Anybody in South Florida need an excuse.....

[old grouch]

to take ride?  If so, how about going to take a look at this  http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/pts/1779340661.html  I am looking for one of these, but this seems to be too good to be true.  I e-mailed him and got this response:
Hello ,

I'm selling a beautiful, well maintained 2002 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner Crew Cab 4x4 because my platoon 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 June 25. Paint shines ,zero dings/dents,no accident. Non-smoker,always garaged and covered. It comes with all the documents needed for registration. The title is clear. Only Mileage: 111,736 miles, perfect condition in and out.
I'm asking $2,300.00 this price includes door to door shipping, handling and insurance fees for shipping within the continental US. You will have 10 days for inspection and possibility for a refund policy. The vehicle is located in Pompano Beach, Florida.

2002 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner Crew Cab 4x4

Features & Options
Ext / Int Color
Radiant Red with Charcoal Cloth Interior Luxury Features Air Conditioning Climate Control System Cruise Control Tilt Steering Wheel Tachometer Air Conditioning


Please click here to view more pictures ( If the link doesn't work,copy and paste it into a new browser page ) :
http://picasaweb.google.com/113999741168122103953/2002ToyotaTacomaPrerunner#

Please get back to me if you're interested in buying it.

LTC David Thomson
2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment
Pompano Beach, Florida

If someone is willing to waste? a couple hours let me know.  I would want to know if it is really there, does it run, does he have a clear title, how he plans to ship it.  Also, let me know if anybody already knows it is a scam.   PM me if you like.  Thanks, Stan

[Willow]

I've seen a response almost exactly like that for a truck in Dallas.

Notice the rank abbreviation is incorrect and if stretched is the wrong rank for a "platoon".

Scam.  100% sure.

Edit -  Sorry.  Overstated.  99.7% sure.   

[old grouch]

Thanks Willow.  Like I said, it sounds too good to be true....

[Kaiser]

Anytime shipping is involved before you ask for it, it is almost always a scam.

[Rocketman]

I've seen a response almost exactly like that for a truck in Dallas.
Notice the rank abbreviation is incorrect and if stretched is the wrong rank for a "platoon".

I believe LTC is proper, but not common, for LtCol.  However, "David Thomson" is not the CO of 2nd Batt, 3rd Marines, nor is that battalion stationed in Florida.  They're stationed in Hawaii.  I think Willow could bump up his assessment of the scam probability by a few tenths.

Mark

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Anytime shipping is involved before you ask for it, it is almost always a scam.

+1 That's an automatic Red Flag !!

[Slick]

My gut says SCAM- with that said I'm about an hour away and would be happy to take a look see if you'd like

[tank_post142]

send me an address to this scam. i'm about three miles away. in north ft. lauderdale. be happy to actually look at it for you.

[old grouch]

Slick & tankpost_142..Sorry I took so long to reply.  Been on the trike since about 9 am.  Preciate the offers, but I am sure it is a scam also.  I e-mailed him for a phone number but he is "involved in some special training and not allowed to make or take phone calls" but apparently can do e-mails??  Thanks again for the offer to look.  Stan

[pepiot]

Wow, glad I checked here first. We were really interested in this truck. Just saw the posting on Craigslist. Thanks everyone for commenting on this ad!

[rrowe64]

I came across your posting about this toyota pre-runner and wanted to share with you that it was posted on craigslist again yesterday.  I am copying to you the email that I got from this guy today.  I don't believe I am going to pursue any purchase from him.  Lokks like his truck is located in several different locations.  Take care and God bless.  AC

"Hello,

Please take a few moments and read my email carefully, I know it is long, but I will explain all the details about the truck and the transaction.
I do a special training program each day and I'm not allowed to make phone calls whenever I want. We`ll have to stick to email for now as this is the only way I can communicate.
 
At the moment I'm stationed in London UK. making final preparations before deploying to Iraq with the U.S. Convoy
The truck is already at our Military Logistic Department in Point Loma, San Diego, CA, crated and ready to go. The Logistic Department will deliver the truck to your home. The shipping is free for you. Since the truck  is in a military base, with no access you can not go there and take it, only the Logistic Department can deliver it, because the truck is in their custody.
Shipping may take anywhere between 2 to 4 business days depending on the destination. All documents you need for ownership, manuals and bill of sale will be provided along with the truck.
 
For the payment I would like to use eBay as a third party. They will keep your money into a protection account until you get the truck  and will release it to me after inspection period is over and you agree to keep the truck. So, this is not a blind transaction, you can see the truck before committing to buy and to eliminate any concerns you will have 5 days to inspect the truck . If you decide not to keep it eBay will refund you the money, no questions asked, and shipping back will be my concern. I think this is more than fair for both of us.
 
I'll start the official procedure, and eBay will contact you about this. If you are interested in buying it just mail me back with:
- Your Full Name - Required by eBay (You'll receive important guidelines + instructions from them.)
- Your Shipping Address and Phone Number - Required by the Logistic Department (They will call you with delivery/pickup instructions 1 day ahead so you can communicate what time schedule work best for your to receive the truck)
 
Again I want to point out that because I am going to Iraq this sale is my top priority and I am looking after a fast transaction, with no delays. That is why I decided to lower the price, to avoid wasting time with negotiations and find a buyer as soon as possible.
 
Thanks, hope to do business with you soon!

[old grouch]

AC
Gotta love the guy's persistence!     Only had it up for "a quick sale"  for two and a half months now.  Thanks, Stan