This is just a cautionary post for anyone that's trying to sell their MINI in SoCal. This might only be related to people using Craigslist however I think it may apply to elsewhere as well.

I put my '03 Cooper on Craigslist Los Angeles, and within a day got a few phone calls. One was from a guy who said he was interested, had cash, and wanted to come see it. He sounded legit. He also asked that he get first dibs on it before anyone else since he called first.

I said sure np.

In hindsight one of the first red flags was that he kept asking me questions that were all answered in the original post--as if he never even read it.

Anyways he shows up, his name is Chris--a fairly hefty guy. His cell phone is in the 909 area code, but I think he may have other phones. His behavior is a little odd to me. He doesn't look like he's buying the car for himself. He wants to feel all the panel edges looking for signs of a repaint. Hmmm, I'm like what for? The cars never been repainted. He's like this car has been in an accident? I said no.

He makes his way around the car, and points at the panel below the side vent in front of the door. He says this for sure has been repainted.

I'm like WTF? Didn't I just tell you this car hasn't been repainted? I'm the only owner of it. He pulls the steering wheel. It makes the normal steering whine noise. He says "You hear that?" I said "what, the motor?" He's like "Your power steering pump is about to fail". I'm like---do you know ANYTHING about MINI's??? He says "I buy a lot of these cars". I'm thinking--this guy isn't buying this car for himself. I tell him, "yeah I know a lot about MINI's as well. I don't have to sell my car to you". He's like--"yeah we're leaving" I'm like "Good, then leave". He's like " You have something to say to me? (trying to get in my face)" I'm like "What? Just leave!"

A few minutes later, my cell phone rings. The caller says hes interested in my MINI. Sounds very fishy to me. His accent sounds totally fake. He goes on to say he wants to see it. Then he's like--You been in accident?

I'm like "What? I didn't say anything about accident"
He's like "You MUTHAF**A" "MUTHAF**A"
I hang up.

Thinking what my options are, and that maybe, just maybe he's going to continue harrasing me, I called the police.

They said I could file a report--and that it was good that he called me, even though the phone number he used was blocked, because there was proof of the call, and it was his questioning style that revealed his identity.

Anyways, point is.....

If you get a call from someone named Chris, offering cash for your car, be VERY careful. The first sign that he isn't a private buyer--asking about salvage title and inspecting for repaint---are tell tale signs---just say NO Thanks, and get them off your property as soon as possible.

I'll provide his phone number to anyone that PMs me just in case you want to be forewarned about this person.

Richard

 

That's just plain nasty. It would have sent red flags up for me too!

Thanks for sharing here and protecting your peeps in CA.

lol...I just wanted you to know I thought it was WAY COOL that you posted. that's all.... It would make me keep that baby in a garage...what if the crazy man shows up to steal it! EKKKK!!!

 

Thanks for the info. Richard.

Since I just put my MINI up for sale yesterday - On Craigs List among other places, I'll be sure to be aware. I also DID NOT post my phone number - just my email - for that very reason...

Donna

 

Donna

I saw on WCM that you were selling and getting another FUN car! That's really cool! I hope you have better luck than me!

AggieMini
Yes, I garaged the MINI just in case. It's got a dead battery--was recalled but I never got it replaced.

Crazzzzeeee people in this world.

 

I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I'm not in a huge hurry but we ARE out of garage, driveway, and street space - LOL!!! Our neighbors just love us - hehehehe...

The new/old replacement may not be a MINI, but at least it's still British..

Donna

 

 

I realize I'm responding to an old post, but I think Octaneguy's experience should be an important reminder to everyone:

Never show your car at your home or where you work! Set an appointment to meet any potential buyer in a public place.

It will be inconvenient, and it will hopefully be completely unnecessary, but it is certainly worth the effort. No one needs to know where you live or work - or where to find your car when you're not around.

 

I agree, don't show it at your home... but once you do sell, the buyer will know your address, since it'll be on the title.

As for giving out phone numbers, check out http://www.privatephone.com/, the buyer calls the number and leaves a message. You check the message and call them back with your number blocked.

 

I have experienced similar things with an old room mate that listed a vehicle in auto trader. This guy that was really strange came by to "check it out" and 2 nights later the car was stolen, stripped and found at the bottom of a 150 ft cliff a month later. Proceed with caution for sure.

 

Dang If I sell mine...Yeah no one named chris is gunna buy it hahaha

 

I don't get it....So what is the whole purpose of that???? Was he just having fun with you or planning some shady stuff... what????

 

No idea---point is, he's got my address, email, and phone number, and he can do what he wants, if he wants.

 

scary thought