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Post Info TOPIC: When you post a car for sale, why do people lie about condition...


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When you post a car for sale, why do people lie about condition...
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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. Imgonna

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"Restored" to most sellers means fresh bondo and paint OVER the rust......viewing a raw product will reveal it's true condition better.

For what's it worth, my experience with "surface" rust means there are no holes.........yet..........until you touch it.



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Mitch D.   River Falls, WI

Lifetime member of the "Cars apart Club"

1966 Chevelle SS 396 M20

1970 Chevelle SS 396 M20

1967 Camaro SS/RS 350 M20



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

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Derek Kiefer - Mantorville, MN

69 Malibu Pro-Touring stroker LS1-383/T56 - 69 SS396-325/3spd project



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And to think that people are buying cars like this over ebay all the time without so much as an inspection, then discover how bad it is when its getting unloaded off the truck.



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Chris - Ramsey, MN.

Dear Optimist, Pessimist, and Realist.

While you guys were busy arguing about the glass of water. I drank it!

Sincerly,

The opportunist.



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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.

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'69 Convertible,  Lemans Blue, 454, 200 4R, 12 Bolt. 

Jon H.  Lino Lakes



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not sure what they are thinking, as Jon says, some of it is really criminal. i got an engine from a guy who bought a car on line only to find the newly "undercoated frame" had duct tape over the holes and the car was not even safe to drive
seems a little application of "the Golden Rule" would go a long way in our hobby



-- Edited by chevelle on Wednesday 12th of September 2012 06:26:24 AM

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Bruce L - Lakeville MN

1971 Chevelle

1959 Nomad Wagon



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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.

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John D. - St. Louis Park, MN.

1965 El Camino - LT-1, 4L60e, 4wh discs, SC&C susp.
2013 F-150 Platinum - Twin Turbo 3.5

2018 Factory Five MkIV Roadster build thread



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I think that’s just the buyer beware part, if you’re going to buy a car new from a dealer or used over Ebay you always need to understand you’re dealing with the devil.

What annoys me is someone posting something on Ebay or CL and not responding to queries for information.



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Kevin

Northwestern Ohio

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