I have just gone through what has been one of the most frustrating, unpleasant experiences while trying to purchase a MINI. Here is what happened: About three weeks ago, while browsing a local classified, I noticed a very interesting, one owner, super low mileage, R53 for sale one town over from me. I really wasn't in the market for another car so I procrastinated about reaching out to the owner before giving in to the temptation. Before doing this I told my wife that if all went well I would be coming home with another Mini. So, I was serious. In the ad the seller requested initial contact be made via email to include a phone# so that he could then reply with a call. I did this....twice over three days, with no reply. In my third email I simply asked for the VIN so that I could run a car check on his MINI. After waiting two more days, I got a reply text with just the VIN....nothing else. Then a few hours later I received an email, "What is your phone number? I contacted few people today, i believe i sent a text to you as well.".
Here is where it got more interesting. I discovered even though the car was being sold in GA it showed a long time registration and Title in Florida. Since the car was a 2004, I could only find maint history on the car during the first three years of ownership (in Florida) quite some time prior to the ad posting. Through VinCheck I also found a "For Sale" ad for the car in Florida, posted in Dec 2019, with the statement that it was being sold due to the death of the owner. So, after finding this out, I emailed the seller that day and asked him some questions about the information I discovered. In the meantime I went to the bank and got the cash so that when he answered I would be ready to look at the car and make a deal on the spot if everything checked out. Two more days went by with no response so, I texted him again that I was trying to reach him. I got this two word answer via text....."what car?" I thought to myself, have I been really gullible or is this guy just jerking my chain? Let me remind you that at this point the ad for the MINI has been up for about three weeks and I have been trying to communicate with this seller for nearly two of those weeks. Getting back to my story......I replied, "the MINI". The text reply I got was, "SOLD".

Folks, this is NOT the way to sell your car. It is frustrating for the buyer beyond belief. I realize that there are a lot of tire kickers out there when you are selling but I did my best to project to this seller from my first contact that I was not one of them. If you are selling be mindful that there are two party's involved in the transaction and communication is imperative in order to move forward. Neither the seller or the buyer know each other and will probably not speak again after the sale so, please be considerate and make the process as pleasant as possible and things usually will move ahead quickly and efficiently.

There is a lot to learn regarding my experience. I don't know who bought this car (or who was selling it)....and for all I know, it could be another member of this forum...but I certainly hope that this transaction went smoothly, as something just didn't feel right about the seller. I hope I was wrong.

 

Sounds to me like a scam or a wholesaler.
Prolly best to stay away.
That is pretty much all FB or Craigslist is anymore.
Troy

 

Ya, I had a similar experience when I sold my wife's truck on craigslist. Lots of weird people out there. I'll be replacing my wife's MINI this year, won't be selling it myself, will take the hit and trade it in.

 

"Folks, this is NOT the way to sell your car."

Nonetheless, he apparently sold it.

 

Could have been a scam but more likely just another estate sale vulture who bought the car (and ten others) at a probate auction in the rain, paying wholesale at most and then flipped it on CL or FB. They don't call Florida the Waiting Room State for nothing.

He doesn't care. No one does. Plenty of other motivated buyers out there who happen on the car at the right time, cash in hand and aren't troublesome with probing text / email questions about a sketchy ownership pedigree and maintenance records. His only thought: "Next."

 

I would change your email password immediately.

I mistakenly gave a CL seller my email address & my computer was attacked everyday for a year afterwards!

 

You are correct.

I buy and sell vehicles all the time on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc. It is not hard to sniff these people out, I just don't deal with them.