2002 Audi for $3,500 - Too good to be true?

KingstonU

Golden Member
Dec 26, 2006
1,405
16
81
UPDATE: read up on known car scams and this one turned out to be a classic, I got 3 of the same scam all on deals that were too good to be true (I did miss out on one legitimate deal on a 2005 Rio5 for $6,000 though :()

here are the e-mails.

2002 Audi 1.8T for $3,500

"Price: 5000CAD.
First of all, please DO NOT REPLY to this e-Mail if you don't have the amount available, or if you don't intend to be serious.I am from Orlando, Florida.This is the second time I tried to sell the car. First time I tried eBay.
Because I always use 100% safe methods, I've sent the car through eBay Vehicle Protection Program to a buyer from Alaska.I paid all the shipping fees from my pocket and when eBay requested the payment to be made, the buyer refused to pay because they didn't have the full amount available.Now I have the car in eBay's hands and it's ready to be delivered to the next buyer.If you want to purchase it and only if you are a serious buyer then send me your complete name and address for shipping.The delivery time will be only 3 days and the car will be delivered at your home address full registered in your state and under your name."


and another 2005 GOLF for $2,600 was the same thing:

Thank you very much for your interest in my used Wolkswagen Golf V 1.6 FSI Alu 19''.
I live in England. The car is located in England, will be shipped in your country.
You don't have to pay additional taxes for this and the shipping costs will be covered by me. The reason that I want to sell my car is that I just moved in England...got married and I also found a good job here.
It's very hard for me to drive this car here because they have other regulations and this week I found a family car here which I want to buy it, an England model, but first I have to sell my car. I tried to sell it to a local dealer but they told me they cannot accept it in England because the wheel is on the left side.The car has been tested before sale.
The interior looks great and also the exterior. The vehicle is in good condition, has no technical damage at all, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects, no smoking. It's fun and robust to drive. Technical inspection and emissions testing is passed and stamped as well. It has title of ownership,cleared of any obligations or fees and comes with all the documents.
The car is now located at the shipping company warehouse in England and they will deliver the car directly to your door.
This is an extremely clean car inside and outside. This is a one owner vehicle that was locally driven and never raced.
If you are looking for an extremely fast and dependable car (this is what you are looking for) that is fun to drive you won't want to miss this unique opportunity.
If you need any further information please feel free to contact me. The price is $ 2.400 US

Sincerely,
Mak James


And again for a 2005 Civic DX for $5,000:

I'm from Richmond, Virginia.
How do you prefer to make this transaction?
I'll wait for your reply!

Best regards!

The car is located in Richmond, Virginia.
I offer free shipping if we will make this transaction through eBay Protection Program.
I prefer to use eBay Protection Program because is more secure and 100% safe for both.

Transaction process:
1. I'll send the car to eBay.
2. They will inspect it and will send you the notification and invoice with the payment details.
3. You will send the money on the eBay officer name.
4. They will confirm your payment and will delivery you the car in 3 days.
After you will receive and you will inspect it if all is ok then eBay will release the funds to me.

If you agree with the terms then send me your complete name and address and I'll ship you the car today."
 

RKS

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
6,824
3
81
I'd be more worried about the electrical gremlins that drive you crazy and eat your wallet.
 

Q

Lifer
Jul 21, 2005
12,042
4
81
If you are seeing this on Craigslist, it's a scam.

Well pretty much anywhere it's a scam.
 

DeviousTrap

Diamond Member
Jul 19, 2002
4,841
0
71
Originally posted by: Quintox
If you are seeing this on Craigslist, it's a scam.

Well pretty much anywhere it's a scam.

This, but I'll go even further and provide some evidence :).

Here are dealer auction results for a 2002 A4 1.8T (non-quattro). You realistically should not be able to find a car any cheaper than at these prices.

