Buying a car site unseen.

[flatheadfan]

I have purchased a couple of cars "sight unseen" and have found them less than expected. Never again!

Having said that, I came across a Model A roadster that looked fabulous. Unfortunately, I had just undergone bone surgery on my leg and was in no condition to go see the car (about 200 miles away in another state). Not to be deterred, I called the owner with a list of questions and requested specific pictures. He obliged. Finally, to avoid a repeat of my past omissions I decided to get the car inspected. I called a local Model A car club close by the car's location and and asked the club's contact person if he knew someone who would look the car over for me. He said he would post a notice on the club's web site with my phone number. I received a call from a guy that said he lived close by and would look it over and get back with me. I said I would gladly pay for his time and trouble. I also told him it was listed on eBay and time was important.

I waited patiently but no response, the auction was ending, I placed calls to the "inspector" and nothing was returned. Suddenly, the auction ended "As no longer available." I waited a day or two and called the owner to see if the car was truly "no longer available". He told me a guy came to look at it (who incidentally had the same first name as my "inspector"). He liked what he saw and bought it! I called the so-called "inspector" for an explanation and (surprise), never received a return call after several attempts.

Finally. Remember, buying a car "sight unseen" can be a lot like "on-line dating." What shows up at the door is not exactly what the pictures and description portrayed!

Tom