Asking random people if they are interested in selling their car?

PerfectFinish1 · 04-24-05, 11:23

Has anyone else had the urge to stop and ask a random person if they were interested in selling their car? I've been searching everywhere for a nice MR2 turbo with t-tops. This guy a few streets over from my grandparents has what seems to be a clean (not to autopian standards, but it could be within a few hours!) turbo mr2. I've always seen it just sitting in their driveway, never driven. The driveway is always packed with other cars, and he seems to like little 2 seaters. I forgot his other cars, but I know he also drives a Miata and an SUV.

Anyway, do you think there would be anything wrong with stopping and asking him one day if he would be interested in selling his car? What would you think if someone came up to you like that? I can't figure out if it's weird or completely normal lol.

One good thing is if it is an older guy like I think it is, he may be like "Sure, for $5500" thinking the bluebook value is under 5k and he'd be making out... when really it's impossible to find a decent one under 7k.

TW85 HHI · 04-25-05, 12:14

LOL, we have been approached about selling various items that were not for sale (cars and most recently, our new house). I have never found it offensive or irritating and some of the best deals are found when there is no formal listing or thought of selling.

travisdecpn · 04-25-05, 12:33

Sold one of my cars that way, someone really wanted it and I didn't so it worked out great.

dcswd · 04-25-05, 01:24

Yeah, go for it. I know someone who was planning on selling his car a while back but hadnt gotten around to putting a sign in it, or listing it... but some random guy asked him about it at the right time! I think they both ended up being very happy with the deal.

Denzil · 04-25-05, 03:01

There's nothing wrong with doing this. If you are interested, just freely express your interest in the most sincere manner. If they are not interested in selling, then that's quite ok. There are other MR2's out there... just hard to find. Good luck!

KevinA · 04-25-05, 07:55

Go for it and let us know what happens.

You will want to know if there is anything wrong with the car due to it sitting there all the time...

Axe · 04-25-05, 09:00

The thing is, most people would be flattered that you liked their vehicle, or house or whatever enough to want to buy it. If they happen to be considering a sale in the future, then they will probably sell to you right there, so you should defo go for it imo

Good luck!

IanO · 04-25-05, 10:24

If you're really interested talk to him. Almost everything has a price

jchetty · 04-25-05, 10:59

i know the feeling...as i am searching for a 93 notch mustang in good condtion

i do it all the times....maybe me being such an outgoing person with lil shame helps

but go for it....as long as you ask nicely, most ppl dont care and hey you might even get it...i asked one guy he thought i was nuts now we watch the jets and work on cars together

beck27 · 04-25-05, 12:09

I wouldn't hesitate to ask him. The worst he can say is no, and you don't know until you ask.

I actually sold a car once due to a conversation at a gas station. Guy commented on my car, told him it was for sale, he bought it.

Aequitas · 04-25-05, 12:54

I used to drive a Jeep Wrangler and multiple times people asked me if it was for sale, and I would always say no, so they would just compliment me on it then and be on there way. I didn't mind at all, it was cool knowing people liked my car enough to buy it.