OT: Becareful buying sight unseen
12-27-2007, 07:46 PM
#2
Race Car
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...I paid $34,500 so I think I should fix it but am afraid of what the cost would be once I fix the rust, the interior and the mechanical issues.
12-27-2007, 10:57 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
I just can't understand why people would buy (even a $5k car) sight unseen??
12-28-2007, 12:09 AM
#7
Instructor
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I bought my 993 site unseen - right off this list. I never saw it until it arrived in NH after a trip via Intercity from So Cal. And I am more than pleased with the car. I simply love it. But I did my research on this board and I purchased it from a highly reputable member - Chris Walrod. Therefore I think it is viable to purchase a car sight unseen but one must be prepared to do a lot more due diligence such as getting to know the sellers reputation etc...
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12-28-2007, 12:35 AM
#8
Weathergirl
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No doubt the Porsche-rookie buyer had completely wrong expectations. Sounds like he was expecting either a fully restored car or an amazing survivor that would go for more like $50k.
In the spectrum of cars of that vintage, that E probably is a heck of a lot closer to rust free than most. I've still got some "before" pics of my '71 around somewhere. That one was "1000% rust free" too.
In the spectrum of cars of that vintage, that E probably is a heck of a lot closer to rust free than most. I've still got some "before" pics of my '71 around somewhere. That one was "1000% rust free" too.
12-28-2007, 01:07 AM
#9
Drifting
I'm just starting my 993 search and wouldn't dare buy without a personal inspection and a PPI. There was another story recently about someone buying a car sight unseen and using the dealers' recommended PPI shop. Obvious flood damage was apparently missed. You cannot buy a car sight unseen unless you like gambling. The $1-$2K to fly out and inspect it yourself is cheap insurance. If you don't have the time to make the trip then you sure don't have the time to deal with the mess you'll likely be in. The internet is littered with guys flipping cars that were dumped. Some owners are just kids who may mean well but and think there cars are flawless.
12-28-2007, 01:58 AM
#10
Burning Brakes
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The truth is, if you're in the market for something rare, sight-unseen can be a reality.
But he really should have had a PPI....
any seller that refuses is a signal to take off.
You do have to feel sorry for him though. Jack the Flipper sounds like a real a$$hole.
But he really should have had a PPI....
any seller that refuses is a signal to take off.
You do have to feel sorry for him though. Jack the Flipper sounds like a real a$$hole.
12-28-2007, 11:15 AM
#11
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Both cars bought unseen from the same person--on Ebay. I flew to Tahoe, picked them up, drove them home. Didnt meet the owner until 1 year after the 2nd purchase. Now I would consider us friends.
I also found my primary home on the internet (www.360house.com--that was the pioneer compnay of 360 views of homes) 6 years ago and bought a 2nd home in Park City, UT without using an agent. I saw it on TV and drove up and bought it on a Sunday morning.
I hired a stripper in San Francisco on internet But she had a picture. And she was smoking hot and put a show that would make wonder why bachelor parties arent the end of the beginning!!
There are ways of doing things unseen and I will do it all over again.
I also found my primary home on the internet (www.360house.com--that was the pioneer compnay of 360 views of homes) 6 years ago and bought a 2nd home in Park City, UT without using an agent. I saw it on TV and drove up and bought it on a Sunday morning.
I hired a stripper in San Francisco on internet But she had a picture. And she was smoking hot and put a show that would make wonder why bachelor parties arent the end of the beginning!!
There are ways of doing things unseen and I will do it all over again.
12-28-2007, 11:23 AM
#12
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I did buy an SUV sight unseen, some 400+ miles away in Wilmington, NC off of ebay. However before the check was handed over I drove my butt there to inspect it. Years later, the SUV still lives and has been problem free..shouldn't have sold it
12-28-2007, 11:54 AM
#14
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12-28-2007, 12:49 PM
#15
Three Wheelin'
I read all of the posts on both the early S board and the Pelican board, and it sounds to me like miscommunication. Hopefully the situation will get resolved but it is good to know that shady practices can be brought to light quite easily within the [relatively] small Porsche online community.
Caveat Emptor, Brothers and Sisters.
Caveat Emptor, Brothers and Sisters.