Should I Do It?

I'm looking for a used Maxima, and I found one on Craig's List that seems to be an amazing deal. When I emailed the seller, he responded with something that may or may not be a little shady. This is how it went:

My Initial Email

Hello,
I am inquiring about the Maxima you have for sale. Your price at $3990 is pretty low compared to the price most of these are selling for. Can I ask why you're selling this car? Also, has the car ever been smoked in? Will you be providing a CarFax report with this sale? Am I allowed to get it inspected by a dealer or a mechanic of my choice before I buy it? Has the car been involved in any accidents, minor or major? Are there any liens on this car? Are service records available for this car?
I realize I have a lot of questions, but please forgive me. Buying a car is a serious thing, so I have to ask questions before I make a decision.
Thank you

His Response

Hello There,
Sorry for my delayed response, but I'm a soldier detached in Scotland for a long time and I have been very busy for the last couple of days. Anyway, thank you for your interest in buying my Nissan. The car is located in US right now and has US papers. Why is the price so low? I had to move out of USA because of my job and I am going through a divorce. So all that I want to do now is sell the car at this price, because I need to sell it fast. The title is clean and you will have absolutely no problems to register the car in the States.
I will tell you a few words about my car...
VIN#: JN1DA31AX3T423522. Miles: 71,375
It is in immaculate condition, rust free, no scratch, no need for additional repairs, and hasn't been involved in any accident. The motor runs very well. The interior looks great. This car needs nothing! The title is clear, it is not a salvage one. I want this transaction to go smoothly enough as I am caught in the middle of some very important events and have little time at my disposal. I already have tones of emails so I hope you understand that I need to sort them out. The car is ready to be yours, but only if you shall understand and you won't make me loose time as it has already happened to me.
The price is $3,990 USD! THIS IS MY LAST PRICE! I will not negotiate the price!
Also, I take in consideration only those buyers who are really interested in buying the car, to be sure that I'm not waisting my time with endless discussions. This way, I'll be assured of the serious intentions.
So if you are interested please email me!
Please click here for more pictures of the car: http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh254/2003NissanMaximaSE-V6engine/
Kind Regards

So anyway, it seems okay, but I don't know. Being a soldier and a divorcee are two solid reasons to sell a car for cheap, but it seems like it might be too cheap. Of course, if I were to buy it, I'd have it inspected by a dealer or a mechanic first. I would also buy a CarFax, but I'm not sure if this is even worth spending the money on a CarFax for. My biggest worry is that this car is stolen, and at this price, by a stupid thief. How would I check to make sure it's not?

Please help soon. I need a new car, and if this deal is legit, it's sure not going to last long.

General rule of thumb...

NEVER BUY A CAR IF YOU CAN'T MEET OR TALK TO THE SELLER DICRECTLY!
There are a lot of scams out there over stolen cars that play out on divorces and people in the army. They all take place over the net through email and never in person. For no reason should you ever buy a car through someone you can't meet or talk to directly over the phone. Anyone who would be selling that car would not sell it like he is, they would give it to a family member or friend to sell for them so people can call them for showings, test drives, and to work things out. I dont care how ceap the car is I would not try to buy it.

In addition his English is a little funny. "This is my LAST price" "Kind Regards" I've sold a lot of cars and even gotten bad checks from people and this email just sends up red flags all over.

Good luck!

Yeah, I just looked for his posting on Craig's List again, because I forgot to write down the link earlier, but I can't find it anywhere.

I would never buy the car without seeing it. I emailed him asking him where he was located so I could meet him, so we'll see what happens with that.

Take The Vin, And Search It On Google.

Yeah, I decided not to do it. He sent an email back saying he had the car in a warehouse somewhere, and had already made arrangements with WorldPay, and so all I had to do was send him my address and stuff, and he would have the car shipped to me. He did promise a 5 day test drive period, but that's probably just 5 days for him to disappear.

Glad to hear your decision. All kinds of promises of test drives, delivery bla bla bla but only after you send the money. Keep looking and you'll find one. Look for a 4th gen man. They are great cars too!