Donald floored by £8k yellow peril

May 25 2008 Additional Reporting By Jane Barrie

Rogue Flees Abroad Over Dodgy Car

DONALD ROSS could not believe his luck when he spotted his dream car - a yellow Mitsubishi Lancer - for sale on the internet.

He viewed the motor, checked the paperwork and had an Experian credit search done before parting with £8000 in cash.

But weeks later he was horrified to find out the seller, Phillip Booth, had outstanding finance on the car.

It meant a finance firm was putting pressure on him and wanted to seize the vehicle.

Donald, 42, called me in panic. He said: "I don't know what to do. I am so worried I have hidden the car in a lock-up.

"I did everything I could to protect myself. I asked all the right questions, checked the chassis number and registration plate.

"The credit check came back clear as there was no finance showing on the car. Now it seems there is."

Donald, of Falkirk, bought the 1998 Lancer Evo in February.

He and girlfriend Julie Smith, 33, drove to Chorley, Lancashire, to view the Lancer.

He said: "It was for sale on eBay and Phillip Booth wanted £8500. We went to his house, took the car for a drive and asked a million questions.

"He answered every one and said there was no outstanding finance as he had a bank loan to pay for it."

Donald, an electrician, paid £25 to run an Experian credit check which confirmed everything was in order so her handed over the cash.

But he quickly realised something was up when the DVLA did not return his registration documents.

Donald said: "I phoned to find out what was happening and even went to the DVLA office in Edinburgh.

"They said they couldn't tell me what was wrong but said to expect the documents within 10 days. They didn't arrive."

Fed-up Donald decided to do another internet check with the RAC costing £4. That's when he discovered the outstanding finance.

He managed to get Booth on the phone, who claimed he'd "forgotten to mention" the finance. Booth refused to pay it off and hung up.

Donald also contacted Experian and called me in. He said: "I am worried I will have to hand the car back before I can make a claim.

"I have spent money customising it and it's my pride and joy. I trusted them and look where it has got me."

I found Booth had disappeared from his home in Adlington, Chorley, which is now up for sale for £170,000.

There are letters piled at the front door from debt collectors and banks.

A BMW convertible in the drive also has outstanding finance on it and neighbours believe he has fled to Turkey.

But the good news is as an innocent buyer, Donald has good title to the car and Experian are sorting it out.He can keep the car and they will pay off the finance.

Experian's insurers will then pursue Booth for the cash...if they can find him.

A spokesman said: "We are the only vehicle checking service on the market that offers comprehensive insurance.

"We just need Mr Ross to complete claims documents so the matter can be resolved quickly.

"Once he returns them the simple process can be dealt with swiftly and directly with the finance company."

Delighted Donald said: "Thank you. It's a huge relief."

You can rely on me to keep you on the right road.