YACT: I found a car I want and got preapproved for a loan, Update, going to see the car tomorrow, more questions

[coolred]

I found a car I want to buy, only problem is its several hours away and I won't be able to get to it till Saturday. I called and they said they can hold it till saturday if i give a 200.00 deposit. Thats fine by me, but they want my Name, address, phone number(all standard stuff), but they also asked for my social security number(they don't need that now do they?) As well as my credit card number and expiration date. And a note authorizing a charge a charge of 200.00 in order to hold the car. Is it okay to give them my credit card info? ANd do they really need my social? I mean the only thing thats good for is to run a credit report on me, right? As I said and told them I am preapproved for financing, so they shouldn't need to know my credit.

Here is the car I am talking about.

Also I am a bit confused about the carfax I got back on this.


04/08/1997 NICB
Vehicle manufactured and shipped to original
dealer


05/27/1997 New York
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Staten Island, NY
Registered as
personal vehicle


07/09/1997 9 New York
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Dallas, TX
Title issued
First owner reported


05/01/1998 9,704 New York
Inspection Station
New York City Area
Passed safety inspection


05/28/1999 22,237 Auto Auction
Eastern Region
Vehicle sold


07/14/1999 22,289 Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Greensburg, PA
Title #53493399 01 WE
Title or registration issued
New owner reported


09/24/1999 22,321 Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Greensburg, PA
Title #53493399 02 AD
Title or registration issued
Loan or lien reported


04/30/2001 55,685 Ohio
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Mentor, OH
Title #4300905098
Title issued


05/03/2001 55,693 Ohio
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Cleveland, OH
Title #1804356195
Title issued
Loan or lien reported


05/04/2001 Ohio
Inspection Station
Passed emissions inspection


11/22/2002 60,000 Ohio
Inspection Station
Passed emissions inspection


05/27/2003 Ohio
Police Report
Case #20038194266
Accident Reported
in Cuyahoga County
Vehicle involved in crash
with another motor vehicle
Very minor or minor damage reported


01/21/2004 66,034 Ohio
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Irving, TX
Title #7702924789
Title issued
New owner reported
Registered as lease vehicle


02/12/2004 Auto Auction
Sold at auction
in Ohio
Listed as
a fleet vehicle


03/02/2004 CARFAX AdvisorTM Be sure to buy this vehicle from a licensed dealer.

A curbstoner is a person who purchases vehicles at volumes that require a dealer license and then poses as a private seller to sell to unsuspecting buyers for a large profit. Curbstoning is illegal in most States

That is a basic copy and paste of the details. It looks liek ti was purchased in '97 in NY and driven for 2 years 22xxx miles then sold at auction. Then it appears to have been purchased in PA and driven till 55,xxx miles. It then got a new title issued in OH, is this a requirment if the car/owner changes states, or did the car change hands somehow? Then it seems as though the car was barely driven 10,000 miles over the next 2 years over which time it got in a minor accident and was eventually sold and probablly then purchased by the current dealer holding it, does that sound right?

Would you consider this car?

 

[Asharus]

Definitely get it checked out first (on a lift by a trusted mechanic).

 

[Yossarian]

They shouldn't need your SSN. Fax them a letter from your bank showing that you're preapproved.

 

[RossMAN]

1) Only given them your personal details and credit card number if they are a reputable car dealership. Not an individual.

2) DO NOT under any circumstances give them your social security number. Unless it's Saturday, you have seen the car, had a mechanic check it out and want to buy it. Even then only give them your soc sec number if you are applying for financing.

3) I would not buy that car you linked to.

 

[AMCRambler]

Originally posted by: Asharus
Definitely get it checked out first (on a lift by a trusted mechanic).

"I found a car I want to buy, only problem is its several hours away"

How's he going to get a trusted mechanic to look at it if it's several hours away? This whole you should take it to a mechanic and have them look at it crap, is the lamest thing I've ever heard. I mean come, if I'm selling a car and some dork wants me to bring it to a mechanic so they can verify it's mechanically sound I'd tell him to piss off. First off it's a major inconvenience to the seller if they have to take the damn car to a mechanic for every schmoe that's looking to buy it. Second, you can argue well why don't oyu let them take it to their mechanic? Right! Here's the keys! Go have fun! I don't think so! If you're going to go out and buy a used car from a person, then you had better know what to look at on a car before you buy it. Otherwise, hit the used car dealership and pray you don't get raped.

 

[Yossarian]

Originally posted by: AMCRambler

Originally posted by: Asharus
Definitely get it checked out first (on a lift by a trusted mechanic).

"I found a car I want to buy, only problem is its several hours away"

How's he going to get a trusted mechanic to look at it if it's several hours away? This whole you should take it to a mechanic and have them look at it crap, is the lamest thing I've ever heard. I mean come, if I'm selling a car and some dork wants me to bring it to a mechanic so they can verify it's mechanically sound I'd tell him to piss off. First off it's a major inconvenience to the seller if they have to take the damn car to a mechanic for every schmoe that's looking to buy it. Second, you can argue well why don't oyu let them take it to their mechanic? Right! Here's the keys! Go have fun! I don't think so! If you're going to go out and buy a used car from a person, then you had better know what to look at on a car before you buy it. Otherwise, hit the used car dealership and pray you don't get raped.

