Anyone completed a purchase through Tivanagh Transport from Belfast recently?

[WanderlustGuru]

I’m going to say this upfront this feels dodgy I saw Tivanagh Transport advertising a 2023 Ford Puma ST on eBay and the price is way below anything similar on the market. They say it’s a repossession from a UK finance company, delivery in 7–10 days, 14 days inspection period, money held in a segregated business account until you approve it.

But they only take bank transfer.

Sorry, but that screams red flag to me. Has anyone actually bought from Tivanagh Transport or is this one of those setups that looks professional until your money’s gone?

[heralder]

I get why you’d think that. I live just outside Belfast and Tivanagh Transport have been around for years doing haulage work. They’re not some brand new company that appeared last month.
I haven’t bought a car from them, but I’ve seen their transport lorries on the road for a long time.
Doesn’t automatically make the vehicle side perfect, but they’re a real firm.
 

[WanderlustGuru]

That helps, but companies can still branch into dodgy territory. What bothers me is full payment upfront no deposit, no card option, nothing.

[stevenkeyte]

I actually completed a purchase with them it was a 2022 Mercedes A200 AMG Line and I had exactly the same concerns about sending a transfer.

Tivanagh Transport sent over the payment invoice, v5, and confirmation the funds go into a segregated client account. The money doesn’t get released to their sales division until you confirm acceptance within 14 days.

I had it inspected within 48 hours. Everything checked out. Only then did I confirm I was keeping it.

[WanderlustGuru]

Did you consider flying over to Belfast first?

[stevenkeyte]

I did, but between flights, hotel and time off work, it wasn’t worth it. They said viewings are possible but by appointment and stock moves quickly.
I relied on the inspection period instead.

[diablos_carcv5]

I’m still not convinced, bank transfer is basically zero protection if something goes wrong. What’s stopping them from just ignoring you?

[rab60bit88]

Because if funds are genuinely in a segregated account, they can’t just “run off” with it. If they were trying to scam people, they wouldn’t be offering refunds within 14 days.

[WanderlustGuru]

Fair point. Still feels uncomfortable paying before seeing.

[WolfieBase]

Hi

That’s the reality of buying remotely though. I work in motor trade logistics and quite a few finance repos are sold like this now. If they’re giving you 14 days from delivery and it’s written on their website in plain sight, that’s stronger than a lot of small independent dealers.

[WanderlustGuru]

Alright… I’ve done something slightly mad. 

I reserved the Ford Puma yesterday and transferred payment this morning. Heart was racing pressing confirm.

They’ve acknowledged receipt and said delivery is being arranged for next week... 8 days

If this goes wrong, feel free to say “told you so.”
 

[WolfieBase]

Relax! I bought a 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid from them everything was handled properly. It's still drive like a baby 🙂

[WolfieBase]

Keep us updated, mate. Curious how this plays out.

[WanderlustGuru]

Update time... The Puma arrived tonight around 6 pm. Transporter called about one hour before arrival. First reaction was relief! It’s booked in with my local garage tomorrow morning for a full inspection.

Happy to admit I might have judged too quickly.
 

[WolfieBase]

Fair play for coming back and updating.

Good to hear a company like Tivanagh Transport actually sticking to their process.