Certified Classic Cars...
04-20-2011 | 03:00 PM
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,237
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
Certified Classic Cars...
... an interesting concept:
http://performancebiz.com/news/class...cation-program
Would you find this to be valuable?
http://performancebiz.com/news/class...cation-program
ClassicCars.com, an online marketplace for classic and collector vehicles, has launched a vehicle certification program specifically targeted to the classic and collector vehicle market.
Under the program, vehicles for sale undergo a comprehensive 50-point inspection by an independent ASE-certified technician at one of more than 5,000 locations nationwide. Vehicles in sound mechanical condition earn ClassicCars.com Certified Classic Vehicle Certification and are offered with a three-month/3,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and one year of nationwide roadside assistance at no additional cost to the buyer, according to a press release.
The inspection, certification, warranty, and roadside assistance program are paid for in advance by the seller. The warranty and roadside assistance program take effect upon the vehicles sale and are written in the buyer’s name.
Listings for ClassicCars.com Certified Classic Vehicles receive preferred placement in search results and bear an exclusive certification emblem that clearly distinguishes them from non-certified vehicles, the release noted. Certified listings include a copy of the signed inspection report in Adobe PDF format, along with other details about the vehicle’s certification and its buyer benefits.
“Our certification program is an industry changer,” said Roger Falcione, ClassicCars.com CEO. “Our buyers’ greatest concern has always been the unknown mechanical viability of the vehicle they want to purchase, especially when it’s from a non-local seller. The availability of pre-inspected, certified vehicles not only gives our buyers peace of mind, but it also helps our sellers sell their vehicles faster and at a qualified premium.”
Early reaction from both buyers and sellers has been extremely positive, according to Alan Gill, ClassicCars.com’s director of operations.
“This service is seen as a true win-win value proposition,” he said. “Our job at ClassicCars.com is to bring buyers and sellers of classic vehicles together. We are always looking for effective ways to promote vehicles on behalf of our sellers. Our certification program does this by giving great cars the recognition they deserve while bringing peace of mind to the buying process.”
The process typically takes two to three days, according to the release, and once certified, the vehicle remains certified until sold. Not every vehicle qualifies for certification; only those in sound mechanical condition as determined by the independent ASE-certified technician earn certification.
Under the program, vehicles for sale undergo a comprehensive 50-point inspection by an independent ASE-certified technician at one of more than 5,000 locations nationwide. Vehicles in sound mechanical condition earn ClassicCars.com Certified Classic Vehicle Certification and are offered with a three-month/3,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and one year of nationwide roadside assistance at no additional cost to the buyer, according to a press release.
The inspection, certification, warranty, and roadside assistance program are paid for in advance by the seller. The warranty and roadside assistance program take effect upon the vehicles sale and are written in the buyer’s name.
Listings for ClassicCars.com Certified Classic Vehicles receive preferred placement in search results and bear an exclusive certification emblem that clearly distinguishes them from non-certified vehicles, the release noted. Certified listings include a copy of the signed inspection report in Adobe PDF format, along with other details about the vehicle’s certification and its buyer benefits.
“Our certification program is an industry changer,” said Roger Falcione, ClassicCars.com CEO. “Our buyers’ greatest concern has always been the unknown mechanical viability of the vehicle they want to purchase, especially when it’s from a non-local seller. The availability of pre-inspected, certified vehicles not only gives our buyers peace of mind, but it also helps our sellers sell their vehicles faster and at a qualified premium.”
Early reaction from both buyers and sellers has been extremely positive, according to Alan Gill, ClassicCars.com’s director of operations.
“This service is seen as a true win-win value proposition,” he said. “Our job at ClassicCars.com is to bring buyers and sellers of classic vehicles together. We are always looking for effective ways to promote vehicles on behalf of our sellers. Our certification program does this by giving great cars the recognition they deserve while bringing peace of mind to the buying process.”
The process typically takes two to three days, according to the release, and once certified, the vehicle remains certified until sold. Not every vehicle qualifies for certification; only those in sound mechanical condition as determined by the independent ASE-certified technician earn certification.
04-20-2011 | 03:23 PM
#3
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Dallas TX
What happens between the time the car gets certified and new owner takes possession. We all know the selling process can take several months depending on the prevailing factors such as price, time of year, economy etc. Mechanical gremlins can appear at anytime. I would only feel happy with a PPI undertaken just before completing a sale.
A savvy buyer isn't going to accept a sellers choice of 'independent' mechanic, who may not have been familiar with the model being offered for sale. The 993 is a good case in point. Even the PNA dealers are unlikely to have a tech available with much experience working on these cars now.
This makes no sense, except for classic cars who will be making some pretty tidy profits on the whole transaction.
A savvy buyer isn't going to accept a sellers choice of 'independent' mechanic, who may not have been familiar with the model being offered for sale. The 993 is a good case in point. Even the PNA dealers are unlikely to have a tech available with much experience working on these cars now.
