why do people turn into such liars when selling a car?
sdh2903 - 15/3/12 at 02:10 PM
And i'm not talking about salesmen either!
I am currently in the hunt for a tintop, nothing fancy, diesel, 4/5 doors preferebly, not intergalactic milage, decent looking and in good nick for a
budget of up to 5k. I have just got back from my 15th viewing, this time a 3 series diesel.
"yes mate it's mint, no rust or scratches, unmarked interior blah blah"
Ok so what did I see within 5 mins, Both front wings had been repainted - badly, both rear quarters bubbling, interior was covered in white/pink
stains his reasoning the wife had used household cleaner on the seats, he then tells me in his next breath he's a plasterer, so i might just
estimate the seats are ingrained in plaster and it went on.
This has been the case for most of the cars I've seen, I'm now sick of the phrase mint condition because most people dont know what it
means. Why can't people just be honest? I would certainly be happier dealing with someone who was honest about a defect on a car than one who had
lied about it.
Rant over and back to autotrader i go
pekwah1 - 15/3/12 at 02:16 PM
simple, just key it on the way out to show your dissatisfaction!
or take it on an 'encouraged' test drive to compensate!
sdh2903 - 15/3/12 at 02:23 PM
quote:
Originally posted by pekwah1
simple, just key it on the way out to show your dissatisfaction!
or take it on an 'encouraged' test drive to compensate!
Speaking of encouraged test driving I did try a vaux astra cdti 150 from a dealer, he told me his mechanic said the car needed a new glow plug as it
was a little smoky. So i was expecting maybe a bit of white smoke on start up. Nope kicking out shed loads of blue smoke, I spiritidly drove around
coatbridge causing my own little smog. I asked "you sure it aint burning oil?"
"no definitly just needs a glow plug"
I also asked had it had a timing belt replaced only to be told that these modern engines dont have an interval the belts just last forever
mikeb - 15/3/12 at 02:25 PM
the joys of second hand car buying.
So many wasted trips!!
A lot of times I just want to walk back down the drive before I've even had a proper look because they aren't right!
coyoteboy - 15/3/12 at 02:26 PM
It's my experience that people in general have very differing ideas of "mint" and car conditions, even when they're not selling
them.
bi22le - 15/3/12 at 02:30 PM
Your problem is that your on Auto trader. THE WORST PLACE TO BUY OR SELL A CAR.
Use Pistonheads. Just as good price and seller that wont lie, as often!
sdh2903 - 15/3/12 at 02:37 PM
quote:
Originally posted by bi22le
Your problem is that your on Auto trader. THE WORST PLACE TO BUY OR SELL A CAR.
Use Pistonheads. Just as good price and seller that wont lie, as often!
I'm using ebay, autotrader, gumtree, pistonheads. even the auctions, although I shouldnt go to auctions as I'm like a kid in a sweet shop
last time i went last year for a "look" i bought 2 cars I didnt even want!
pekwah1 - 15/3/12 at 02:41 PM
just get a nice mac and goggles and use the kit instead!
snakebelly - 15/3/12 at 03:23 PM
Get down the auctions! Loads of cars in one place and if your careful and cautious loads of bargains to be had
coyoteboy - 15/3/12 at 03:56 PM
Been to a couple of auctions back at my old place. LOTS of tat being passed off but definitely some good ones going for a song too. If you can be
arsed standing around all evening.
edsco - 15/3/12 at 03:59 PM
To be fair, this issue isn't just down to the bloke selling being a liar or being economical with the truth, it can be the buyer too. I have
sold many cars over the years and have never once said 'mint' condition in an advert. To me that means brand spanking new showroom
condition.
I sold my missus car the few weeks back....80k on clock recent mot and service £4k etc just the facts basically. A guy comes round, takes one look,
starts F'ing and Jeffing at me saying i had completely wasted his time.....you can imagine i was a little taken back.
"you said it was mint cond in advert"
"er no, think your mistaken"
"well i only have £3k....will you take that?"
"er no thanks....its up for £4k....thats a big price drop"
"thanks for wasting my time then...."
"who me??"
As he started to walk back to his car i heard his missus say that the car he thought was mint was a completely different
colour.............................(reaction?) exactly what i thought.
I am not in any way referring back to the initial post (as we are all on here, the forum, out of one common interest and that's cars and i hope
we all know what, to a degree whats good/bad, right and wrong etc, but just sharing my experience of ppl with no memory, or anywhere near the correct
amount of cash hoping to completely scam you out of what was a clearly well maintained and much loved car... I think his missus really wanted it (the
car that is!), but hey ho....he was a bit of skint flint.
Oh it breaks my heart to see it go.....sob sob
britishtrident - 15/3/12 at 05:40 PM
Going back to the original post looking for a medium sized diesel at that price point in the small adds is always going to lead to pain. Private
seller older BMW are always dangerous territory they tend to very polarised between pampered dealer maintained cars and cars run by people who
can't really afford to own one.
I think the best bet is the auctions but with diesels always expect a higher mileage, car dealers tend to regard 100,000 miles on a diesel as
equivalent to 60,00 miles on a petrol so expect to see no diesel below 100,000 miles at auction.
I would suggest you spend 2 or 3 Sundays getting the feel of one of the auctions in Glasgow ---- Intercity in Melbourne st might be a place to
start.