Puchasing vehicle shadiness? Options

[cmac]

So i see this Jeep on craigslist:
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/676965361.html

Seems to be a great deal. Almost too great. (I know the saying, if it seems to good to be true...)

I email the guy and he responds immediately....

----------
Hello,

I am emailing you regarding the 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4x4 that I
have for sale on Craigslist.

The vehicle looks and works perfect. As you see it has a lot of
options. No hidden problems and never involved in any kind of
accidents, ONLY 87,600 miles. The VIN# is: 1J4FA49S4YP772677 , if you
would like to see this beauty from all angles please click here:
http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn21/neal9982/

Since the car was also listed on eBay.com I prefer closing the
transaction trough their Vehicle Purchase Protection system because we
are both protected. If you don't know how does the eBay Vehicle
Purchase Protection Program work please let me know so I can help you.
I used it several times (as a seller but as well as a buyer) and
everything was perfect.
The vehicle was inspected by eBay. As well, shipping & handling fees
are included in the final price ($2,800.00).

If you are interested please let me know your shipping details so I
can open a transaction case.

Neal
--------------------

Ok, I email him back asking if he's in Denver I can just come by and test drive the Jeep and I will gladly pay cash for this thing. He responds again almost immediately.

--------------------
Hello ,

The sale will be managed by eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection Program for our own protection as they act as a neutral third part.
eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection Program will keep the money until you inspect/drive the vehicle.

This is how the Vehicle Purchase Protection Program works:

1. I will contact eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection Program and give all the info about this deal.
2. They will email us the forms which are needed for our deal.
3. You will send the payment ($2,800.00) to eBay and they will notify me to ship the vehicle to your location. The car will be delivered from Los Angeles CA.
4. After you will inspect/drive the vehicle and decide to keep it, eBay will forward me the funds and the deal is done.

Remember you have 10 days to test it. If by any reason the vehicle is not as described or if you find any problems with it I will pay for the returning fees. I'm sure it won't be the case because it's a state of art looking and working vehicle. I apologize if it seems like I'm pushing on this deal but I really want to be sure everything is clarified before any further steps.

If you wish to purchase it please provide me your full name, address so I can initiate the deal through eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection Program.

Looking forward to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Neal

---------------------

Seems a little strange. Anyone familiar with this eBay Vehicle purchase protection thing? Seems a little strange to send payment to eBay an then they ship me a vehicle before I decide what to do with it.

I can send him my address, but what's he going to send me? Fake eBay forms?

Ideas? Opinions?

[cmac]

never mind. craigslist posting flagged for removal. guess it was too good. oh well...

[impala454]

I wouldn't touch that deal with a 10 foot pole.

[rabble]

I wouldn't touch that deal with a 10 foot pole.

Sounds like the typical, "send the payment to a 3rd party...FOR SAFETY!" scam.

Even if it wasn't a scam, I wouldn't touch anything with Ebay taint on it.

[cmac]

yeah, i emailed him back and said that his craigslist posting got pulled for a reason. no response yet.