People who lie on car ads
Discussion
Once went to see a rover 25... I know but I was younger and foolisher.
Absolutely shining add for a perfect car. (Spare wheel toolkit was still in delivery packaging.) So stated the add.
Well a worse dog I never did see! The interior was stained and stank, the body was dented and stone chipped, the clutch was finished, heater controls broken etc etc.
The tools still in the new packaging turned out to be clearly used tools wrapped in a piece of shrinkwrap you'd get round a frozen pizza.
The best part was when I started the engine, there must have been a pulley on the brink of seazing as the grinding out of the engine was awful. He had the cheek to tell me that's the way it supposed to sound. I just can't understand why someone would just blatantly lie like that.
Don't ask about the time I went all the way to Ayr to see a rust free rangerover classic.....
Absolutely shining add for a perfect car. (Spare wheel toolkit was still in delivery packaging.) So stated the add.
Well a worse dog I never did see! The interior was stained and stank, the body was dented and stone chipped, the clutch was finished, heater controls broken etc etc.
The tools still in the new packaging turned out to be clearly used tools wrapped in a piece of shrinkwrap you'd get round a frozen pizza.
The best part was when I started the engine, there must have been a pulley on the brink of seazing as the grinding out of the engine was awful. He had the cheek to tell me that's the way it supposed to sound. I just can't understand why someone would just blatantly lie like that.
Don't ask about the time I went all the way to Ayr to see a rust free rangerover classic.....
For me I think it's the condition that is often described that frustrates me.
As Im sure many on here are, I am extremely fussy with my own cars. They'll be clean as often as is realistically possible, be tidy inside and be well looked after. I've managed to sell a few cars to people I know based on how I've looked after them so I'm doing something right.
That said, I'm not unrealistic about buying a used car, if it's got miles on it you expect it to have wear and tear. A car can always be cleaned up.
Trouble is that so many people will state "Very good Condition" or "Pristine" and the car just isn't.
I do recall going to look at a cheap runabout, it was an old Clio and it was cheap. Looked reasonable from the pictures though so I went and had a look. The side they hadn't photographed had a big dent and the trim hanging off. When I pointed this out to the guy he said "Well it's only X amount". I just walked away and found a similar car which wasn't battered for the same kind of money.
On the flip side, I am 100% honest about any cars I've sold and have stated they are in good condition etc. but only when the pictures and the car can back it up. I sold a Clio 172 to a guy, it was mint with 15k on the clock. I'd fitted aftermarket wheels but he had the OEM ones included in the deal. Rings me a month later moaning that he can't fit the OEM wheels back on. I suggested he removes the spigot rings but he was really terse. So he's got a great car, can get some cash back by selling on the wheels he was obviously swapping over and still not happy. Div!
As Im sure many on here are, I am extremely fussy with my own cars. They'll be clean as often as is realistically possible, be tidy inside and be well looked after. I've managed to sell a few cars to people I know based on how I've looked after them so I'm doing something right.
That said, I'm not unrealistic about buying a used car, if it's got miles on it you expect it to have wear and tear. A car can always be cleaned up.
Trouble is that so many people will state "Very good Condition" or "Pristine" and the car just isn't.
I do recall going to look at a cheap runabout, it was an old Clio and it was cheap. Looked reasonable from the pictures though so I went and had a look. The side they hadn't photographed had a big dent and the trim hanging off. When I pointed this out to the guy he said "Well it's only X amount". I just walked away and found a similar car which wasn't battered for the same kind of money.
On the flip side, I am 100% honest about any cars I've sold and have stated they are in good condition etc. but only when the pictures and the car can back it up. I sold a Clio 172 to a guy, it was mint with 15k on the clock. I'd fitted aftermarket wheels but he had the OEM ones included in the deal. Rings me a month later moaning that he can't fit the OEM wheels back on. I suggested he removes the spigot rings but he was really terse. So he's got a great car, can get some cash back by selling on the wheels he was obviously swapping over and still not happy. Div!
I found most private people were not trying to mislead and that they genuinely thought they were right, given they are not professionals i could always understand the odd mistake, except for condition, they were usually wrong with that.
What would annoy me the most was where i was employed, they would advertise as showroom condition when it wasn't, good clean condition maybe, but a 4 year old car with even 1 stone chip is not showroom, to me showroom is unmarked and brand new. We did once sell a car with full Audi service history even though it was a 3 series .......
What would annoy me the most was where i was employed, they would advertise as showroom condition when it wasn't, good clean condition maybe, but a 4 year old car with even 1 stone chip is not showroom, to me showroom is unmarked and brand new. We did once sell a car with full Audi service history even though it was a 3 series .......
Sten. said:
The "fully service history" lie probably the most common. A look in the service book shows 2 stamps and nothing for 5 years.
