almost finalized used mini van(private deal)- UVIP not found -- need advice- URGENT

[vividind]

We were looking for used mini vans from past couple of weeks and finally found 2005 Honda Odyssy EX-L. He said he is the first owner. When we asked for Bill of Sale, he mentioned that its been 8 years, i have to look for it.

Seller gave us car proof. It was matching with the VIN number on the van. In car proof, the vehicle is registered in Ontario.

We did safety and emission. he had to fix few minor things to complete the safety test.

Today he is going to complete those and get the safety certificate and planning to do registration.

In the morning, we went to service ontario to get UVIP, the rep told us that this VIN is not registered in Ontario and we are not able to pull any record.

When we actually saw the van, there was no plate. He said he was using for other car. Yesterday when we went to do etest and safety, he got the plate from other car. So we noted that one and we asked that rep to pull record by that plate number. She said that the plate is not registered as well..

Last thing he mentioned that he needs cash for this offer ( not bank draft)

does this look like scam?
not getting UVIP information is normal?
Does the car proof he gave is manipulated one?

WE HAVE TO MAKE DECISION BY AFTERNOON, Please advise.... TIA RFDers

[DJ_Peanuts22]

Too shady sounding. Walk away.

[chronos]

I wouldn't do it. The cost of the safety and e-test is a small price to pay.

[vividind]

m other question is : Does first owner car will have UVIP info ( since it will not be listed as used car since he is the first owner?

[iv46vi]

If he has a clean title it should be registered in Ontario. Did you see a proper green ownership slip? Another option would be to bring him to the service ontario with you so he can help you straighten it out.

Not having an old bill of sale is normal, all cash deal is normal. Run your own vin check and see what pops up.

[fastlayne]

To your questons...

Yes.
No.
Yes.

[eldiablo]

stolen/re-branded vehicle.

RUN and don't look back. I'd visit the local police station and give them a wink at the same time.

[theelf]

m other question is : Does first owner car will have UVIP info ( since it will not be listed as used car since he is the first owner?

The UVIP will show the Ontario registration history. If only one person has registered the car in ontario then that is what the UVIP should state. Triple check the VIN.

Sounds shady if they pressure you into a decision then walk. Car could be stolen...

[djemzine]

Walk away and if you paid please get your money back.

[vividind]

Walk away and if you paid please get your money back.

We gave deposit $100.00

[sienna owner]

We gave deposit $100.00

looks like it's going to be a $100 lesson.
by law, sellers have to provide UVIP...

[djemzine]

looks like it's going to be a $100 lesson.
by law, sellers have to provide UVIP...

Very true. The seller not providing you the UVIP itself raised a red flag and making you purchase one yourself. I would try to see if you can get your $100 back by telling them when you went to the Service Ontario that after providing the VIN its not registered at all in their system.

Worst case you don't get it back but at least you just walked away without purchasing the entire minivan. Also not to blame you but as a general point - one should never put a deposit down especially from a private sale until all documents are valid/legit and the car has been inspected by a mechanic.

[MS MSP]

run, don't walk, away

sounds like a curbsider

[soulchief]

Run and give the cops a tip about him.

[durrsak]

I would threaten the seller to call OMVIC and report them as a curbsider. They take curbsiders seriously and do go after them. Maybe this will get you back your $100.