive and being marketed for Canada export).

I suspect it is a fake advert, especially as they are giving you the run around.

How low had the 'price' dropped?

[Doc Tari]

I live in Langley, if you send me the contact info, I can check to see if it's real.

[birdy]

The $76,900 one?

This appears to be one that was for sale in the UK last August/September on eBay from someone in Cheshire iirc.

It could have ended up over here (it was expensive and being marketed for Canada export).

I suspect it is a fake advert, especially as they are giving you the run around.

How low had the 'price' dropped?

Now that you mention it, $76,900 does sound right. I had thought lower, but having been quoted around $76,900 myself when I inquired from LRUK it makes sense. It's amazing the stories you make up to explain when you find a deal that's just too good to be true; he was asking $15k when I emailed. I had thought maybe it was legit (due to the original asking price having been up for some time) and something had come up that he needed money quick, but having not heard anything back after requesting the VIN there's something that doesn't hold water with this. I would be curious though to know if this vehicle does exist in Canada and what the story with it is.

http://www.cars4sale.pro/detail/ca/oBpp ... -Must-Sell

[Gromit Dog]

I've been screwed around as a seller.

I would NEVER give a VIN on email or phone.. you want it? come and see. I don't care where you live, I'd rather lose a sale than get scammed. I also get leary of people wanting to collect a car and drive it home more than a couple hours. It's not that I sell junk, it's that I don't think anyone should plan on driving a car they just bought across the country. not without havong a go over on it from a third party (and I am a mechanic myself) I'm not the only one like that so...

Just throwing that out there.

[birdy]

Shouldn't be any way you can get scammed by giving out a VIN (anyone can walk by your vehicle and get the VIN so it shouldn't be a secret). I personally wouldn't buy a used vehicle without running a history check first, and having a mechanic check it out. I had asked this seller for his number and a time he was available because I was going to line up a mobile mechanic to stop by and do a pre-sale inspection for me prior to flying out, but never heard anything back after that.

[Crs]

Buying my Range Rover involved a plane trip there and a two day road trip back. Just filled the fuel tank and away we went. It made for a rather nice road trip. :D I think I'd want the VIN before driving across Vancouver. I definitely want if i had to go further afield.