To be fair, if that's all the servicing it ever had, then that's a full documentation of it's service history. That's the thing about that tag line ("full service history") - you can record every service, but if every service is done way beyond the manufactuers recommended intervals, or not done at a time which better suits the sort of driving the car has been subjected to (for example, town driving and short journeys vs motorway sprints and long journeys) then it doesnt really matter. It's nice to have some evidence of it having been done, but it's far better to see reciepts / itemised billings, and question those intervals. A 30,000 mile car with 1 oil change is arguably not as well maintained as an 80,000 mile car with 8 oil changes, despite both having a full service history!steve-5snwi said:
I found most private people were not trying to mislead and that they genuinely thought they were right, given they are not professionals i could always understand the odd mistake, except for condition, they were usually wrong with that.
What would annoy me the most was where i was employed, they would advertise as showroom condition when it wasn't, good clean condition maybe, but a 4 year old car with even 1 stone chip is not showroom, to me showroom is unmarked and brand new. We did once sell a car with full Audi service history even though it was a 3 series .......
I went to look at a mk4 golf once, advertised as a 1.8T GTI and I asked specifically on the phone if it was indeed a 1.8 Turbo. The bloke said yeah so off I went to view it. Turned out to be a non turbo 1.8 GTI and when I pointed this out to him he said I was wrong as it's a GTI and the T means turbo lol. He said a mate had sold it to him and told him it was a turbo.What would annoy me the most was where i was employed, they would advertise as showroom condition when it wasn't, good clean condition maybe, but a 4 year old car with even 1 stone chip is not showroom, to me showroom is unmarked and brand new. We did once sell a car with full Audi service history even though it was a 3 series .......
thatdude said:
Sten. said:
The "fully service history" lie probably the most common. A look in the service book shows 2 stamps and nothing for 5 years.
To be fair, if that's all the servicing it ever had, then that's a full documentation of it's service history. That's the thing about that tag line ("full service history") - you can record every service, but if every service is done way beyond the manufactuers recommended intervals, or not done at a time which better suits the sort of driving the car has been subjected to (for example, town driving and short journeys vs motorway sprints and long journeys) then it doesnt really matter. It's nice to have some evidence of it having been done, but it's far better to see reciepts / itemised billings, and question those intervals. A 30,000 mile car with 1 oil change is arguably not as well maintained as an 80,000 mile car with 8 oil changes, despite both having a full service history!They said pretty much what you wrote above, it's a full history of what has been done.
lucido grigio said:
veccy208 said:
Don't ask about the time I went all the way to Ayr to see a rust free rangerover classic.....
I'll step up.Please tell us about the time you went to Ayr to see a rust free Range Rover classic.
Thanks....
Not declaring that the car is a converted import is one of the things that winds me up when idly looking at Triumph TR6s for sale.
Often the ad will say something like "popular twin carburettor model" with no mention that it was originally a left hooker from the States and is some 45bhp down on the earlier UK cars.
I like to think that any potential buyer will have done their homework and be aware that the UK models all had fuel injection.
Often the ad will say something like "popular twin carburettor model" with no mention that it was originally a left hooker from the States and is some 45bhp down on the earlier UK cars.
I like to think that any potential buyer will have done their homework and be aware that the UK models all had fuel injection.
Maybe not a lie, but it works both ways. Years ago I was keeping an eye open for a suitable runaround for a relative. Hillman Avenger (yes, long time ago), one line advert, 'for sale'. It was close by, telephoned the seller who said 'Well, I think it's in good condition, why not see what you think', so, as it was only 5 mins away, I went to look.
It was mint, it had been his late father's from new, rear seats covered, not a mark on it, very low mileage, comprehensive dealer service history etc. Good price. Provided many years of reliable service
It was mint, it had been his late father's from new, rear seats covered, not a mark on it, very low mileage, comprehensive dealer service history etc. Good price. Provided many years of reliable service
Some sellers don't even know which side their steering wheel is on!!
I'm looking for a left hand drive at the moment so use the lhd filter on ebay.
In the item specifics the seller has put left hand drive but the pictures show a right hand drive car.
I message one seller asking them whether it was lhd or rhd and he replied that it was like 99% of UK cars so rhd.
Why then did the idiot seller put left hand drive??!!
Some of the adverts are from dealers!!
I'm looking for a left hand drive at the moment so use the lhd filter on ebay.
In the item specifics the seller has put left hand drive but the pictures show a right hand drive car.
I message one seller asking them whether it was lhd or rhd and he replied that it was like 99% of UK cars so rhd.
Why then did the idiot seller put left hand drive??!!
Some of the adverts are from dealers!!
LordGrover said:
R8Steve said:
Reduced from the original price and not bothered to check the actual advert most likely, i see that one quite a lot.
I don't think so:ph classifieds said:
So, here comes the complicated bit....I have listed the car at 12k (current market value for a standard car at 50,000 miles) in fear of someone flicking through and scrolling past thinking it’s a standard but overpriced car.
Due to the modifications, I am actually looking for an extra £2500 taking the total to £14,500 .
