James Trafford, 23, from Newport, South Wales, had travelled to Blackburn on Easter Sunday (April 20th) to collect a secondhand MG ZR, which he had agreed to purchase from a private seller.
While in the area, James also picked up a secondhand gaming table from another Facebook seller, folding it into the boot of the car before heading home.
But when he returned and began unloading, he noticed something moving beneath the table.
“I pulled the table out and just froze,” he told Show Plates World, who conducted the interview. “There was this huge spider crawling across the boot lining. At first I thought it was fake – then it moved.”
James, who says he has never seen a spider that large in the UK, described it as resembling a Huntsman spider, known for their size and speed.
“I Didn’t Know If It Came with the Car or the Table”
Initially unsure whether the spider had come from the car seller or the person who sold him the gaming table, James reached out to both.
“I called the guy who sold me the car and asked him straight up if he kept pet spiders,” he said. “He then admitted his pet spider had gone missing a week earlier. He had no idea it had climbed into the boot.”
The seller returned the next day to collect the spider, which had been living unnoticed in the car since before the sale.
“He was honestly quite relieved,” James added. “Apologetic, but grateful it was found safe. He said it had been missing for over a week and they’d torn the house apart looking for it.”
3 Tips for Buying a Car on Facebook Marketplace
Motoring experts at Show Plates World say that while stories like this are rare, buying from private sellers online always carries risks. Their advice:
1. Inspect Every Inch of the Vehicle
Don’t just check the engine and bodywork — inspect the boot, under seats, glovebox, and behind mats. Surprises don’t always come with warning lights.
2. Ask Unusual Questions
If something seems off, don’t be afraid to ask. “Has this car had pets in it?” might sound odd, but it could reveal important details — or a stowaway spider.
3. Avoid Rushing the Collection
Give yourself time to fully inspect the car in daylight, and try to avoid same-day multitasking like collecting other items.
A spokesperson from Show Plates World said: “This was certainly one of the more unusual buyer stories we’ve come across. But it goes to show that a used car can come with unexpected extras. Always give yourself time to inspect a vehicle properly, and don’t be afraid to ask the strange questions – they might just save you from a nasty surprise.”
