Self-protection When Buying Used Scan Tools

[Up And Down]

I have a couple of e-mails out to the tool truck owners here but I thought I would also post and ask the members. How do you protect yourself when buying a used scan tool? Specifically a used Snap-On unit like a Vantage Pro or a Solus Pro? These are for sale all the time on eBay and CraigsList. I came across one that I am interested in. How, as a buyer, do I protect myself from buying something that is stolen or has a "lien" on it from a tool truck? Is there a number to call at Snap-On and they verify that the serial number of the particular tool is clear? People buy these scan tools all the time on CL and eBay so there must be a way. I just do not want to drop a bunch of dough and have it come up as flagged somehow and not be able to update or something. Any and all info is appreciated.

 

[metalhead212121]

I can't help you much but I called Snap on once on a tool box that I wanted to buy... gave them the serial # etc etc and this was the ONE AND ONLY TIME snap on gave me the run around. They wouldn't tell me ****. I was just concerned about having problems about replacing sliders down the road IF I had a problem. I was worried that if a dealer wanted to replace a slider and he looked at the serial #..... called Snap on and then told him that the box was "hot" and then I'd have a fight on my hands.

Sorry I cant help more..

Dan

 

[Up And Down]

Thanks for the reply Dan. Does anyone else have any info? I need to make a decision on buying this scan tool or not within the next 6-8 hours so if anyone knows the answer please post back. All info is appreciated.

 

[rodm1]

I don't believe SO keeps records of that (tool boxes). I think MAC dues but not SO.

 

[Skyline]

I don't believe SO keeps records of that (tool boxes). I think MAC dues but not SO.

Matco does as well. This same topic has come up with respect to toolbox leins quite a few times here, but it's perhaps even more pertenant for a scan tool, as you will need those updates.

There are three things you can do, none are foolproof. One, ask for a copy of a paid receipt. Hard to believe someone would not keep the receipt on a $5k scan tool, but this is still not always possible. Second, you can do a UCC search on the seller's name. Snap-on credit DOES file these, so a seller with unpaid leins will show up. But if you search the wrong state, or the seller is not the original purchaser, this will be useless.

The most foolproof method is to work with your Snap-on guy. Since they are the one who's going to have to update the thing, they are going to have to cooperate with you one way or the other. Try explaining that you really need a Verus or whatever, and can not afford a new one. They do occasionally get used scan tools, and maybe they can set you up. Won't be eBay prices, but you're 100% worry free. If they have nothing available, ask if they will check out and update a used scanner from another source. Since the latest update is fairly recent (and most used scanners probably wont have it) your dealer will be getting a $1k+ sale right off the bat, so may be willing to help you. I do believe a dealer can run the serial numbers on these to find out if they are free and clear, but it would be nice to hear from Chad on this topic.

 

[Ohio Auto]

I bought a Snap on scan tool off of craigslist, I did two things:

1. Hooked it up to my car and did some diagnostics to make sure it worked.
2. Had him give me his drivers license and cell number, which I called to verify.

If it passes those two tests my guess is you're going to be okay.

 

[t100]

I just bought a Modis few weeks ago. here is what I did
#1. make a screen shot of the CL ad, because it will be gone after the seller deletes it.
#2. get the seller's name, a phone # and their home address, you will need it. why? see next.
#3. get the serial # and call Snap On Credit. for 2 things: it's not reported stolen, and it has been paid off. not many mechanics would pay that expensive piece of equipment with cash. the loan is either directly from Snap On or from the individual dealer. you will be asked for all of the above info so they can locate who bought it and who sold it and all the things in between.
#4. bring someone with you, so if things go wrong later on, it's not what he said against what you said. a creditable witness is just cheap insurance.
#4. verify if the seller is who you are told over the phone.

good luck.

 

[Up And Down]

Thanks very much for all the good info. I have his cell number, but it looks like he is flaking on me anyway. He was supposed to call me today to setup the meeting time and place but I never heard from him. Just another reason to love CL. Thanks again fro the good info.

 

[lortech]

Hi all,

I am looking at a really good deal on a solus pro 90th addition version. I have asked the seller to provide the serial number but snap on credit said they could not look it up. Would I call snap on dealer for his area? Do they need only the serial number? or the owners name, and physical address?

The owner is very motivated "unemployed or disables not sure just a guess" or hurting for money he knock a few hundred off the asking price and willing to pay for shipping.

But I want to protect my self. I want to make sure it is paid off. He can perhaps scan his original invoice he purchaced it.

Last seller agreed with me via email about it, then over the phone asked for a pic of his drivers licence and picture of him. He said, no problem then...never called or emailed me back. He was selling version 10.4 asian/dom/euro for 1,200 bucks.

Just want to verify this unit is free of liens.

Since I do not live in the same state as he is, I am going to call a church of the same faith as me to ask someone such as a bishop to be my proxy agent and inspect the unit and see it in operation outside the ups store. Once he has confirmed the serial number, all connectors, and unit is operational, then both would walk in side. Once the seller has handed the shipper the box, then my proxy buyer would give him the certified check.

If you were in my shoes would you do this? The check could be be a us travelers check made to him "good as cash"

 

[cdseven95]

Since I do not live in the same state as he is, I am going to call a church of the same faith as me to ask someone such as a bishop to be my proxy agent and inspect the unit and see it in operation outside the ups store. "

Weird

 

[bgott]

I've been told that the contract on a scan tool is between Snap-on and the original buyer. In that case, they should upgrade. But I do know of a guy that turned in a stolen unit to Snappy to be repaired, that one was turned over to the cops.

 

[jay50]

hi all,

i am looking at a really good deal on a solus pro 90th addition version. I have asked the seller to provide the serial number but snap on credit said they could not look it up. Would i call snap on dealer for his area? Do they need only the serial number? Or the owners name, and physical address?

The owner is very motivated "unemployed or disables not sure just a guess" or hurting for money he knock a few hundred off the asking price and willing to pay for shipping.

But i want to protect my self. I want to make sure it is paid off. He can perhaps scan his original invoice he purchaced it.

Last seller agreed with me via email about it, then over the phone asked for a pic of his drivers licence and picture of him. He said, no problem then...never called or emailed me back. He was selling version 10.4 asian/dom/euro for 1,200 bucks.

Just want to verify this unit is free of liens.

Since i do not live in the same state as he is, i am going to call a church of the same faith as me to ask someone such as a bishop to be my proxy agent and inspect the unit and see it in operation outside the ups store. Once he has confirmed the serial number, all connectors, and unit is operational, then both would walk in side. Once the seller has handed the shipper the box, then my proxy buyer would give him the certified check.

If you were in my shoes would you do this? The check could be be a us travelers check made to him "good as cash"

lds?

 

[BajaBound]

Weird

X2^^^^

 

[wafrederick]

Looked at an used Modis once,two of them on Ebay and backed out.I emailed these sellers what the serial number is and told them where it was.One responded what serial number and the other was no response.Signs both were stolen or Snap On credit was looking for them.

 

[jay50]

buy used only from tool truck or buy new.

 

[toolfreak]

Interested in this as well, been wanting to buy a solus pro or modis.

 

[phor53]

Agree

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