Stolen or Not

saffar · #1 12-08-2004, 10:42 PM

So when buying a cars, and you have a PRETTY GOOD feeling that it is stolen (or the price dropped by $70,000 for no reason), what steps can you take to make sure that its not?

This is not an online sale.

I'll be calling my lawyer for advice on friday, but I just wanted to know what you guys would do right now.

jasong · #2 12-08-2004, 10:47 PM

I think I would get the authorities involved and crack down on the thief.
(Plus I would get the honor to say I was involved in a sting operation

)

Trifolic · #3 12-08-2004, 10:52 PM

As to see the VIN in at least 3 different places.. Most vechiles have them in 7+ places, check the make and model and find out where they all are.. If they match up run the VIN online to find out about it.. But yea $70,000 drop I can think of 2 reasons..

1.) Stolen
2.) The Title might be marked as "Junked" if it was in flood damage

I have seen BRAND new cars that are marked as junk because of flood damage, they are all dried out and cleaned up and still look brand new and nothing has happened to them, but it costs alot and is a real pain to get that car back on the road with a clean title..

saffar · #4 12-08-2004, 10:54 PM

the only reason i believe that it is stolen is that this car can get an easy $70,000 on ebay, but the dude is selling it for $8,000.

portal · #5 12-08-2004, 10:55 PM

What kind of car is this, if you dont mind me asking.

saffar · #6 12-08-2004, 11:02 PM

BMW 6 series convertible 2004.
Claims to be in perfect condition, driven for only a few days. 2 months old.

jasong · #7 12-08-2004, 11:04 PM

Ask if you can go and get it checked out by a mechanic.
Most of the time people will let you go and get it checked out....if its legit.

saffar · #8 12-08-2004, 11:06 PM

Thanks for the info. Never knew that the VINs would be in more than one place.

Carp · #9 12-09-2004, 12:08 AM

Just curious....where is the VIN besides on the registration and on that plate you can see if you look through the window?

Torith · #10 12-09-2004, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jasong
Ask if you can go and get it checked out by a mechanic.
Most of the time people will let you go and get it checked out....if its legit.

You make a good point. I think it was 60 minutes or what not they had a show about people doing this. They would fix part of the car to make it looks great, but had much damage to it, ect.

If it sounds to go to be true, then most likley it is.

Torith · #11 12-09-2004, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Carp
Just curious....where is the VIN besides on the registration and on that plate you can see if you look through the window?

Suppose to be on the driver side door, up on the right hand (or left hand cant remember) on the dash board, not sure about the other places.

dollar · #12 12-09-2004, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Carp
Just curious....where is the VIN besides on the registration and on that plate you can see if you look through the window?

There are many 'hidden' VIN numbers throughout cars. Each varies depending on model. As said above, through the window, Drivers side door (sticker), usually in the glovebox, hiden in the engine bay, I've even found a VIN sticker under the carpet in the trunk.

saghir69 · #13 12-09-2004, 07:04 AM

don't know about usa but here in uk we have a thing called HPI check. you just phone a number with the car registration and vin number and they'll tell you if the car is stolen / On finance / acident repair - Writen off etc.

the charge for the service very cheap.