Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen?

[eurospec1]

western union is a no no, it offers no protection, once you send the money, its his, wiether he gives you the truck or not. Set up a transfer through your banks based on arrival of the truck or something, but western union is a good way to get ripped off.

[AusTx68]

Originally Posted by eurospec1

western union is a no no, it offers no protection, once you send the money, its his, wiether he gives you the truck or not. Set up a transfer through your banks based on arrival of the truck or something, but western union is a good way to get ripped off.

A wire is a wire. It's not even safe when using your bank. Once that money goes it's gone.

[eurospec1]

Originally Posted by AusTx68

A wire is a wire. It's not even safe when using your bank. Once that money goes it's gone.

Not true, your bank can set up a wire escrow, money goes into holding, he sends you truck, you notify that truck arrived, bank sends money, that is safe

[lil hoodlum]

Originally Posted by eurospec1

western union is a no no, it offers no protection, once you send the money, its his, wiether he gives you the truck or not. Set up a transfer through your banks based on arrival of the truck or something, but western union is a good way to get ripped off.

Wow! I did not know that! Thanks for the warning guys. I guess I really should slow down a little and think this out a little more.

I'm still not opposed to a little road trip. It sounds from everyone else experience it could be quite interesting.

Keith

[lil hoodlum]

Originally Posted by BB72CHEVKT

If you live in Denton I would just find a local truck. There should be plently in the area.

There are plenty of 67-72 chevy?GMC trucks in my area and the DFW area, just look in the craigslist to find em. However, most of the listings for trucks at or around $1000-1500 are what I think are mostly junkers and many of them do not have motor and transmissions.

I just can't wrap my head around the idea that a non-operable vehicle with no motor and trans can be worth more than $1000. I probably wouldn't pay that much for one.

I have pretty much decided from everyone else's experience buying a mostly complete original truck is the way to go. I do expect for any original survivor truck to have some minor issues if it is still operable.

I just hope that my expectations are not to far off of the mark.

Keith

[leddzepp]

Definitely a crapshoot buying sight unseen. I have done it and had good luck. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

[lil hoodlum]

There is a listing on craigslist DFW for a 1972 for $1395 that seems worth checking into.



Avoid scams and fraud by dealing locally! Beware any deal involving Western Union, Moneygram, wire transfer, cashier check, money order, shipping, escrow, or any promise of transaction protection/certification/guarantee. More info
1972 CHEVY C10 Custom Deluxe - $1395 (Garland/Richardson)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 2011-06-24, 11:38AM CDT
Reply to: sale-nue4r-2459945118@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


1972 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe. 1/2 ton long wide pickup. V8, 3 speed standard. Two tone green and white. Email or call 972.571.6783. Brian


•Location: Garland/Richardson
•it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests



PostingID: 2459945118


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2011 craigslist, inc.terms of useprivacy policyfeedback forum

[clear]

I once was the winning bid for a GTO about 8 hours from me. It was advertised with no rust. After I won the seller was nervous to find out I was coming to pick it up my self and not sending a transport company. I drove the 8 hours with cash in hand. When I arrived and looked the car over I noticed it had a lot of cancer that was not visible from the pictures. Needless to say I did not take the car home.

I would never use western union for any vehicle purchase. I would only show up with certified check or cash and make sure what I am buying is what I expect. Just my 2 cents.

[lil hoodlum]

Also more good advice. Thank you.

Funny I just noticed on the craigslist warning stuff on avoiding scams using wire/ money transfer services.

To be clear it was not the sellers idea to Western Union the money. It was my own.

I think it would be in my best interests to see the truck for myself or have someone from the board look at.

You guys have given me plenty of good advice that I have asked for.

Thank you,

Keith

[Autoblueprint]

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

I would expect it to need some work.

You better BELIEVE it WILL need work, in today's economy $1K does not buy very much...but I would want to see photos of the undercarriage / frame BEFORE I sent any money.

If the frame / undercarriage is ok...I'd just arrange transport and have the truck delivered. I'd save the road trip / haul-it-yourself money for another day / another truck.

I'd offer $800.00 if it has a good frame and clear title and have the truck transported to me.

Originally Posted by 68chevyLQ4

There is ALWAYS surprises. some not so bad..some would have been deal breakers had I known.

X2...( like a bent / rusted frame surprise )

Originally Posted by 72freak

As long as you go into it with its price way lower than its worth and know its not going to be as described you will be fine!

X2

[johndawelder]

Go get it and have a good time.

[rpmgroup]

back in the 70's, i would buy a couple of trucks in texas from a guy i had met. me and my brother and i would pack a towbar and use greyhound. always an adventure. once we had 3 trucks and only one was still running when we got back to California. still a lot of fun.
Good luck.

