Looking at trading in the 99 Dakota for a full-size and came across an ad in the Atlanta used cars & trucks section of Craigslist. It's a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab for $5520. Yeah, I know...if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
I e-mailed the seller asking just a few specifics, like mileage and maintenance records, etc. Following is the chain of e-mails, starting with the seller's reply.
Hi,
First of all i would like to give you some additional information about my situation. I am selling this car because my battalion has been sent back to Afghanistan and don't want it get old in my backyard. The price is low because I need to sell it before March 2nd. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident....I do have the title, clear, under my name. The RAM has 43,962 current miles VIN#1D7HU18D45S254414.
It is still available for sale if interested, price as stated in the ad $5,520. The car is in Seattle WA, in case it gets sold I will take care of shipping. Let me know if you are interested, email back.Below are the car details, also link with more photos and copy of Carfax report. If the link doesn't work, copy and paste it into a new browser page.
Regards!!!
2005 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB 4X4
Body type: Truck
Engine: 8 Cylinder 5.7L
Exterior color: Mineral Gray Metallic
Transmission: Automatic
Fuel type: Gasoline
Interior color: Taupe
Drive Type : 4 wheel drive - rear
I replied to this with:
WOW! What a beautiful truck! And for such an amazing price! Yes, I am very interested in this truck.
Since, however, I am in Atlanta, GA and have no way of looking at in person, or even test driving the truck, I was wondering if you would mind if a friend of mine were to contact you to arrange for a viewing. He lives right there in Seattle, and would be able to meet you at a time and location of your convenience. Please e-mail me back if this sounds okay.
To which she responded with:
Hi again,
As I told you, at this moment I am in WA in a military base, getting ready for Afghanistan (I hope for the last time). I do a special training program each day and I am not allowed to get out of the unit or give calls whenever I want. The shipping will take 3 to 5 days depending on your location and it’s not a problem because I have considerable discount from eBay and I can do it at no cost for you. You will receive the car along with all the documents including title, bill of sale, 2 set of keys, full service records and more. Because it is a large transaction, we will complete the deal only using an authorized third part like eBay because I already prearranged the whole process with them, using their escrow Safe Pay Program for vehicles not listed on their website. The car is located at the eBay warehouse in WA (ready for delivery). I asked them to allow viewers to go there and inspect the car but their reply was: "We are not a showroom!" In this case, I will offer a 5-day period to inspect the car from the moment you receive it, before I'll have your money. I think this is more than fair for both of us.
The payment will be handled by eBay Escrow, and you will benefit of 5 days inspection time period (test drive) and the option to accept or reject the car on my expense. If you are still interested just send me your full name and shipping address. I will forward your info to eBay and they will notify you about our deal. Like this you'll be able to talk directly with them and ask all you want to know.
Regards!!
Emily
Looking up the VIN on Google, I found only one page...
Matched the truck as advertised...
Again, I know it sounds "too good to be true" and I'm typically a very skeptical kinda guy. Anyone in the Seattle area know anything about an eBay warehouse located there in Seattle?
Randy