I am on the fence regarding my Ebay Purchase. Help me!

[JBS99HT]

I'm sure you've been told this already, but buyer beware. In my opinion if you are spending that kind of money, why not deal with a dealer for 2k more. Be careful with this guys, do a vin # inquiry on CARFAX. I'll do it for you if you want. Why is it that he doesn't have the title, and why the mileage inconsistancy. I'm not trying to scare you but do a little more homework on this and follow your gut feeling. Good luck.

 

[MJBComp]

If this guy has a 500 mile discrepancy in something as simple as the odometer reading "what else is wrong with the car"?

If you are spending $60,000 i think its cheap insurance to buy a plane ticket and go inspect the car for yourself.

That way you won't get the car and be mad that you didn't do your homework. I also think a CARFAX report will help you.

Have you even seen pictures of the car?
What were the result of the inspection? (other than the mileage)

 

[Fast Viper Dan]

I think If you can get away for a day or two, Fly out and look at this car in person. Meet the dealer, and have the mileage documented. There is no reason the car should be driven after a sales contract has been recorded. Until there is a signed contract the dealer owns the car and has the right to drive it. Can't blame him for that. It sounds like a nice car.
As for the title, Did he take this car in on trade or repo?
If so the title probably is in route from another finance company. This should not take long (10 days) but it would still be a good idea to fly out and see the car. Also see if you can run a DMV report showing the short history of ownership as well as any accidents it may have been involved in.
I would not pay the balance or even shipping until the title has been cleared and is in your name. Take your time, Do it right!
Then "Viper Days"!
Good luck,
"Fast Viper Dan"

 

[David Jenkins]

Buyer beware for sure. I've got a '96 GTS here that a guy bought sight unseen from Tejas. Dealer said car was perfect 3,500 mile unit. Client purchased car and brought to me. I wrote a $9,700 estimate to make it "perfect".dj

 

[Dion Fisher]

Definety FLY before paying...

 

[Marv S]

Why doesn't the seller/dealer have the title yet? Are you paying a dealer a small fee to act as an escrow agent to hold both the title and your $$ until you're satisfied and then help a bit with the paperwork, warranty transfer, etc??

Az titles require a notorized signature and mileage to be noted on the back of the title. Also a "lein release" from any lenders should be attached.

Ask for a disclosure if the car was drag raced at Firebird.

 

[Tom and Vipers]

In general, I have found that "funny business" is like an iceberg. If you see something odd, that is just the tip.

 

[Anthony - 98 GTS]

At a minimum I would fly out to Az. to look at the car. If the car is as advertised, I would also negotiate a reduction in the sales price due to the additional mileage.

 

[Qualitywires.com]

I would fly out there and bring a camera. That way when you get it, you have something to reference if something bad should happen to it.

 

[ruckdr]

Viper_01_GTS_FL,
There must be some Viper Club Members (at least 1; Jason) living in Arizona that could go to the dealer and at a minimum visually inspect the car. Perhaps in a phone call to you from the dealer, a test drive by a Viper owner might be possible.
Good Luck.

 

[dancojax]

The best advice is to get somebody who knows what to look for see the car before you let loose of that much money.
Instead of flying out yourself, send Bill Pemberton.
He wouldn't let you go wrong, even if he doesn't get the sale, he's a lot of help and definately knows what to look for and at.

 

[NCVCA]

Lots of good advice here already, but definately fly. Meet a VCA member to inspect, photograph it, don't pay until you have the title, get a discount for the miles (that's 22.2% more miles than you bid for!)

I will never buy a car sight unseen again unless it is from Woodhouse (where I bought my Viper sight unseen).

Bill Pemberton would be your contact there - search the archives on "Pemberton" for threads about him and Woodhouse - 'nuff said.

Jeff

 

[Dion Fisher]

Actually I think Don has touched on something here.. Jason Ward is a VERY knowledgable Viper enthusiast and owner.. If you could talk him into going and looking at the car you can trust his opinion without a bit of doubt.. Go with the Jason idea!!

 

[Serpent 97]

You should definetly fly down there and check it out.About a 9 months ago,one of my friends bought a boat off of an E-bay seller and got a lemon.Motor was blown.He never took the time out to go and check it out.Either way,good luck with your purchase.

 

[David Jenkins]

DO NOT rely on carfax. I've inspected a couple of cars that went through their system a-ok. Too bad both had been crashed.

What dealer is the car at? Have Eddie Martin check it out. Don't sweat the mileage, 600 mile joy-ride is pretty common.

Watch that Pemberton guy, I just installed a wing on his Chevy Cavalier. It kinda' goes with the mudflaps and neon tube lights.

 

[Viper99]

For a 60K purchase I would want to see it, touch it, drive it, etc.
For what shipping is going to cost you I would definitely consider buying through a local reputable dealer. At least you know if something is wrong you have a much better cahnce at getting it rectified.
Just my opinion.

 

[Casey]

I saw the car you purchased on Ebay. It looks like a great car from the pictures. I don't think the milage is a factor here, it was probably driven while up for Bidding, getting as many miles in as possible. And if he has a loan on the car, it could take a few days to get the title!
Having said all of that! I wouldn't dare pay for the car sight unseen! Unless you really trust the inspector!
You might want to have it shipped out to you and wire the money to the seller upon your inspection!
Otherwise you had better take a day off and fly out see the car, eat lunch and then fly home!!

 

[JBS99HT]

I'm sure you've been told this already, but buyer beware. In my opinion if you are spending that kind of money, why not deal with a dealer for 2k more. Be careful with this guys, do a vin # inquiry on CARFAX. I'll do it for you if you want. Why is it that he doesn't have the title, and why the mileage inconsistancy. I'm not trying to scare you but do a little more homework on this and follow your gut feeling. Good luck.