Greetings...


I just got off the phone with the owner of the FD3 I was going to buy today. We were discussing when and where the auto transporters were to pick up the car, the car's in Miami and I'm in Chicago. It seemed like I was finally going to have my FD3 after two months of research until he called me back with news of the tragedy. It wasn't more than two minutes from when I last spoke with him, I picked up the phone and he said, "it's a sad, sad, day for both of us-- I was pulling out of the parking lot on my way to bring the car back to my house and I got nailed!" I said, what do you mean you got nailed?! What does "nailed" mean to you? He replied, "dude... I don't know. this #@$!# Ford Explorer clipped the front left corner. I think it might be totalled. I'll call you back."

Fortunately, I didn't wire him the money yet. I was supposed to go to my bank right after I got off the phone with him the first time. Thankfully, he called me to let me know when he did. The contract I signed with him states, "as is".

I'm in complete shock though. All the work that I put into this transaction logistically and preparation wise. It's really frick'n discouraging. Don't know what to do.

(Buying an RX-7 is definetly nothing like buying any other car. It's really quite exhausting. I don't know if I have the energy to try and do this again.)

At any rate, he called me back and said there might be "minimal" frame damage. He also said it looked like the battery was "moved in a bit". He didn't want to try and drive it so he had it towed to a body shop. I asked him to take some pictures before any work was performed and that if the damage isn't irreparable I might still be willing to "work with him."


This is madness.


Zelig

 

It might be a scam. Was the car condition (visual check) done by a reputable third party done before this accident happened?

Be carefull!

 

Man....that sucks.....
But something doesn't 'smell' right here.....
Did you see pics of the car, or see it in person, ever?
I am just wondering if the car was already damaged and the guy knew his time to b.s. had run out....at the very least, the timing is TERRIBLE, at the very worst, he is guilty of fraud.....
That "as is" statement is especially worrisome.....

Regardless, yeah it sucks to NOT have your car coming now.

I know I looked HARD for 4 months prior to finding mine, coupled with a year or so of kicking tires.....

Good luck on finding another, they are THE coolest of cars!

 

I had mine in Florida checked before I got it. I live in Michigan, so I can feel your pain. The worst part is when they finally pick the car up and it takes a week for them to get it to you. You keep asking yourself about the car, and wondering where it is. Good Luck...sorry to hear about that.

 

Yeah... I know. But it wasn't a scam. I heard the cop and the guy that hit him talking in the background when he called me back. In addition, I had the car throughly inspected by the guys a Rotary World in Miami. They gave it flying colors, "one of the nicest we've seen". Further, he just got an Apline headend installed by Sound Advice in Miami. I actually spoke with the guy who installed it and he said the car was "sweet".

I feel bad for myself, but also for him. The dude just got done with kemo a year ago, his mom bought him this car right when he got out, and he was selling it cause he planned to buy a Porshe. He's an honest guy, he even offered to send me a check for the money I spent on the inspection.


I'm going to frick'n cry.


Regards,

Zelig

 

You're lucky the seller was so honest and you didn't get stuck.
It may be disappointing, but as you know, the seller feels a hundred times worse. Is that guy on a losing streak, or what?

My advice is not to buy a damaged car, especially one that is over a thousand miles away. Don't get stuck on the idea "that was the only car for me." There are plenty of good cars out there. You'll find one.

 

Breaking news...

Spoke with the owner again and he says the car is O.K. That is, it wasn't in an accident. Supposedly he was flipped out over something when I called him, which is why he said those things. What a crazy day. I'll have the car inspected one more time, at his expense, and go from there. Geez. What a story.



Regards,

Zelig

 

 

Be very, very carefull here. This guy is obviously in mental chaos.
(and maybe caused by prescription meds)
If you are 100% absolutely positive this is the car for you get on a plane, go there in person, and check it out. You would be absolutely reckless not to do so.
I know it is exasperating, but you may want to walk away from this and not look back. It's only a car. There are other ones out there.

 

Post the spec's and $$$ of the FD your buying from this guy...

 

hmmm this is a tough one. If agree with RonkMiller on this one. If you are sure you want the car get on a plane and see it in person. Plane fairs are so cheap right now that you would be stupid not to. you can prolly find a round trip for like $200-$250 bucks. if its even that expensive. Having the car "checked out" by someone isnt the best idea in the world. For all you know this guys uncle owns that shop and is just bullshitting you. On the other side of things this guy could be 100% honest (if there is such a thing) and be telling the truth and just got spooked on selling his priceless baby. Either way i would jump on a plane out to miami and check it out personally. what a pain in the *****. Just my 2 cents. Good luck man.

 

The guy is in Miami. Lived in Miami for 15 years I did. I can tell you, 9 out of 10 people in Miami are scam artists.

Your best bet is to have someone take a look at it for you. If you don't know anyone, PM Dimcorner (Jo) and tell him I sent you. Ask him if he would be willing to take a look at the car for you. If I still lived down there, I would have been more than happy to go inspect it for ya. Jo's dad is also a body technician, and I know he will be able to see any irregularities in the body. Hopefully, Jo will have the time to go take a look at it for you.