06/11/09 PENSCOLA Regular $4,300 114,010 Below GRA 4G A Yes
06/09/09 FAAO Regular $5,000 90,648 Avg LT BLUE 4G A Yes
06/04/09 RIVRSIDE Regular $3,800 129,986 Below GRAY 4G A Yes
06/04/09 OMAHA Regular $6,500 83,896 Above BLUE 4G A Yes
06/03/09 SEATTLE Regular $6,600 85,783 Above RED 4G M Yes
06/03/09 SAN DIEG Regular $6,500 110,400 Above BLUE 4G A Yes
06/03/09 CADE Regular $6,000 112,142 Avg SILVER 4G A Yes
06/02/09 BISHOP B Regular $5,300 104,550 Avg SILVER 4G A Yes
05/29/09 LAUD/MIA Lease $2,700 99,795 Below GREEN 4G A No
05/28/09 166 Lease $3,300 101,407 Below GREEN 4G 5 No
05/27/09 KC Lease $5,200 90,998 Avg SILVER 4G A Yes
05/26/09 BISHOP B Regular $5,600 102,502 Avg SIL 4G A Yes
05/22/09 SO CAL Regular $6,000 117,347 Avg SILVER 4G A Yes
05/21/09 W PALM Regular $6,000 105,937 Avg BLACK 4G A Yes
05/21/09 RIVRSIDE Lease $4,250 129,444 Below DOLPHIN 4G A Yes
05/21/09 GTR TMPA Regular $6,200 63,931 Avg SILVER 4G A Yes
05/21/09 GTR PHNX Regular $4,300 122,900 Below BLUE 4G A Yes
05/21/09 FRDKBURG Regular $6,900 66,211 Above DK BLUE 4G A Yes
05/20/09 SWFL Regular $5,500 100,074 Avg BLUE 4G A Yes
05/20/09 NADE Regular $6,500 76,985 Above BLK 4G A Yes
05/19/09 STATESVL Regular $5,500 88,455 Avg BLACK 4G A Yes
 

Kirby

Lifer
Apr 10, 2006
12,028
2
0
Originally posted by: DeviousTrap
06/11/09 PENSCOLA Regular $4,300 114,010 Below GRA 4G A Yes

LOL! I think that's my sister's car. Beautiful car, but that POS was nightmare.
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
If you're that tempted, why not carfax? I know it's not always all-inclusive of every incident but it could easily make your decision for you.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Its and Audi/VW not in warranty. It should be free. The money you "save" will be needed to keep it running.


But yea craigslist scam.
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
If a mechanic said ok, then yes I'd get it. Assuming also the VIN was not stolen. But, let's get real. The car almost certainly doesn't exist or doesn't work (missing engine, etc.). I wouldn't expend anymore time thinking about it.
 

geno

Lifer
Dec 26, 1999
25,074
4
0
Just be very careful, many sellers hate disclosing the fact there may be frame damage. very rarely do sellers let a car go for very very cheap prices if all it needs is a bumper and a spray job.
 

KingstonU

Golden Member
Dec 26, 2006
1,405
16
81
If this is a scam, how would this kind of scam work? If I go see it and drive it in person can it still be a scam?
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Originally posted by: KingstonU
If this is a scam, how would this kind of scam work? If I go see it and drive it in person can it still be a scam?

Provide link?
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
Originally posted by: KingstonU
If this is a scam, how would this kind of scam work? If I go see it and drive it in person can it still be a scam?
Any number of ways.

Question: If this car is worth 2-4X what this one is worth and could easily be sold in the local paper at that, why would he sell it at this cost?

 

DivideBYZero

Lifer
May 18, 2001
24,117
2
0
I smelled BS as soon as the Golf ad said, 'The Dealer cannot accept as the wheel is on the left'. There are plenty of left hookers in the UK. I've driven LHD cars here, you can buy them, register them and sell them at will. A LHD car will be cheaper than a RHD one. That's it.
 

BW86

Lifer
Jul 20, 2004
13,114
30
91
I just picked up a 2000 Audi a4 1.8t 5spd for $3000, 104k - mint inside and out. Has a horrible exhaust leak coming from the downpipe though and it needs a few parts - fender liners, bellypan, airbox. I'll get some pics up in a few days.