It's standard procedure to have a mechanic check a used car. I don't know why you're a psycho about it.

 

[AMCRambler]

Originally posted by: Yossarian

Originally posted by: AMCRambler

Originally posted by: Asharus
Definitely get it checked out first (on a lift by a trusted mechanic).

"I found a car I want to buy, only problem is its several hours away"

How's he going to get a trusted mechanic to look at it if it's several hours away? This whole you should take it to a mechanic and have them look at it crap, is the lamest thing I've ever heard. I mean come, if I'm selling a car and some dork wants me to bring it to a mechanic so they can verify it's mechanically sound I'd tell him to piss off. First off it's a major inconvenience to the seller if they have to take the damn car to a mechanic for every schmoe that's looking to buy it. Second, you can argue well why don't oyu let them take it to their mechanic? Right! Here's the keys! Go have fun! I don't think so! If you're going to go out and buy a used car from a person, then you had better know what to look at on a car before you buy it. Otherwise, hit the used car dealership and pray you don't get raped.

Nah it's definitely not standard procedure for a person buying a car to have it taken to a mechanic and put on a lift. Maybe you bring a mechanic, or somebody who knows jack about a car to look at it with you, but the seller is not going to let every idiot that knocks on his door make him take it to a garage. Maybe you put up with crap like that but I don't.
It's standard procedure to have a mechanic check a used car. I don't know why you're a psycho about it.

 

[Yossarian]

Originally posted by: AMCRambler

Originally posted by: Yossarian

Originally posted by: AMCRambler

Originally posted by: Asharus
Definitely get it checked out first (on a lift by a trusted mechanic).

"I found a car I want to buy, only problem is its several hours away"

How's he going to get a trusted mechanic to look at it if it's several hours away? This whole you should take it to a mechanic and have them look at it crap, is the lamest thing I've ever heard. I mean come, if I'm selling a car and some dork wants me to bring it to a mechanic so they can verify it's mechanically sound I'd tell him to piss off. First off it's a major inconvenience to the seller if they have to take the damn car to a mechanic for every schmoe that's looking to buy it. Second, you can argue well why don't oyu let them take it to their mechanic? Right! Here's the keys! Go have fun! I don't think so! If you're going to go out and buy a used car from a person, then you had better know what to look at on a car before you buy it. Otherwise, hit the used car dealership and pray you don't get raped.

Nah it's definitely not standard procedure for a person buying a car to have it taken to a mechanic and put on a lift. Maybe you bring a mechanic, or somebody who knows jack about a car to look at it with you, but the seller is not going to let every idiot that knocks on his door make him take it to a garage. Maybe you put up with crap like that but I don't.
It's standard procedure to have a mechanic check a used car. I don't know why you're a psycho about it.

you should bring along someone who knows how to quote and reply when making a post

 

[CraigRT]

That's the exact car I am looking to buy except in a manual, so yeah, likely I'd buy that car

 

[AMCRambler]

Originally posted by: Yossarian

Originally posted by: AMCRambler

Originally posted by: Yossarian

Originally posted by: AMCRambler

Originally posted by: Asharus
Definitely get it checked out first (on a lift by a trusted mechanic).

"I found a car I want to buy, only problem is its several hours away"

How's he going to get a trusted mechanic to look at it if it's several hours away? This whole you should take it to a mechanic and have them look at it crap, is the lamest thing I've ever heard. I mean come, if I'm selling a car and some dork wants me to bring it to a mechanic so they can verify it's mechanically sound I'd tell him to piss off. First off it's a major inconvenience to the seller if they have to take the damn car to a mechanic for every schmoe that's looking to buy it. Second, you can argue well why don't oyu let them take it to their mechanic? Right! Here's the keys! Go have fun! I don't think so! If you're going to go out and buy a used car from a person, then you had better know what to look at on a car before you buy it. Otherwise, hit the used car dealership and pray you don't get raped.

Nah it's definitely not standard procedure for a person buying a car to have it taken to a mechanic and put on a lift. Maybe you bring a mechanic, or somebody who knows jack about a car to look at it with you, but the seller is not going to let every idiot that knocks on his door make him take it to a garage. Maybe you put up with crap like that but I don't.
It's standard procedure to have a mechanic check a used car. I don't know why you're a psycho about it.

you should bring along someone who knows how to quote and reply when making a post

Hey! I'm trying to argue with myself here! Quit butting in! Lol.

 

[StageLeft]

They sure as sh*t don't need your social. DO NOT give it to them.

Based on that carfax the car does look fine to me. I'd wonder what it meant by fleet vehicle if you could find out (you probably can't though).

