"Selling for a friend" - a red flag?

[eBrooker]

Saw this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... 6143513496

They've stated they're selling for a friend and have obfuscated the plates, red flag?

[darich]

Not necessarily.
Standard due diligence would highlight any issues or concerns.

[Beerman]

I don't like when people hide their registration plates when selling a car. I think that's often a sign there is something to hide.

It doesn't instantly hit me as a dodgy car dealer with the poor advert and the tinfoil covering the plates.

If you get the registration plate to start with it could help do some checks.

[Viper4]

Hi, the reg number is BJ59 VLR.


BMW Z4 SDRIVE23I (BJ59VLR)

2009 Petrol 2.5L Manual 2 doors Convertible

[Beerman]

That MOT history is rather concerning.

When rust has been present that long, and the tester is talking about the structure of the car, I doubt it's just surface rust as the advert claims.

When the advert is downplaying the seriousness of the corrosion, this does sound like one of those times selling for a friend is a red flag..

[Mr Tidy]

I don't think the "selling for a friend" is necessarily an issue when illness is the explanation, and plenty of sellers obscure the plates (especially traders). Now I'm getting on a bit I can see someone may have to sell mine for me one day, but hopefully that's years away yet!

But those MOT advisories for corroded steering, brake calipers, brake hose ferrules, rear suspension and rear vehicle structure are worrying. That's the sort of list I'd expect to see for a car that lived on the coast or in Northern Scotland for years.

My 3 Series is 4 years older and only had it's first advisory for any sort of corrosion last September, and that was the rear subframe which is quite a hefty thing so unlikely to be weakened by it for some time.

GLWTS anyway Viper4.

[eBrooker]

I'd agree with the comments in this thread, that while it isn't always 'bad', it far too often is.

Viper, I'd prob re-list and just be open with the number plate, and if it is your car, remove the bit about selling it for a friend as that will understandably raise suspicion. I'd also personally not buy from someone who is not happy for me to view at their house (made that mistake once, bought a car from someone at a services - at the time I thought he was doing me a favour by cutting some time off my journey, but it was the worst car I have ever owned and the last French car I ever buy!!)

[flybobbie]

With a lot of steel components to the rear of these Zeds, they need a lot of looking after regards rust.
Almost bi-yearly i have repainted parts.
If you haven't, your car will be rusty.

[Rockhopper]

The is rust and there is MOT concern rust. My twenty year old car has never had rust mentioned at an MOT and its never been touched underneath. Park it long term on grass though and that's a real killer.

[Viper4]

GLWTS anyway Viper4.

Viper, I'd prob re-list and just be open with the number plate,

Hi Guys, Okay so firstly and in hindsight, I should have mentioned that this is not my car....and sorry for any confusion.

I have recently purchased a Z4 E89, and will no doubt be seeking advice on various things, also I need/want some cosmetic trim parts that are missing, nothing important, but now that I know they are missing I kinda want to replace them.

[eBrooker]

No worries Viper, and good luck with your E89

[Marcoose]

MOT advisories for corroded steering, brake calipers, brake hose ferrules, rear suspension and rear vehicle structure are worrying.

Wifey calls that ‘oily rags and matches’.

[raymond.harper]

The MOT history looks like one for an MX5. Keep looking, the right car will turn up!