If you were to buy all the mods new, you’d be talking in excess of £5000 for parts, then you’ve got labour to add to that still.
HereDue to the modifications, I am actually looking for an extra £2500 taking the total to £14,500 .
If you were to buy all the mods new, you’d be talking in excess of £5000 for parts, then you’ve got labour to add to that still.
I don't understand why people bother. Over time you get a bit better at smelling them out, but one sometimes gets through, and you end up stood there looking at a complete snotter and calling the seller a t
t. What do they think? You'll turn up and go "ah well, I'm here now, might as well give this clown several grand for an utter shed".
t. What do they think? You'll turn up and go "ah well, I'm here now, might as well give this clown several grand for an utter shed".About 7 years ago I saw a 1998 5 Series a couple of hours drive away at a small dealer, advertised as immaculate condition with only 40k miles, full BMW service history, etc. It was priced slightly over the odds, but considering the condition I was willing to have a look.
I called the dealer first to let him know it's a 4 hour round trip for me, and my current car stalls every time I come to a halt so it won't be an easy drive... So before I go, can he please let me know if there's anything at all wrong with the car or any work that it needs.
"Nope, it's a stunning example, starts first time every time, beautiful car"
Great... I set off on a journey during which my Volvo S40 stalled about 50 times.
Get there, immediately notice that the car is covered in chips and small dents that were not obvious in the photos. Doesn't look like a 40k mile car...
I wanted to confirm the mileage so asked to see the service history. Trader hands me service book showing three services.
Me: "Where's the rest of it?"
Trader: "That's it, full BMW service history"
Me: "Yes they were all done at BMW, but there's about 8 services missing"
Trader: "I know the last owner, he looked after the car very well"
Me:
I ask for the key to start it up... Trader goes to start it up himself.
First turn - starter motor going but nothing happens.
Second turn - same
Third turn - bit of chugging
Fourth turn - finally engages and engine starts with a rattle
Me: "You said it starts first time every time"
Trader: "Yes! You have to keep going for a bit, but it has never failed to start"
Me: "That's not what 'first time' means"
Get into the car, and spot the mileage is near 200,000.
Me: "Advert said 40k miles"
Trader: "It had a new engine 40k miles ago!"
Me:
Took it for a test drive just out of curiousity at this point. Try to set away and the engine is so low on power and slow to rev I struggle to pull off in first gear!
Me: "Engine's not very happy. It'll still be under BMW warranty though, being quite new?"
Trader: "Err I don't think it came with a warranty"
Me: "Ah, so you meant it had a replacement used engine, not a new engine"
The remainder of the test drive was funny too. Half the dashboard wasn't working, 2nd gear wouldn't engage, countless noises from the suspension... I never went above 20mph, partly because the car couldn't manage it but also from fear for my life!
I honestly don't know what he was thinking. "Well I've driven all this way, so I'll just ignore the fact that this car isn't even worth breaking for parts, here you go take my money!"
I called the dealer first to let him know it's a 4 hour round trip for me, and my current car stalls every time I come to a halt so it won't be an easy drive... So before I go, can he please let me know if there's anything at all wrong with the car or any work that it needs.
"Nope, it's a stunning example, starts first time every time, beautiful car"
Great... I set off on a journey during which my Volvo S40 stalled about 50 times.
Get there, immediately notice that the car is covered in chips and small dents that were not obvious in the photos. Doesn't look like a 40k mile car...
I wanted to confirm the mileage so asked to see the service history. Trader hands me service book showing three services.
Me: "Where's the rest of it?"
Trader: "That's it, full BMW service history"
Me: "Yes they were all done at BMW, but there's about 8 services missing"
Trader: "I know the last owner, he looked after the car very well"
Me:
I ask for the key to start it up... Trader goes to start it up himself.
First turn - starter motor going but nothing happens.
Second turn - same
Third turn - bit of chugging
Fourth turn - finally engages and engine starts with a rattle
Me: "You said it starts first time every time"
Trader: "Yes! You have to keep going for a bit, but it has never failed to start"
Me: "That's not what 'first time' means"
Get into the car, and spot the mileage is near 200,000.
Me: "Advert said 40k miles"
Trader: "It had a new engine 40k miles ago!"
Me:
Took it for a test drive just out of curiousity at this point. Try to set away and the engine is so low on power and slow to rev I struggle to pull off in first gear!
Me: "Engine's not very happy. It'll still be under BMW warranty though, being quite new?"
Trader: "Err I don't think it came with a warranty"
Me: "Ah, so you meant it had a replacement used engine, not a new engine"
The remainder of the test drive was funny too. Half the dashboard wasn't working, 2nd gear wouldn't engage, countless noises from the suspension... I never went above 20mph, partly because the car couldn't manage it but also from fear for my life!
I honestly don't know what he was thinking. "Well I've driven all this way, so I'll just ignore the fact that this car isn't even worth breaking for parts, here you go take my money!"
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