[cpisani70@aol.com]

So I bought mine site unseen, I did however have a member look at it , that is the way to go Boneyard did a great inspection and the truck was just what I expected. Good Luck
Posted via Mobile Device

[ls1nova71]

I bought mine on ebay, and, well, what's a nice way of saying the seller was a crook? Only had to drive 3 hours, but was in a hurry, so didn't look it over good enough. I guess I should have known better than to think I was going to get a decent running/driving '71 shortbed for $900. It did drive home though, but only by the grace of God! Definitley look it over real good before handing over the cash. Just my $0.02

[VA72C10]

I agree with having someone look it over. Also get the seller to send you a copy of the title so you know it's clear and free of liens....and then get a bill of sale for the purchase price with details on the truck listed on it in case there are any issues down the road...

[hounddogs!]

My Grand National was sold sight unseen at least twice. I bought it out of MD off evil bay. Quizzed the seller via phone, got additional pics, etc. I bought a guy a work a plane ticket to DC and he drove it home 1400 miles. He had my permission to turn down the car and fly back home if needed.

When I sold it, the buyer asked for a couple of detail pics, then showed up with his enclosed trailer the next weekend.

I'd Paypal 20% to hold it, then hand him the balance when it passes your inspection.

[BlackTopMotors]

Originally Posted by johndawelder

Go get it and have a good time.

x2

I like Longhorns advice about things to bring. Have Fun!
.
.
.

[BBrendal]

Bought my Blazer sight unseen. It was 1300 miles from me. I had it shipped for 689.00. The cost of fuel, hotel,food and two days of my time would have been more. The cost of the vehicle was more then 5k and less then 10k so I was scared. The guy was my age and sent good pics,video and comunication. He sent me a copy of the vin, title and his DL and my job gave me the access to see if things were legit. I did this because I lost out on three trucks by people that bought sight unseen. I am really happy with what I bought. When you buy a truck unseen you create an image of what it is going to be like. You get pleasent suprises and some not so. Just ask the questions you are concerned with to define that image of the vehicle. all in all I look at it I got lucky. 10 years a go I flew to Fla to look at a camaro and it was junk. Then I drove to Missouri and and came back with an empty trailer. 500 miles is not a bad trip and can be done in 10 hrs. Bring a friend, trailer and go straight through and in just one day you could have a new old truck in your driveway. Good Luck

[wwotr]

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

Hello everyone! I need another truck like I need another hole in my head. However, I am considering purchasing another 1968 c10 that is running and in driveable condition. I have only seen pictures of it (via internet) and talked with the gentleman who is selling. I feel fairly confident that the seller is honest and has been truthful about the trucks condition.

I am considering sending the money via Western Union and then arranging for an auto transport to pick it up and ship to me. As I said, the truck is in drivable condition and the owner does have a title.

Anything else I should do short of renting a car and making the 500 mile trip one-way?

Hopefully those with cooler heads can give me something else to think about>

Thank you,

Keith

In 2001, My wife and I (in California), found her a vehicle in Houston, TX at a Dealership.
Did the loan app online, flew out for 3 days to see, touch, feel, smell and Test Drive it.
Then loaded it up on a Carrier and we flkew back to California.
The Car arrived 10 days later.

[mpotts64]

you can always call a reputable mechanic shop and get him to go look at it, may cost you a service call but it may be cheaper in the long run, my story is like the others, bought a 67 unseen for the small window cab, he sent some doctored pics and the cab was so rusted it went across the scales

[Ackattack]

My dad lives in Hays. I could see if he wants to take a look at it for you. He had a 69 SWB when I was a kid and helped me on mine a few times, so he knows a thing or two about them.

[Hottrucks]

^^^^ thats what I'm talking about .....be sure to send hime a gift cert to Applebees or something for do'n it!! I know peersonally it has saved me a few trips or getting ripped off on some expencive race boat parts

[pat 70/71]

Take the time and go look at it with your eyes! I once was interested in a 72swb and had the guy send pics, truck looked good so we made a deal. The more I thought about it the more I was sure I needed to see it for myself.So the little woman and I drove 14 hours straight to bend Oregon from so cal. The truck was bad! paint bubbles / pass a cat through the floor kind of bad! (The seller told me on the phone it has a little rust at the bottom of the doors) Learned never trust pics or sellers sales pitches. spent the night& drove home with my tail between my legs! LEARN FROM THIS! cheers, Pat

[BB72CHEVKT]

I will sell this one for $2000 if I keep the seat, tilt and battery. Bought it from board member bobvilla who bought it from board member shaneschevys if you are looking for some background.http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/2455978983.html and I am 2 hours max from you. This truck is worth more than $2k in parts.

[teeitup]

I've bought 2 of them from out NW, had board members go look at both of them and also get more pics. Both turned out to be real nice trucks. I couldn't thank the baord members enough for looking at them for me. I sent them both cashiers checks overnighted them, once they cashed them they mailed me the titles, no problems. Had a shipper pick them and haul them to me
I also went and looked at a truck for a board member, he bought it and I hauled it to my house and stored it for him till he could come get it.
I now have board members looking for me a blazer, someone will find me one.
This board is great about this!!!