Things to look out for in classified ads

[TVB]

I'm helping an out-of-town friend shop for a scooter in his area, perusing Craig's List for him. One thing I've noticed a few times is the seller gushing about how "super reliable" or "bullet-proof" the bike is, reassuring the buyer that it doesn't have a lot of miles on it... then stating that it's just had this, that, and the other part newly replaced. Which doesn't sound "super reliable" to me.

What are other warning signs to look out for in a classified ad?

[az_slynch]

My personal favorite: "Ran fine when parked."

Any text regarding not needing a license to operate the scooter, regardless of if it's a 50cc or not. Shows that the seller has little knowledge of their vehicle.

Not a MI issue for a 50, but in other places, "no title" is another big red flag. I wouldn't consider the vehicle unless they could show a plate and registration in the seller's name.

[jrsjr]

What are other warning signs to look out for in a classified ad?

"Call now for an appointment to view this vehicle," followed by an outrageous price 30-100% above market value. These guys are always time wasters.

[sc00ter]

Seller offering a bill-of-sale, but having forgot their drivers license/id card and/or wanting to meet at a parking lot or storage bay. Also custom paint with all logos removed looks bad also, or just all the logos removed. And the dreaded-they have a title but its in someone elses name and they had the "seller" sign it for them prior. Oh, and when you do call. Ask for the vehicle they have for sale. If they ask what one then that means they have multiple vehicles for sale at the same time.

[BuddyRaton]

When I see a Vespa advertized "everything works except the speedometer" I know it's the real deal!

[VinylDoctor]

damage that comes from being stolen.
like ignition.

[skipper20]

I'm helping an out-of-town friend shop for a scooter in his area, perusing Craig's List for him. One thing I've noticed a few times is the seller gushing about how "super reliable" or "bullet-proof" the bike is, reassuring the buyer that it doesn't have a lot of miles on it... then stating that it's just had this, that, and the other part newly replaced. Which doesn't sound "super reliable" to me.

What are other warning signs to look out for in a classified ad?

Statements like "Ran fine before it was put in storage", "Needs a new battery for it to start and run" or "No title but my bill of sale will easily get you one".

Bill in Seattle but wintering in Arizona
'12 170i Italia (AZ scooter)

[climbamt]

Seller offering a bill-of-sale, but having forgot their drivers license/id card and/or wanting to meet at a parking lot or storage bay. Also custom paint with all logos removed looks bad also, or just all the logos removed. And the dreaded-they have a title but its in someone elses name and they had the "seller" sign it for them prior. Oh, and when you do call. Ask for the vehicle they have for sale. If they ask what one then that means they have multiple vehicles for sale at the same time.

A couple of things come to mind here. For the longest time Maryland would not register a 50cc scooter. Bills of sale are all there were out there. Also I never meet people at my house. There is a PepBoy a few minutes from my house where I meet people. You never know who is going to show up> If I am going solo, I take my car and park it, walk home and get the scooter. I don't want to be walking down the street with a wad of cash......

[BuddyRaton]

I'm helping an out-of-town friend shop for a scooter in his area, perusing Craig's List for him. One thing I've noticed a few times is the seller gushing about how "super reliable" or "bullet-proof" the bike is, reassuring the buyer that it doesn't have a lot of miles on it... then stating that it's just had this, that, and the other part newly replaced. Which doesn't sound "super reliable" to me.

What are other warning signs to look out for in a classified ad?

Statements like "Ran fine before it was put in storage", "Needs a new battery for it to start and run" or "No title but my bill of sale will easily get you one".

Bill in Seattle but wintering in Arizona
'12 170i Italia (AZ scooter)

Don't let all these things immediately put you off. I have bought vintage scooters without a title, I have bought modern scooters with open titles. Of course be careful and do your homework.

If you know what your looking at things like "Ran fine before it was put in storage" "Needs a new battery for it to start and run" can be clues to a great deal. I have bought more than one nonrunner at bargain prices, put a small amount of money into them and had great scooters worth many times what I had into them.

Most people will just run from a non runner...some look at them as opportunity!

[Rob]

In general, deals that you know in your heart are absolutely too good to be true.

A few years back I was looking for a fishing boat. On Craigslist I came across a semi-local boat that was just 2 years old, in pristine condition, had virtually every option and amenity imaginable, for a price that was much lower than it should have been. A big red flag.

After contacting the seller by email, they responded with a story that they suddenly had to relocate to AZ for their job. The boat had been put in storage and shrink wrapped in Indianapolis, about 2.5 hours away from my location. They asked me to send them a check or money order, then they would arrange to have the boat delivered to my house. Ok, I passed this very basic IQ test, but I'm sure this type of scam must suck some folks in.

And BTW, I had a utility that would do a Craigslist search over the entire country. A search turned up the same Craigslist ad in perhaps 15 to 20 major metropolitan areas.

Rob