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So I got pwned for the first time...

Xcobra

Xcobra

Diamond Member
so a bit of back ground...I posted a topic about this at the Garage...


I bought a 1999 Corolla. I just bought it off of this guy that "supposedly"had lost his job. He said it had salvaged title due to "attempted theft." They fucked up the ignition trying to steal it so allegedly there was no collision. I think to myself: "I can't let this pass for $2800", especially since i'm poor with school going on.

I was excited to finally have a car after my accident and even bought new tires and everything. After a while the Airbag light comes on...so im like "wtf?."

Fast-forward to today, took it to the dealership, the guy comes to me with a piece from the steering-wheel on his hand and tells me THERE IS NO AIRBAG!!?? He just kept telling me about all these russians etc. scamming people by buying crashed cars, fixing them the cheapest way and just selling them off. So, here I am crying like a bitch thinking that I had been extra careful to buy the damn thing and now I don't know what to do. Here are options I have thought about:

1) Don't do anything. Just drive the car, make sure its got good tires, brakes, etc. Maybe sell it off in a few months after I graduate.

2) Call the guy and tell him he is a liar and that my car has no friggin airbag. Ask for money back + maybe something for tires.

3) Call a lawyer (my girlfriend's mom's boyfriend is one so i can call him up) and see what I can do to fuck this guy up because he lied to me.

4) Shoot myself for being a complete dumbass.

Opinions?
 
Did you get it in writing?

Unfortunately, buying a salvage titled car may have automatically waived any right you had to proper safety equipment.
 
I say 3 maybe since you 'know' one, even though I don't think you can do anything about it.

So probably 4
 
lol@paying that much for a salvaged 1999 Corolla. There is no way this is the first time you have been owned if you paid that much for the car
 
2 maybe 3, but definitely 4

2) Call the guy and tell him he is a liar and that my car has no friggin airbag. Ask for money back + maybe something for tires.

3) Call a lawyer (my girlfriend's mom's boyfriend is one so i can call him up) and see what I can do to fuck this guy up because he lied to me.

4) Shoot myself for being a complete dumbass.
 
Besides the airbag, is there any else noticeably wrong with the car? Does it drive funny, pull to one side or anything? Is the frame damaged?

If it works well enough for what you need it for, I'd say keep the car, get a new airbag and consider it a lesson learned.
 
EDIT: Eh, took too long to type, so mxyzptlk beat me to it.

Does the car run well and does it seem that everything else on the car is in good condition? If so, I would just chalk it up to a lesson learned and enjoy having a decent, hopefully reliable car. As long as you wear your seatbelt, you are still fairly protected in case of an accident.
 
I guess I havent been pwned yet...past two cars I have bought have been good...maybe im just that gullible...damn it! The car drives well, nothing major on it, responsive, good brakes. Nothing noticeable about it. Although I was gonna take it to a mechanic for inspection but at this point, what does it matter.

Well I did look up the value of the car, at salvaged title and it was coming up at 3500 on KBB so this is why I thought it was a decent deal. I will NEVER buy salvaged again no matter what the damn seller says...I need a hug.
 
Originally posted by: Xcobra
I guess I havent been pwned yet...past two cars I have bought have been good...maybe im just that gullible...damn it! The car drives well, nothing major on it, responsive, good brakes. Nothing noticeable about it. Although I was gonna take it to a mechanic for inspection but at this point, what does it matter.

Well I did look up the value of the car, at salvaged title and it was coming up at 3500 on KBB so this is why I thought it was a decent deal. I will NEVER buy salvaged again no matter what the damn seller says...I need a hug.
Click to expand...

you dont need a hug, you need a kick to the forehead. wtf is wrong with you paying that much for a salvage??!! never buy salvage

i assume you're a liberal arts major 🙂
 
OP, I like how you say you were so careful and yet make it sound like you "couldn't let this pass" and so rushed your decision.

EDIT: Proper quotes

Also, OP, wtf kind of cars are you buying when this is your third one? You still in college?

EDIT2: I wouldn't really call this a scam, more of a "sale of opportunity." The opportunity to find a buyer so gullible.
 
I like it too ok? I havent had a car for a while, and even though I didnt need it right away...I feel like a jackass...

SandEagle: Im an accounting major which makes it even worse...I usually am extra careful but gee what an idiot...I feel like selling it off and just take the loss like a good boy...what yall think? who wants it? 2700? 😀

EDIT: Kelvrick, yes I am in college and have no moola...Im poor and have to support myself...I cant wait to graduate and get a job and get an actual car....
 
I have a salvage title (that I knew it was, obviously) that I bought. The guy buys the cars at auctions, fixes them up and re-sells. Takes pictures of everything, etc.

My family has purchased 3 cars from him, and all have been amazing condition, reliable, etc. Really nice guy. Heck back when I got the car he gave me $20 bucks for gas, pulled a wad of cash right out of his pocket --- I politely said no but then he said "Boy when someone gives you money you take it" 😀
 
Well you get what you pay for. That's a pretty low price for a car even used, so doubt you could get anything out of persuiting him. It would just cost you more (lawyer fees etc). Check how much it would cost to fix the air bag, if it's too much you can just take your chances without one.

That's one reason I'd always buy a car from a true dealership though, at least that way you know you're not getting scammed.
 
I wouldn't call and try to negotiate at all. Don't give him notice, just have him served, assuming you know where he actually lives or works.

Salvage title or not, fraud is fraud.
 
Don't beat yourself up too much,ya know they say there is one like you born every minute.

If you know where this dude is,I would go back and see what he says but my guess is he is long gone spending that $$$ on another P.O.S. beauty of a ride to sell.
 
Shit...Should I just sell it? There is nothing wrong with the car or anything...runs alright...Should I try to contact him and see what he says?

EDIT: I also noticed on craig's list he is selling a 2001 salvaged and claiming the same thing "attempted theft." That is what raised a flag for me.
 
Originally posted by: Xcobra
Shit...Should I just sell it? There is nothing wrong with the car or anything...runs alright...
Click to expand...

So why would you sell it? You're not going to get more money for it.. do you just LIKE wasting money?!

 
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