moff1888

Just come across this ad on Ebay and wondered if the below statement is right?

They sell cars that have been seized etc by the police.

"For security reasons, we cannot offer test drives or mechanical inspections. We will accept email enquiries and we will endeavour to provide answers to questions you may have."



1997 BMW 523I SE AUTO BLUE - 11 MONTH MOT on eBay (end time 06-Jan-10 12:07:40 GMT)

MattW

Probably as is in Police pound and they are not insured.

moff1888

But not even a mechanical inspection???

jods

Viewing of the vehicle is possible by appointment only and is recommended if you intend to bid. You will need to produce two forms of formal ID such as a passport and driving licence to gain access as it is in a locked and secure Police Pound facility. Please email for details.

jods

So - Inspection IS available. Reckon you could pick it up for less than a grand - Even without viewing you could scrap the parts for less than that!!

moff1888

Yeah I read that but that statement says that you cannot test drive it or inspect it mechanically.

Viewing only.

CrisPDuk

I would guess that what they mean by mechanical inspection is none of the sub-contract all over types, such as those offered by the AA or RAC

jods

Hmmmm - I missed that. My Grandpa always said to me "If in doubt, don't"

I can sorta understand not test driving it but barring you from a mechanical inspection is, (IMHO), a clause put in for one of two reasons.

1. It is a complete fukced up pile of ****e and is worth no more than scrapping (although the ad DOES say it was driving at point of seizure)

2. Forcing a "No test drive / No Mechanical Inspection" clause will massively reduce the bidding amount which, I assume, will reduce the amount of money attributed to the sale of assets from the crim involved. So If s(he) was fined £5K and the car sells for £1K instead of £5K - It's tough **** on him/her.

For that kind of money - Don't think you can go far wrong.

moff1888

See I thought that at first too - less money to the crim - but it says all money goes back to the public purse.

Apart from the inspection/test drive thing it doesn't seem too bad, which makes me even more suspicious.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Buy one: and have it "seized" back off you by the criminal's gang

moff1888

Again something that surely has to be a very real possibility, not too bad if you buy it and don't live near there.

jods

yeap - The Crim will accrue a debt (Fine) - let's say £5K.
The car gets sold with no test drive and no mechanical inspection so it goes for next to nothing. The amount it goes for does go into the "Public Purse" but I believe it may be offset against the crims debt - Although, now I think about it, Isn't it now the case that Crims have to prove that assets are NOT the proceeds of crime. If they can't do that - they lose it.

No Ifs or Buts.

Might have had a bid myself except for the fact it isn't a car I'm particularly interested in.

So that's a fair punishment. Sent down and assets sold off for naff all to the general public

If it was a MY09 M5 or Audi R8 going for a few grand in the same circumstances I'd have a punt!!

moff1888

I had a look to see if they had anything else but only a Previa.

I'm looking for something cheap ish so may have a wee peek at this, if I do get it I'll be sure to let you all know when I've been car jacked by a disgruntled criminal.

jods

Well - You'll need to bid over £500 now

moff1888

Hmmmmm looks that way.

jods

I'm Scooby_Blue_1966

I've bid £500 - It's gonna be a gift for my Brother. If It goes over £500 then he's out of luck

moff1888

I might book a visit and check it out, even it it's out of curiosity.

jods

Let me know what you think

Even if it's got a blown engine -I can get more than £500 for selling parts, will just transport it to the lads and they can strip it down to basics in a few days

moff1888

Will do, wonder if they'll tell me any details about it.

jods

IF I win - I'll turn up with the cash but they won't get a touch of it until I fire the engine up. I'll live with a 1 neg post.

moff1888

I'm sure (ish ) they'll let me at least start it and let me hear it running.
Won't they?

mart360

Its pov spec,

prolly an ex taxi , or seized for no road tax, non payment etc

mileage is on the high side too.

Mart

moff1888

Mileage is high but if it's a fairly sound runner and purchased for a low price it could be a winner.

belliott69

iTrader: (3)

it's probably been ragged about since they seized it.