If everyone can stand another of my stories, beats my jokes, I'll tell you one. I've probably bought about 8 cars during the past 15 years or so. Some needed full restoration and some were very nice, needing little. I knew what the full restoration ones needed. I was prepared for it. I didn't pay much and I didn't get much. My only concern was that they actually existed. I never had an outside source look at them. I spoke with the seller by phone and moreso, we did many emails. It's important that you memorialize as much as you can via texting or email. You have to establish a foundation in case something takes a crap. I did my own research as best possible and was confident that I wasn't going to be cheated. So, I sent the money and made arrangements for delivery. I recall a few of them came from Montana and South Carolina. They arrived and I was never disappointed. So, there came a time when I wanted a more done, complete car, needing little to nothing. Of course, these aren't cheap. I apparently had a knee jerk reaction to something and bought a car I didn't really want. How does that make any sense, right?? Well, this car was a '64 SS 327/250 with factory air, auto trans. Communicated with the owner, first by phone, then texting and emails. I felt very comfortable with him. He gave me some info and I researched it. The car was in great condition, pics which were provided, and was used in parades. It was located in Louisiana, about 75 miles from the Texas border. He practically begged me to come see and drive the car, which I graciously declined. I never had considered having anyone one, Lemon Squad for example, look at it. This was much more money then I had ever spent on a toy before. I asked him how do we make the sale?? He said that I send him the full amount and he sends me the car. I told him I wasn't comfortable with that. I told him he would have my car and money in Louisiana, and I have nothing in NY. He said that is the way they do it. Told him I would send him half the money and make arrangements to have the car transported. When it arrives, if it's what he says it is, I would send the other half and he could send the proper paperwork for ownership and registration. He wasn't crazy about this idea. Advised him that I would have to think about this further. I did learn that PayPal at the time, maybe they still do, offered some type of escrow account for issues like this, but I didn't go any further with them. I slept on it and overnight. I must have had an epiphany because the following day I sent the owner the full amount. The car arrived a few weeks later and it was exactly as described. I lived with the angels on that one and decided to not to buy sight unseen again. Especially, with the more costly cars. That's why I went with Lemon Squad a few times after this.
Almost forgot another time I used Lemon Squad that I haven't previously mentioned. Had an interest in a two tone '55 Belair convertible about 6 hours from me. Communicated with the owner who said the India Ivory paint was peeling for some reason?? Other then that, the car was in great condition. Being lazy that I am, I hired Lemon Squad to look at this car. They did a great job and saw the peeling paint. No idea as to why. I reviewed their report and pics. The owner wanted a lot for this car and when I considered the possibility of a new paint job, I declined the purchase. He wasn't really negotiable either.
OK. That's it. No more stories or jokes. Did someone say thank GOD. Haha. Going to turn the Yankee game on, Carmine.
- I found the original sale on Bring a Trailer in 2022 for $ 84,500