Buying cars interstate and online.

[positivetennis]

I've noticed lately that some people are buying old zeds sometimes from interstate or overseas and online without actually going to see the car. I would find this type of purchase rather risky particularly with 1st generation cars where I would like to see under the car to check the extent of possible rust and poor accident repairs. Has anybody bought a car like this and had success. What if the car has visible rust, wouldn't it fail a blue slip inspection when you try to get it over the pits. I wouldn't have the confidence to buy a car unsighted however a few times in the past few years I've missed out on a buy because someone bought it over the phone and electronically transferred the money before I had a chance to drive and see the the car, very dissappointing but its my bad luck. This usually happens when the car is priced to sell. The more expensive ones just seem to sit for years. I've seen cars on carsales and carsguide celebrate their 3rd birthday like the orange 240z for sale at concord. Any views about this.

[gav240z]

In terms of buying any classic sight unseen it's a massive gamble in my opinion and a really bad idea. Unless you know the cars history or have seen it's build photos etc..

 

There are some absolutely mint looking cars I see from time to time or cars that look great, but I know myself I've been misled so many times by digital images posted on the internet, only to arrive at the car and be utterly disappointed with it. Rust bubbles and damage, rough engine bays, shot interiors and tired motors.

 

Any time a car appears to be a bargain there is a strong possibility that it is in fact not the bargain you suspect it is. I personally would rather pay a bit more (perhaps slightly higher than market value) for a car that I've inspected and know is a genuinely good car. You always save money buying the best car you can 'afford' to buy, well almost always anyway.

 

A few times I've seen some great looking cars on ebay motors US, for a time I've really considered importing a LHD 240z to Ireland from the US of A, but only if they have a significant album of images (100+) showing all kinds of detail, under the car, boot, under rear wheel, floor pans, battery area, you name it!

 

A good looking Californian car often looks pretty rust free, but even still it's a massive risk to me. The again I'm willing to roll up the sleeves and get my hands dirty. If I was buying with view of paying someone else some cars could get very expensive.

 

For every bargain out there, there is also an unfinished project car that someone has given up on. Probably bought it thinking they got a bargain but now realise the 'true cost' of a proper restoration.

 

At the end of the day, I guess it depends on the type of person you are, do you like buying something immediately drivable and enjoy it or do you like hunting down those rare parts on eBay etc.. and don't mind waiting a couple of years to have it on the road.

 

I personally prefer to buy a great car and then just fix things as they come up or gradually improve it over time. Full restoration is nice, but I think if any of my cars were in pieces for long enough I'd probably end up selling them incomplete.

[boyblunda]

I do agree that it is quite a gamble but I do know three Western Australians who have done exactly that.

 

There is a scarcity of 2 seaters available in WA and we are forced to look further afield.

Case 1 : A very well known vehicle with a prominent history was purchased from Victoria. The purchase was made after verification of the information provided and communications with the seller. The purchaser is currently competing at Bathurst but has since sold the car to  a West Australian Peter Hall, who is also at the event acting in a support capacity.

Case 2 : An Ebay purchase was made at the last minute with a last minute bid following a few phone calls between the South Australian seller and the bidder. This car is currently competing at Bathurst as we speak.

Case 3 : See the archives for a lime 2 seater sold by Timewell through this forum. A well presented ad supported by members comments invited a phone query and agreement for the sale. The purchaser flew across to NSW and drove the car to its new WA home.

 

All of the above deals had their risks. The purchasers obviously had to "feel" their way through the sale process. All of the purchasers were reasonably mature and pragmatic people willing to acknowledge and accept the risks of such a sales process. All of the above sales would be labelled a "success".

 

It must be kept in mind that the next such sale could be an unmitigated disaster - and one disaster probably anulls 20 successes.

 

I often see people requesting and receiving assistance from members who can visit and view cars for sale. This service has thankfully averted a few possible disasters such as the rust riddled green 2 seater advertised in Adelaide last year.

 

On a personal note, two of my three cars have been purchased sight unseen but on the recommendation of friends who have checked the cars for me. On the more expensive of these purchases, I also contracted a workshop to inspect the car and provide a formal report - money well invested that provided the final information I needed to make the deal.

 

Our cars are old with potential problems that are not always visible - consequently there will always be a degree of gamble involved unless we are buying a car of exceptional documented or testimonial provenance.

 

FWIW

Dave

[positivetennis]

Thanks guys, much appreciated, I'll  keep looking for a 260z late model 2 seater auto in NSW. Really like the light metallic blues and greens that came in 1977.

[the freestyler]

G'day all,

Im a member from a long time ago on this site,some might remember my car ZDREAM, a Datsun 260z convertible with a Nissan VG30det in it, anyway Im here to mention that I own and run myself a car transport business out of Sydney that travels interstate,country and local with regular runs to Victoria and Queensland, and anywere else.

I have a enclosed trailer that tilts and a open one as well and a truck I built myself to transport cars.

My pricing is very good and I do a door to door service.

Beening a enthusiast myself and beening involved in car building and all aspects of motoring you can be sure your car is not transported by a cowboy who would not look after you car.

I have a full load to Queensland ready to go and will do good pricing on a back load south.

If interested call 'The Freestyler' on 0421 862 864 anytime

 

Always moving so call for quotes. Forgot to mention I do track day transport as well.You can find my facebook page  ' the freestyler'  and keep up dated with my travels or contact me via the page for transport of cars aswell.Just like my page to keep update.

 

 

[RBZ 260]

Hi Positivetennis,

 

I just picked up a 240z interstate site unseen. Not my first car that I bought interstate or site unseen. This one I think is number 4 or 5. lost count

 

I expect what I pay for and assume even worse. Also I know pics are always always deceiving.

So when i finally lay my eye on the car I usually end up saying : " this is damn good so as this and this, oh bugger little bit here i didn't see etc..... but overall it ends up in "wow I did good"

 

So for guys that believe the pics and expect a perfect car that represent on pics for 50% cheaper you fooling yourself. Lower your standards and expectations to lowest and from there it can only go upwards. assume everything is shagged and pay accordingly.

 

Ask questions and request pics of certain known problem areas. Also depends on the seller. If they not hiding anything they won't have any problems taking new pics you request. 

 

If they seem reluctant obviously something is hiding under there and best is to walk away or assume its not right and set your price accordingly.

 

Another way is to get someone to check but again be weary.What you think its ok and what that other person thinks could be world apart. So you could buy something that's worse than u thought or u may miss on one if the other person rates it lot worse than what you think.

 

Also depending on your background and knowledge and ability to fix things. Someone who's a mechanic normally don't care condition of engine or running gear. Because that's what they know and its relative easy fix. Unlike for a panel beater they  prefer engine to be good and body can be rough.

 

I enjoy site unseen its like opening a chrisy present and you have no idea what you going to get. Excitement and adrenalin is quite high.If you have more positives than negatives than you did damn good.

 

For me tally is so far 4 out 4 and turned out overall ok.

On every car I find "dough this i didn't see" but it always comes back with wow this is better than expected.

 

So keep searching keep requesting pics but be specific. ask for close up shots. Whatever you think is bit questionable mark it as stuffed.

 

and enjoy the hunt