This makes no sense, except for classic cars who will be making some pretty tidy profits on the whole transaction.
04-20-2011 | 09:29 PM
#4
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From: Winston-Salem, NC
This might be of some benefit for the very rich and/or clueless but for those seriously seeking to buy a specific make and model, they should be willing to do their own homework, ask the right questions and get it checked out.
04-21-2011 | 12:40 PM
#6
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15,713
Likes: 1,451
From: Clifton, NJ
I'd rather send the car out for a PPI to a knowledgeable shop on my dime than have an "independent ASE facility" do some BS 50 point inspection.
Like the guy who works on Toyota Camrys all day will be super knowledgeable about E type Jags, Austin Healys, Tbirds, and 356s.
Like the guy who works on Toyota Camrys all day will be super knowledgeable about E type Jags, Austin Healys, Tbirds, and 356s.
04-21-2011 | 01:19 PM
#7
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Somewhere in a galaxy far, far away....
Online data bases are to advertise the cars for sellers. Should be nothing more.
By offering this service it will not help promote their online presence as a favourable web site but rather destroy their credit.
For an online database to actually vouch for a car that is owned by a complete stranger and therefore imply to accept responsibility for the seller's car if it is not up to par as advertised is stupid venture.
Like a half assed car fax.
First all, anybody buying a classic car of any worth has done their homework already, and chances are they will not buy a car sight unseen unless a specialist has seen it or they look at it in person. This is why auctions are becoming more popular as a way to sell collector cars.
Good specialists in the area of the listed car are hard to find and no ASE facility 50 point inspection is going to cut it. not for such a specialized field required.
The majority of classic cars listed online are in need of repair anyhow. So what good is a 50 point inspection if the seller/buyer agree that car needs work?
Trouble with classic cars is the matching numbers game and body work quality. No indy shop has the time or knowledge to consistently know what to look for to appease a buyer.
For a proposed independent ASE facility to assume liability on a 50 point inspection is dangerous grounds for the few bucks they receive on inspection jobs.
Example,
i find an average 1969 911 porsche for sale on their website, and the 5th owner/seller arranges to have to inspection performed as agreed.
The local ASE shop is an independent service shop of all makes and models.
They see that the car has:
correct title/ownership
good battery
functional brakes/horn/lights/wipers
no cracks in the glass
no seeable body damage
old car so some signs of paint work throughout its life.
Some oil stains around engine.
What is not noticed is the massive amount of body filler in the panels
the non numbers matching 912 engine.
the floors are not factory panels. (flat sheet metal instead).
Hence, i get the car in my possession and although it is safe fro the road and runs, it has all the crap i didnt want that the seller didnt know himself.......
thanks 50 point inspection.....
car sure did look good in the pictures though
By offering this service it will not help promote their online presence as a favourable web site but rather destroy their credit.
For an online database to actually vouch for a car that is owned by a complete stranger and therefore imply to accept responsibility for the seller's car if it is not up to par as advertised is stupid venture.
Like a half assed car fax.
First all, anybody buying a classic car of any worth has done their homework already, and chances are they will not buy a car sight unseen unless a specialist has seen it or they look at it in person. This is why auctions are becoming more popular as a way to sell collector cars.
Good specialists in the area of the listed car are hard to find and no ASE facility 50 point inspection is going to cut it. not for such a specialized field required.
The majority of classic cars listed online are in need of repair anyhow. So what good is a 50 point inspection if the seller/buyer agree that car needs work?
Trouble with classic cars is the matching numbers game and body work quality. No indy shop has the time or knowledge to consistently know what to look for to appease a buyer.
For a proposed independent ASE facility to assume liability on a 50 point inspection is dangerous grounds for the few bucks they receive on inspection jobs.
Example,
i find an average 1969 911 porsche for sale on their website, and the 5th owner/seller arranges to have to inspection performed as agreed.
The local ASE shop is an independent service shop of all makes and models.
They see that the car has:
correct title/ownership
good battery
functional brakes/horn/lights/wipers
no cracks in the glass
no seeable body damage
old car so some signs of paint work throughout its life.
Some oil stains around engine.
What is not noticed is the massive amount of body filler in the panels
the non numbers matching 912 engine.
the floors are not factory panels. (flat sheet metal instead).
Hence, i get the car in my possession and although it is safe fro the road and runs, it has all the crap i didnt want that the seller didnt know himself.......
thanks 50 point inspection.....
car sure did look good in the pictures though
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04-21-2011 | 02:10 PM
#8
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,237
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
My thoughts exactly.
As far as the shop taking the liabiity, I am sure that the liability will be "packaged" and underwritten by an insurance company and then be sold as an investment with an S&P AAA rating. We never learn.
As far as the shop taking the liabiity, I am sure that the liability will be "packaged" and underwritten by an insurance company and then be sold as an investment with an S&P AAA rating. We never learn.
