We buy cars . We sell cars -- good or bad experience?

airborne

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Used them before to sell 2 cars, got reasonable prices, paid deposit and let me use the car for 1 week before they took it and paid in full.
How do they pay a deposit and let you drive the car for a week. Do you have to sign the sale paperwork and hand over the papers before they let you drive off with "their" car and the deposit?
 

pinball wizard

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Feb 9, 2010
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Used them before to sell 2 cars, got reasonable prices, paid deposit and let me use the car for 1 week before they took it and paid in full.
Same. Used em twice. First time they paid me in full and I still used the car for a week. I just had to show them that it was insured in their favour.
 

Ecko_1

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Jul 6, 2017
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How do they pay a deposit and let you drive the car for a week. Do you have to sign the sale paperwork and hand over the papers before they let you drive off with "their" car and the deposit?
They paid my bank settlement which was 90% of the selling price. I used the car for another week and arranged a pick up date. They came on that day, paid the balance immediately and drove off with the car.
 

Dolby

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Jan 31, 2005
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Some Polestars

Yea don't get me wrong - they exist. But there aren't many ... I'd guess around 120 example over the 4 years. I think I'm on Autotrader once a week checking what is there :)

But aside from 1 in your link (which I wouldn't touch with a barge pole ) they're generally all R500,000+ used. A Rebel Blue 2016 with 46,000km should retail around R530,000ish and Volvo would give a trade at R400,000 on it.
The one on auction went around R345,000, so the winner could literally drive it from the auction floor, trade it in with Volvo nd make a profit. I stopped my bid at R300,0000 :/ but in hindsight maybe I should have done R350,000

Anyway my point is that in all 3 cases, WBC were pretty far out. My latest they were much closer to the dealer price, but there were still behind them, as well CarZAR. They ask you on their form what urgency (tomorrow, this week, later) and I think they prey on the guys that need it gone now, like in my case or even a friend of mine that was emigrating.

EDIT : And the only reason I say I wouldn't buy that one at R430k ... it seems far too cheap. It's price and the fact it isn't at a Volvo dealer, would make me worry ... accident ? When Audi traded my C30, it went to Tom Campher the same day . I know the Volvo dealers are wanting these Polestars and it's weird that none are taking it off this guys hands. BUT the Auto Baltic one if very cheap (R100,000 off the new price, and it is new ...)
 
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Moereloos

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Jul 9, 2018
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I bought two cars from them, both bought cash so no warranty and I was responsible for RWC and change of ownership.
In 2017 I bought my son a Polo at slightly less than retail. Went through roadworthy without any problems and is still good 45K km later
Bought my daughter an I10 late last year for a little more than retail, but it only had 45K km on. Had to replace the tyres to get through road worthy. She is very happy with her little car.
 

Dolby

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@Dolby, I assume you only own cars with warranty or motor plan? I’ve heard Volvo’s can bite (your pocket) if broken.

Yea for sure ... I don't think I'd be brave enough to own a BMW, Merc, Audi or Volvo out of plan ;)

A service plan is huge for me when buying a car.

EDIT : The Audi was R30,000+ per piston (their price) - that needed to be done twice within 6 months
 
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N@t3

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Aug 26, 2016
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How do they pay a deposit and let you drive the car for a week. Do you have to sign the sale paperwork and hand over the papers before they let you drive off with "their" car and the deposit?

Paperwork was signed, deposit paid and I still kept the log book.
 

airborne

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Jul 13, 2007
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Paperwork was signed, deposit paid and I still kept the log book.

Interesting that they are prepared to take a risk like that, knowing how scaly some people are, in that week they'd swop out good parts with another vehicle of the same model, or go awol for 3 weeks etc.
 

SilverNodashi

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Oct 12, 2007
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Last time I tried to sell a car to them they offered me far below market value and what other garages offered. Won't ever bother using them again.
 

airborne

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Last time I tried to sell a car to them they offered me far below market value and what other garages offered. Won't ever bother using them again.
Seems some models they aren't overly interested in, what vehicle was it?
 

FiestaST

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Le Bump:

What you really need to know before you decide to sell your vehicle

Selling a car is a big decision on a big-ticket item and you want to get the most bang for your buck. Faan van der Walt, CEO of WeBuyCars says that as a seller you should take note of several points that will ensure you get the best price for your vehicle.

How to get the best offer

Get your facts straight: Before meeting with a possible buyer, be sure to have all the necessary facts and information about your vehicle ready. These include the availability of the vehicle’s spare key, its service history and paperwork like invoices and registration document.

Avoid risks

It’s a big bad world out there with dishonest people taking advantage of a seller’s possible innocence, ignorance and naiveté when trying to sell a vehicle.

Beware of scammers: When advertising your vehicle, someone may claim they have a buyer for your vehicle only to fill their inventory and present your vehicle as stock on their floor. After eventually receiving a low offer from one of their interested buyers, you might become frustrated, as your car and your car’s paperwork is already with them.

Never let it go: Never part with your car before money from the buyer has cleared in your account – it is imperative to make sure funds are cleared.

Consider a reputable car buying service: Do not allow someone whom you don’t know or trust to meet up with you or test drive your vehicle. Prioritise your safety and rather make use of a reputable car buying service.

The golden rule of selling your car – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 
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