So for fun I went this weekend and looked at a 1963 Impala vert. Red black top. Called the guy, nice guy and I asked the usual questions. I asked about rust. He said only surface. So I got into St. Paul to check it out. I am 10 feet out and can even see the problems. Then I start my inspection and this go is just talking to much to distract me I think. I start under neath and as I am feeling the frame pieces are literally breaking off brittle in my hands. Not just on one panel but all of them. Even the gas tank was brittle I didn't know how it was holding gas. He was like let's go cruise! I said I didn't think the car was even safe. I didn't rip the car apart because it wasn't worth it. I thanked him and left. When I just sold my Camaro I disclosed the issues. Know what I haven't had a call from him like you didn't tell me that!! I am keeping my eyes open now looking but it really makes me lean to wanting to buy something already restored... Just wish people were more honest.

I don't get it either... I swear people want you to make the trip out to waste both yours and their time.

I talked to a guy in Seattle several years ago on a convert. He sent me many photos and the car really looked good. I had it inspected and got the report. The one photo the owner never sent me was the 16" rust hole in the driver's door. Additionally the inspector said the car was not born a convertible. Amost criminal in my mind.

How about "Caveat Emptor", and having someone local to the car check it out for you??

I'm quite sure that there's a Club, Forum, Enthusiast Group, etc. for nearly every marque of auto out there. A few minutes online will generate someone willing to go look, shoot a few pictures, and give an assessment for $50 or so bucks. (The only downside is they might swoop it out from under you, but again you're rolling the dice)

Not too long ago Stan asked me to come along to look at a '66 Elky in Edina. From the street it looked like a contender - basically un-molested, a nice ex-farm car. Like you, when you start poking your fingers through the frame & floors while the owner is yammering off about how much it's worth.... "Thanks very much, we'll be in touch" (Insert Monty Python "Run Away" here)
(I wonder what the look on his face was when he moved the car and there were PILES of rust/crud in the footprint of where the car was parked!)

Frankly P.T. Barnum was right "There's a fool born every minute". If you are willing to part with more than $100 for something without holding it in your hand (or having a trusted 3rd party see it) you deserve exactly what you get.

It is unfortunate that people cannot be trusted. But if they could, I would not be gainfully employed installing devices keeping them in (or out) of places, or devices that watch them stay in or out.