ClassicCar

46HudsonPU

Has anyone taken a look at some of the cars listed for sale?

From what I see in the photos, quite a few of them are obviously in pristine condition, possibly show quality. Very much under-priced, and most likely 'scams'. You can almost pick them out, just from the preview pictures and prices. Open them up, and you see little other than pictures. No text, no description, no phone numbers, nothing...

Big question - Are any of these car sales verified as being legitimate?

I am tempted to send some inquiries, just to see what their response(s) will be. Would be willing to bet that the response will be something to the effect that they need to sell it quick, and 'recommend' that a security deposit be 'wired' to them...

My guess would be that a considerable portion of these sales are scams.

RonS

Rick, your not kidding. Example the 52 split window VW was on ebay for nearly 40K & a 57 BelAir conv for 16.500 or is it a 210 or 150( not made). What's up?

ScottyD

Rick, and Ron. The cars are primarily from classic or regular car dealers. As for the descriptions, some are better than others in providing good descriptions. Also, there's a tab on the right, "Phone Dealer". Click that, and the phone numbers reveal themselves on the click.

54SuperWasp

Sorry ScootyD, but when you see a 57 Chevy Conv. for $16200.00 or a a 55 Chev. Conv. for $8000.00, there is no doubt in my mind that it is a scam of some sort. If not, I would buy these right away. For example, just the crate motor on that 55 must be worth more than the asking price, same for the brand new interior or all rechromed bumpers and stainless. ..If I would call, I would call from a police station! Michel

46HudsonPU

@ScottyD - I clicked on the 'Phone' tab, and it was as blank as the description (a 'key' in identifying it as a rip off - you can't call them). Wouldn't matter anyway - If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. I'd be willing to bet that an intensive online search of a major auction house/event would find those pictures were copied from another, legitimate event... NO WAY those are legitimate sales, dealer or otherwise.
It appears that classiccar.com, in offering free classified sales postings, has become an unwitting conduit for these type of thieves (I will not call them 'scam artists'!).

Tallent R

The last estate sale I went to the sold a 55 Chevy "Barn Find" for $14,000 .Looked like it had been taken off a used car lot in the 60's and hid away. But those listed as restored for $8000.00 ? who are they trying to fool ?
Roger

ScottyD

@46HudsonPU Rick, it seems you've forgotten me already. I'm the Scott that used to look after the site. I can assure you, the bulk of the listings are from dealers. And the majority of the listings also should have dealer phone numbers. Be sure to pass the mouse cursor over where the first few digits are, then the rest of the phone number is revealed.

46HudsonPU

Hi Scott - No, I hadn't forgotten you! I even replied to your earlier post (announcement) concerning site improvements, however for some odd reason it didn't 'stick'... That's happening more frequently now, but think it is an issue with my connection.
While the majority of the advertisements are above board, there are many that are scams - I would roughly estimate between 5-10% or maybe even higher.

Perfect example. This one should be a $50K car (or more), and NO Phone No -
http://www.classiccar.com/chevrolet/bel-air/1956-chevrolet-bel-air-150+210-convertible-_36063/?age_min=1955&age_max=1958&keyword=convertible&back=

And another -
http://www.classiccar.com/chevrolet/corvette/1957-chevrolet-corvette-convertible_36078/?age_min=1955&age_max=1958&keyword=convertible&back=

54SuperWasp

And how about this one: 1960 Corvette Convertible ( http://www.classiccar.com/chevrolet/corvette/1960-chevrolet-corvette‏_36261/?page=2&limit=12&back= ) in pristine condition for $6500.00 if you can get me this one at this price, I'll buy it and will give you my 2 Hudsons right away! After that, I will sell the Corvette for 10 times the price I paid and buy myself a nice Hudson Convertible. Just to say, there are a lot of these in there. There is a site I go and, when you see something like it, people are invited to alert the people who is responsible of the site and an investigation is done and, within a day, the add is off. I think it should be done there too cause I'm sure some people must get caught at this. By the way Scott, nothing is against you here, it's just to give you some examples that are seen on the site. Michel.

ScottyD

No, that's fair enough @54SuperWasp - I'm not 'in the loop' any more, so can't speak to the veracity of those cars, nor look further into them. They do seem to veer well on to the bargain side of the ledger.

@46HudsonPU Ahh, OK, I must have missed the earlier reply. I do think that your estimate is a little high. But, as I said, I can't look into those cars. They are extremely cheap.

46HudsonPU

@ ScottyD - no problems, was just saying hello in the initial response. Didn't notice it wasn't there, until later when you mentioned it - had me scratching my head for a minute or two...

Also - I found my two 'examples' of SCAM on the very first page of a narrow, focused search, looking only for 1955-1958 convertibles (total of 161 cars found), and only looked at the two lowest prices that 'jumped out' at me. On that basis, I would say that my estimate of the percentage of false/scam advertisements to be 'in the ballpark', if not actually low.

54SuperWasp

@ScottyD: I'm glad you continue to take a look at the site. We appreciate all the work you did at the time. And a lot you did! Thanks again. This was a good topic though. Maybe somebody who was tempted to get one of these cars will save a lot after reading this. Michel.

bigboy308

My experience--I filled out the Classiccar.com inquiry that was posted for a vehicle that I had an interest in----Deal sounded too good.

Surprisingly, I received not only a reply, but extra pix and information that I had requested. The price as quoted in the ad was also the price in the personal email. It also forwarded a phone number for me to use if I needed additional information. In my case, the ad is legitimate!!

Really like to see if anyone else has had personal contact with any of the ads but in my only case, everything looks above-board!!

46HudsonPU

@bigboy308 I did the same, sent an inquiry via the online contact (as there was/is no phone number listed) with one of my selected items above - Has been almost three days, no response. Of course, I indicated that I was local, and wanted to come by and take a look at the car - so most likely that nixed any response. After all, there really isn't anything there to look at...

The key is to actually go and look at the car, see it and 'kick the tires'. A few more photos, a phone number, etc., don't equate to a 'square deal'. If contact is made via phone, most likely they will indicate that it is a 'hot' prospect, and in order to 'hold' the car for you, they will need a significant deposit - via wire transfer, etc., - to 'lock-in' the purchase.

- Check the phone number, against the location of the car - is it in the same area?
- Do an internet search of the phon number. If this is a SCAM, that person may have already cheated someone else - and the number may be show in some type of online complaint site;
- If you are serious and can't go see the car, get a reputable independent 3rd party to inspect it (do not use anyone 'suggested' by the seller). It will cost you a fee, but they are well worth the cost - usually $200-$300 - these type of things are not free, but can be very reasonable considering the level of expertise, and you should get a detailed inspection/evaluation report of the condition of the vehicle.
- Don't send one cent, until you're sure that the deal is legitimate. Even then, if you have ANY doubts, go thru an independent escrow type of service (again, of your choice).

54SuperWasp

@bigboy308 My question: Were you able to see the car or, did you buy it? As sated by Rick, they can send you all the pictures you want etc. But when you want to see the car... I'm not sure it will go so well... I wish I could be wrong cause I would sell my projects and go already for a cheaper $6K pristine frame-off restored rare car... Michel

ClassicCar

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories

In this Discussion

We'd love to hear from you! info@classiccar.com