Unbelievable......buyer beware

[Anti Venom]

Got a call from a new customer last week, said that he had just bought a 1969 corvette and it was being delivered from California. He wanted it delivered here instead of his residence. This way he could have me give it a checkout to see where it might need attention. It was stated to him buy the seller ( A used Corvette dealer in California ) that this car could be driven immediately, and as a matter of fact it could be driven to and from work. Well, the transport arrived Saturday morning and we got in the car to drive it off the transport and this car first has NO BRAKES whatsoever. Barely runs then put it in reverse (automatic) and no reverse then no drive. Nothing. $18,000 is what he paid for this car.....$900.00 for transport here. Got it into the shop and found the vacuum for the headlights etc was plugged off and it was spray painted everywhere, the "new paint job" is awfull, it did not even come with the stuff on it displayed in the photos.

The intention of this post is first for me to spout off, second to simply say, if you want to buy a car long distance, PLEASE buy a plane ticket and see the car first! Then drive it. If its local just ask me to inspect I have no problem with that.

[zzzona]

[THOR]

A very painful lesson. I totally agree with your assessment.

[CHASZ51]

I was there also when the 69 was dropped off, it did look pretty rough for $18,000.

[Shadow]

The purchaser may have some recourse depending on the ad? If you want to have him contact me I'll be happy to see whats up?

If you can't afford the plane ticket or can't get time off to go look at it yourself, get someone you trust to do it for you.

I've looked over several cars for forum members in the past. It's not that big a deal and sure beats gettign ripped off

I hate thieves and scammers!

[Kap142]

When I bought my 72 BB I started off by exchanging e-mails and phone calls back and forth with the previous owner in Alabama . Every question I had he would patiently answer . He was forthright and sent me a ton and a half of photos . My knowledge was limited but (by gawd) I was doing my home work and learning from every direction I could. Super people like Nytro and others offered advise and I used my new found info to seek more answers. Now keep in mind that until this Vette I had never owned one and started out knowing little (heck I probably only know a bit more now).

I learned "numbers matching" and "tranny ID's" and "rear end numbers" and "bonding strips" and to say the least "documentation".

My Sweet wife then took and late December trip to Pell City Alabama with me to look at this 72 coupe and see if, at least, I could look like less then a durn dumba**.

I paid a price but the problems were nothing a 30+ year old restored BB wouldn't have.

I WAS LUCKY, I was dealing with an honest guy.

Yep as you guys (and gals Ms Anti Venom and my gal Classy) might remember I did my share of brake work and such and even replaced a radiator and such. But my first Vette was really my dream car.

Honestly if I'd had nothing to work on It would have been just someone else's car I now owned.

I guess, based on my past life in investigations, I tried to plug every hole I could to make the purchase what I hoped it would be.

Be critical, be questioning, go look, go have people look.

My humble opinion is if we do not have the expertise, surround yourself with those who do. Particulary here, everyone( did I say everyone?) is willing to help.

Ken (in my humble opinion)

[Anti Venom]

I really wish that the guy would have contacted me before he had purchaced. He talked to me before, then I would have given my advice. Funny thing is that this car is really nothing special, base horsepower 350 with an automatic. Now, I had to be the bearer of bad news. The bad thing is that yesterday I was shown the ad for the car. At the bottom it had disclaimers. "buyer accepts this car as is with all faults and shortcomings" Now that should have been the first signal not just to turn your back, but run away. So... that being said; if anyone wants any purchacing advice I will be MORE than happy to tell what to look out for!

[road pilot]

A fool and his money soon part.

[gmjunkie]

Originally Posted by Anti Venom

The intention of this post is first for me to spout off, second to simply say, if you want to buy a car long distance, PLEASE buy a plane ticket and see the car first! Then drive it. If its local just ask me to inspect I have no problem with that.

I hate it when Good People get the Green Weenie!!! I'll inspect vehicles for fourm members too!! Ohio,WV,Va,NC,SC,Tenn,Ky,Ga, and Fla!! I'm usally cruzan around to a Sale somewhere and can do a Fly by!!
www.gmjunkie.com

[Ms. AntiVenom]

So you sell them? If so I might need to refer you allot!