Need quick advice on this area (traveling to buy a car) (Detroit: crime, buying)

[Jabronie]

7045 west vernor, Detroit MI, 48209 (Springwells)

Following a Cragslist add, there is a sweet deal for a car. I asked if they could meet me 1/2 way (I'm in Toledo) they said no ins. and plates for the car anymore so they can't drive it. I'm not too familiar with Detroit but I'm getting the impression this might not be the best part of town? They don't want to communicate via phone calls but text, and I don't want to show up with a fist full of cash ... I might be paranoid, but I'm looking for a little insight please?

[RingWalk]

That's in the Mexican part of town. I don't think it's relatively speaking all that bad but I would say if you show up there with a fistful of cash, and this person knows you are bringing cash, you are a moron. It is still Detroit.

I would insist he meets you at a busy location somewhere in Lincoln Park or Melvindale and tell him you are bringing a check.

But that's just me.

[Jabronie]

Originally Posted by RingWalk

That's in the Mexican part of town. I don't think it's relatively speaking all that bad but I would say if you show up there with a fistful of cash, and this person knows you are bringing cash, you are a moron. It is still Detroit.

I would insist he meets you at a busy location somewhere in Lincoln Park or Melvindale and tell him you are bringing a check.

But that's just me.

Pretty much my thoughts. I noticed upon some googling only about 50% speak english, and something like 45% 'other' which I assumed was Spanish speaking. Seeing the texts have included, "my man" and lots of "bros", and insist on not talking in person - I'm going to be inclined to pass. Just a few things with this have given me an off feeling so to speak. It's a GD great deal, which worries me more, and he is under a theoretical time crunch; So I'm sure a check (or Money Order / Certified check) won't cut it for them.

It's when I recommended we meet half way or 3/4 for me, he said no ins. no plates etc. Saying stuff like "its a deal bro, guarantee a deal" about me coming to him. Ugh, hate to pass on a sweet deal, but it almost is too sweet which is telling. Some parts of me are saying it's the whiteboy suburbia in me, getting the best of me; But like you said it's Detroit. I would like to live to see the weekend with all my $$ in my own pocket

Thanks for the heads up.

[canudigit]

Yeah, the thought of driving to Detroit to meet a stranger who will only communicate with you by text message and wants to sell you a car that is sooo cheap that it is almost certainly stolen doesn't sound like a really great idea, if you ask me. In all likelihood, you would end up minus your cash AND minus the car, and possibly even minus the car that you drove up there to get it in. Please don't do it. No deal, no matter how sweet, is worth taking a chance like that.

[Jabronie]

Originally Posted by canudigit

Yeah, the thought of driving to Detroit to meet a stranger who will only communicate with you by text message and wants to sell you a car that is sooo cheap that it is almost certainly stolen doesn't sound like a really great idea, if you ask me. In all likelihood, you would end up minus your cash AND minus the car, and possibly even minus the car that you drove up there to get it in. Please don't do it. No deal, no matter how sweet, is worth taking a chance like that.

I told them I'm not comfortable with it. They said name a PD and we can meet there. They are willing to drive the vehicle to the Lincoln Park PD on 1427 Cleophus Parkway. I just called him and we talked, sounds like a youngish kid; So I can put a voice to the words. The deal is sweet, but not so sweet that it would be unheard of.

Would it be poor form to call the PD and ask them to be there?

Well I called, they where not happy, and I basically had to force an answer...But we can go do the transaction inside the PD; Given the car will be there, I'm feeling better; Should this location and actually talking to the kid, help shell up concerns?

[detwahDJ]

I lived there. It's a fairly tight Mexican catholic district - lower class blue collar. Crime was not a great problem - but your deal sounds fishy. Don't know if the cops would be interested, but wouldn't hurt to call - like what could they do besides tell you they're not interested (or insult you)...

[Jabronie]

Originally Posted by detwahDJ

I lived there. It's a fairly tight Mexican catholic district - lower class blue collar. Crime was not a great problem - but your deal sounds fishy. Don't know if the cops would be interested, but wouldn't hurt to call - like what could they do besides tell you they're not interested (or insult you)...

His English sounded a little rough, shortish answers, he sounded younger, my guess is it's an easier way to cross the language barrier. He did not refuse to chat, just strongly preferred texts; Answered right away when I called a bit ago.

Yeah, it took me to ask "So you're saying no?" to the PD to get him to say it's ok. He wanted to say no, with out saying no. Figure we meeting there, police knows we are coming, he knows the police know, it was his idea to select a PD; I'm feeling better.

[ForStarters]

I think you'll be fine at a PD, but bring someone with you. IIRC, there were a few incidents where people got robbed during test drives in the Detroit area. The scam is to get you in the car and out in a remote area, then rob you and leave you stranded. I don't trust anyone online anymore including sites like Craigslist. Some dude got killed a few months back buying a TV from someone he found online. Also, if the car is ridiculously cheap, keep in mind that it might be stolen. Things are sketchy out there these days.

[Jabronie]

Originally Posted by ForStarters

I think you'll be fine at a PD, but bring someone with you. IIRC, there were a few incidents where people got robbed during test drives in the Detroit area. The scam is to get you in the car and out in a remote area, then rob you and leave you stranded. I don't trust anyone online anymore including sites like Craigslist. Some dude got killed a few months back buying a TV from someone he found online. Also, if the car is ridiculously cheap, keep in mind that it might be stolen. Things are sketchy out there these days.

Aye, I have 2 friends going up with me. I'm not sure how I'll handle the test drive. TBH I might just zip it in the parking lot and go from there, it's a newish (lower mileage) car, and is CLEAN; I've also owned this exact same model year and trim car for 3 years in the past, so I know how it should sound / feel. Like I said, it's a good deal, but not insane; Just a little below blue book, but usually not a car that gets listed just a tad below.

Thanks all for the help

[fmax]

Jb,

For good or for bad, please keep us posted.... I'm root'in for ya.