I write to warn readers who may be selling cars.

I recently advertised a car for sale in the Echo, a Citroen C3, registered in 2005 and bought for £5,900.

Two days after the advert appeared, a woman from an "agency" rang me. On learning the car was still unsold, she offered to put me in touch with numerous potential buyers for £89.99. I was promised the car would be listed on on their website and other advertising media within an hour and within three days I would be receiving calls from potential buyers. Buyers would expect to pay £5,900, so no negotiating would be required.

The agency had a 95 per cent success rate, she claimed.

On completion of the sale, I was told my full fee would be refunded to me as her company received commission from a loan company.

Foolishly, I agreed. Over a two-week period, I didn't get a single call, even though on two occasions I demanded the company returned my fee or did something to earn its money.

I also received six calls from similar agencies, all claiming they could help sell my Citroen and making similar empty promises. The car has since been sold through the Echo, at a realistic price. This is yet another example of the "something for nothing, greed and speed" culture which dominates this country today.

Vendors please, beware!

K Thomas
Leigh
(Full address supplied