Selling car private...
 

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Selling car privately - What to watch out for?

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I've got a bangernomics MOT failure which needs to go for project, parts or scrap. Its only going to get £300 or so, max. So I've pinched my nose and stuck it on FB Marketplace.

Obviously I've been bombarded with scammers, people who clearly are not real and usual marketplace timewasters, but within the 20 or so scam messages, 2 that seem genuine. One person is asking for registration number and another wants to know my full postcode.

I've never sold a car privately before, what do I need to look out for? Is there a reason to not share reg number and postcode? Am I going to be kidnapped by gangsters?


 
Posted : 24/01/2024 5:59 pm
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I scroll straight past adverts that hide the registration plate. 

Why make it hard for buyers to check the MOT history? 


 
Posted : 24/01/2024 6:02 pm
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Why make it hard for buyers to check the MOT history? 

I shared a screen grab of MOT faults, but fair point. I just thought it was what you are meant to do, but not really sure why!


 
Posted : 24/01/2024 6:05 pm
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Likewise, why hide the reg- looks dodgy.


 
Posted : 24/01/2024 6:06 pm
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As other have said I scroll past adds which block the reg number. It shouts of something to hide.

Main thing with an MOT failure (if it’s still drivable) is make sure you make it clear it’s to be trailered away. If they don’t come with a trailer go on to DVLA website and change ownership straight away, as soon as cash changes hands! Don’t leave it for later. It only takes a couple of mins.

And for £300 I’d insist on cash.


 
Posted : 24/01/2024 6:36 pm
steveb and steveb reacted
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They don't need your address and / or postcode.

I do share reg.

At that value, cash please.


 
Posted : 24/01/2024 6:39 pm
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They'll want the postcode to know where to collect from. Facebook is terrible at giving location. No point looking if they are the other end of the country.

Also hiding the reg in the advert stops people cloning it. I suppose that's less of an issue if you are selling anyway. No issues giving the reg on request.


 
Posted : 24/01/2024 7:01 pm
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Give the reg, give a localish postcode a few streets away if you're concerned. It's mostly so people can check actual location etc.


 
Posted : 24/01/2024 9:44 pm
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Timewasters, basically


 
Posted : 24/01/2024 10:03 pm
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Also hiding the reg in the advert stops people cloning it

and what do you do every other minute you own the car? And drive ‘000s of miles on public roads and park on public roads and car parks??
Not exactly secret are they?


 
Posted : 24/01/2024 10:10 pm
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and what do you do every other minute you own the car? And drive ‘000s of miles on public roads and park on public roads and car parks??
Not exactly secret are they?

Ok "stops" is probably the wrong word but it dramatically reduces the odds. Do you think the cloners walk the streets looking for a similar car? Just put the car type and colour into Google and there's a picture with your new reg, job done.


 
Posted : 24/01/2024 10:17 pm
Dickyboy and Dickyboy reacted

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