People who lie on car ads

[MDMetal]

When I was searching for my 350z I found a decent looking example (from the photos) about 150 miles away, I called up for the details and to see if they'd give me a ballpark figure for my current car (obviously pointing out I understood they'd want to examine it properly) at the time I had a very basic 1.2 MK III clio, great condition but obviously nothign special, the guy comes right out and says 6k, which I found rather high (usually I was being quoted 3k ish) I asked him if he was sure for what was essentially a base model, yup 100% he said.

I arrived to look at the 350Z, it had paint chips the size of 50p pieces (not sure how you even get that!?), ok well I thought to myself with an extra 2-3k in my pocket from the trade-in I might consider that. Asked the trader to give my clio a look and confirm the price, 2K I was told, I pointed out I was clear on the phone about the model etc and was told it would be around the 6k mark. I was then told there was no way on earth they'd ever offer that. When I asked who I talked to "must have been my borther", I suggested maybe his brother should be kept away from the phone,. Out of interest I asked what they'd do about the paint chips on the 350z and was told "for this price nothing, it's already a bargain" (car was 8k). Off I stormed waste of time.

In the end bought mine from a trader in north london for the same 8k, he gave me 4k for the clio after walking round it once. Apart from a CV joint, new tyres the 350z's been fine Even came with an extra intercooler Feel sorry for whoever got the intial 350z mind.

[Alex_225]

InitialDave said:

"ah well, I'm here now, might as well give this clown several grand for an utter shed".

I honestly think that's what people think you'll do. That you'll shrug your shoulders and part with your cash.

On the flip side, we are selling my other half's SL350 and a chap contacted me eager to buy an SL. He needed a car quickly and wanted to jump on a train and travel 2 hours to see it with the intention to buy.

I actually explained to the guy it only had a weeks MOT left on it and I didn't want to sell it to him with it requiring something to get through the MOT. Didn't know of anything but it's 11 years old. He appreciated my honesty and viewed another car and bought it. Typically the car was MOT'd the following Monday and passed without a single advisory! I'm still trying to sell it now haha

[RB Will]

I have flagged up adverts in the past when I have realised the adverts were BS.

When I was looking for a Legacy there were a few people selling theirs as Spec B models and they were not. This meant a different interior, wheels, suspension. As Said I pointed these out to the selling site but nothing was done.

Another one was I found my old Impreza. I sold it to a mate who got good use out of it and sold it on then that chap traded it in. I found the ad for it with the dealer and it had all sorts wrong with it. Wrong model, wrong parts on it, wrong mileage.
I contacted them and pointed it all out and again nothing was done.

I think with car ads there should be a grading system like you get in Japanese auctions. You have to fill in a form stating all the marks, wear etc and it determines if its a grade 1-5 etc. That way you shouldn't be able to turn up to look at a car described as very good when its actually a banger racer.
Have had enough wasted trips going to look at supposedly lovely cars that were very much not.

[veccy208]

lucido grigio said:

I'll step up.

Please tell us about the time you went to Ayr to see a rust free Range Rover classic.

Thanks....

Oh alright, since you asked.

Rust free was maybe a bit over the top, he said it didn't have any structural rust issues and the bodywork was pristine. So off I set, across the Irish Sea and after a difficult morning, I arrive at the wonderful, truthful sounding man I spoke to on the phone. It was one of those moments when as soon as you see the vehicle, your heart sinks!

- It had a gas conversion but the tank was conveniently empty (so not able to test, although the salesman swore blind that it worked).
- A quick glance underneath confirmed that there was about 3 of the 6?? chassis mounts clinging to the body with roughly 0.5mm of rust, the others had cracked.
- The Paint had mere bubbles than a mint aero.

The final straw came on the test drive when the engine was so sluggish it would barely pull its own weight off the forecourt and then the oil pressure light came on. I asked him should I stop till we check if there was any oil left to which he replied "no no it will be just fine."

I had a very depressing journey home!