Had a rather unsettling close-call today, not sure what to do with the information, but figured I'd share it on here since you all have been quite helpful with advice thus far.
Drove down to the USA with a friend to view a black car listed currently here on Prime. Not sure if I should list the VIN or car info here or not, do not want to start anything ugly. Seller had been very communicative, outlined the few flaws with the car, seemed completely legit. Did my due diligence asking for photos of the right elements and the car seemed good for a final PPI and test drive. Upon arrival the car drove beautifully, no issues, squeaks, leaks, weeps, sweats, worn bushings, shimmys - the flaws previously outlined were nothing major, nothing to complain about on the mechanical or on the surface... or was there?
Literally, with the keys in my hand - other hand on the door handle, RIGHT as we were about to head to the bank to initiate the wire transfer I noticed some substantial orange peel on the driver side rear bumper that I had missed before. Upon closer examination the entire rear had been painted! Upon even closer critical examination the ENTIRE CAR had been and it had been done rather poorly and I was shocked at myself for not noticing it immediately since I nosed around the panel gaps and seams before all of this. I must have been blinded by the desire I have for this car, embarrassing but all I can figure! I had the car taken straight to a local Acura dealer and their NSX tech confirmed the car had been painted and misc panels had poor body work done to them that was only apparent now that the sun was out in full force. Did not delve further into trying to establish if the car was bent, however upon doing some more digging on the car via google (rather than searching on Prime) I found some unsettling history with this car that really put the fear into me.
I was pretty stunned. The owner seemed legitimately stunned and disappointed that his car had been painted, but I'm still very unsure of the whole situation. A few comments seemed suspect in the final analysis of the entire situation as we dissected it on the drive home - but it's also easy to read into situations so I'm still reserving final judgement.
Suffice it to say I verrrry nearly lost many tens of thousands of dollars today on what I consider to be a bad purchase. I may also have ruined the seller's day if they genuinely had no idea their entire car had been previously painted for some unknown reason(s). Ultimately though it throws the car's entire history into doubt as far as I'm concerned regardless of what the seller did or did not know.
Very glad I had the willpower and a friend with me to chincheck me.
Caveat emptor indeed. :-/ The hunt continues...
Drove down to the USA with a friend to view a black car listed currently here on Prime. Not sure if I should list the VIN or car info here or not, do not want to start anything ugly. Seller had been very communicative, outlined the few flaws with the car, seemed completely legit. Did my due diligence asking for photos of the right elements and the car seemed good for a final PPI and test drive. Upon arrival the car drove beautifully, no issues, squeaks, leaks, weeps, sweats, worn bushings, shimmys - the flaws previously outlined were nothing major, nothing to complain about on the mechanical or on the surface... or was there?
Literally, with the keys in my hand - other hand on the door handle, RIGHT as we were about to head to the bank to initiate the wire transfer I noticed some substantial orange peel on the driver side rear bumper that I had missed before. Upon closer examination the entire rear had been painted! Upon even closer critical examination the ENTIRE CAR had been and it had been done rather poorly and I was shocked at myself for not noticing it immediately since I nosed around the panel gaps and seams before all of this. I must have been blinded by the desire I have for this car, embarrassing but all I can figure! I had the car taken straight to a local Acura dealer and their NSX tech confirmed the car had been painted and misc panels had poor body work done to them that was only apparent now that the sun was out in full force. Did not delve further into trying to establish if the car was bent, however upon doing some more digging on the car via google (rather than searching on Prime) I found some unsettling history with this car that really put the fear into me.
I was pretty stunned. The owner seemed legitimately stunned and disappointed that his car had been painted, but I'm still very unsure of the whole situation. A few comments seemed suspect in the final analysis of the entire situation as we dissected it on the drive home - but it's also easy to read into situations so I'm still reserving final judgement.
Suffice it to say I verrrry nearly lost many tens of thousands of dollars today on what I consider to be a bad purchase. I may also have ruined the seller's day if they genuinely had no idea their entire car had been previously painted for some unknown reason(s). Ultimately though it throws the car's entire history into doubt as far as I'm concerned regardless of what the seller did or did not know.
Very glad I had the willpower and a friend with me to chincheck me.
Caveat emptor indeed. :-/ The hunt continues...
