Putting a deposit on a car question

[lewisdmz]

What would be the most sensible way to put a deposit down on a car from a private seller?

Give them £x amount and make sure you get a signed receipt and agree a deadline for payment?

[Tom]

Paypal?

[Curt]

Exactly as you've said really.

[Matt]

Either as you said or PayPal IMO, but send it as goods, if he try's to run with your money you can get it Back then

[C.A.R.]

Paypal is a c*nt and I would exclude it from anything and everything.

What you need if it all goes 'tits up' is a paper trail, as verbal agreements are not legally binding.

In a situation where it may be too far to travel to see the car / seller to put a holding deposit on then I would use instant bank transfer. It's non-reversable but provided they have this facility and can email you with a receipt for it then you do at least have something to go on.

If you've already seen a car and you want it I would just give them the money in cash where possible, get a hand-written receipt.

[Daniel306]

They can be in scotland, http://www.ehow.co.uk/info_7972126_scots...ments.html

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But ther are some strange laws, "In York, excluding Sundays, it is perfectly legal to shoot a Scotsman with a bow and arrow."

http://www.nowpublic.com/world/hey-its-s...ish-laws-1

[StealthSteve]

What you need if it all goes 'tits up' is a paper trail, as verbal agreements are not legally binding.

Actually is it, and irrevocably if you get it recorded. Use a phone, dictaphone...

Leaving cash is no worse then leaving a paypal deposit, both have limited means to get it back before you're screwed.

If possible, use a credit card.

But ther are some strange laws, "In York, excluding Sundays, it is perfectly legal to shoot a Scotsman with a bow and arrow."

I haven't tried it despite being here 20years, but it apparently is legal to do so.
(even in todays health and safety state)