I wonder why rossman wouldn't buy it?

In regards to mechanic I would bring it to one if I was selling and they offered to pay the price FIRST for the mechanic to check it out.

 

[Asharus]

Originally posted by: AMCRambler

Originally posted by: Asharus
Definitely get it checked out first (on a lift by a trusted mechanic).

"I found a car I want to buy, only problem is its several hours away"

How's he going to get a trusted mechanic to look at it if it's several hours away? This whole you should take it to a mechanic and have them look at it crap, is the lamest thing I've ever heard. I mean come, if I'm selling a car and some dork wants me to bring it to a mechanic so they can verify it's mechanically sound I'd tell him to piss off. First off it's a major inconvenience to the seller if they have to take the damn car to a mechanic for every schmoe that's looking to buy it. Second, you can argue well why don't oyu let them take it to their mechanic? Right! Here's the keys! Go have fun! I don't think so! If you're going to go out and buy a used car from a person, then you had better know what to look at on a car before you buy it. Otherwise, hit the used car dealership and pray you don't get raped.

When I was looking for a car for my girl, I informed the seller over the phone that if I come look at the car and end up liking it, my final step would be to take it to my mechanic. If they had a problem w/ that, I didn't bother looking. This only occured once, but only because it wasn't registered and had no plates. The car she ended up getting had a few issues that my mechanic pointed out, and the seller ended up lowering the price to reflect the repairs that were needed.

 

[Asharus]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
They sure as sh*t don't need your social. DO NOT give it to them.

Based on that carfax the car does look fine to me. I'd wonder what it meant by fleet vehicle if you could find out (you probably can't though).

I wonder why rossman wouldn't buy it?

In regards to mechanic I would bring it to one if I was selling and they offered to pay the price FIRST for the mechanic to check it out.

Fleet Vehicle means it was a rental car.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
I wonder why rossman wouldn't buy it?

Call it paranoia/gut feeling because:
1) It's been everywhere in the continental USA, what's next Mexico? Maybe it's personal preference but I would prefer a car which has remained in the same region of the USA.
2) Fleet car which means it's probably been abused and neglected. I prefer buying from personal party, 1 owner, non-smoker, someone who is older and only drives it on weekends.

 

[StageLeft]

I prefer buying from personal party, 1 owner, non-smoker, someone who is older and only drives it on weekends.

That's damn hard to find! My Maxima has been registered now in 3 states and has been great. Also one minor accident when I bought it.

It wasn't a fleet vehicle and I suppose I agree that if this thing has been a fleet vehicle for a long time there is just no doubt that it's been tortured.

 

[coolred]

Yeah I kinda wonder why Rossman wouldn't buy it either, hopefully he will chime in again. He as well as many countless others here have played a big part in my very long search for a car. Hopefully the next one I get will be better then the last few.


But its got Skoorbs approval, so that tells me something.

Oh crap, not sure how I missed this, but hopefully someone can explain. The last reported mileage was 66,034 on January 21, 2004.
Yet the current dealer list it as 65920. SO is that last listing for the new title for the dealer that owns it now? If so then why is it then listed as a fleet vehicle after that?

I called them about it and they said when the car came in they listed the mileage on the odometer and it had apparentlly been used or test driven for about 114 miles in between when they got it and when carfax got the new title info. This carfax is boggling my mind, I am having trouble deciphering it.

Anyways while I had him on the phone I asked him if it would be okay to take it to get checked, the first thing he said was "your not taking it back to Columbus are you", although by his tone it sounds like they may have let me, but I told him I was just gonna use triple AAA to find a mechanic close to them and take it there. Speaking of which, what do I ask them to do. I mean do I just tell them to inspect it, or did I need to tell them what I want inspected? I mean they know what too look for pretty much, right? Anyways in my AAA search I noticed that there is a mechanic listed at the exact same address as the place the car is being sold. I questioned the guy about it and he said they are indeed AAA certified or whatever, and the asked if I just wanted them to inspect it. I'm like "yeah that will be fine, NOT" that would just be stupid, there is another AAA mechanic 3 miles away, I will take it there. Unless someone has a better idea. But having the place be a AAA member or whatever makes me feel a bit better about the situation.


Hopefully I am not missing anything, or any of this info is incorrect and everything goes good, then I will be the newest member of the Skoorb /\/1554/\/ 43\/A fan club.

SO let me know what you think of this new info and hopefully we will get a reply from Ross

 

[RossMAN]

coolred - It must have taken you 22 minutes or more for that long reply.

I replied 22 minutes before your most recent post

 

[coolred]

I'm not sure what it means exactly, but if you check the date, it didn't get listed as a fleet vehicle until 2-12-2004, thats less then a month ago, so how bad could it have been beaten. I don't know if it means anything about the fleet vehicle, but if you notice ont he website it lists New and used Wholesale/retail/lease, and they say in some of thier comments that thier prices are so cheap because they often sell to dealers.


I just don't see how the fleet vehicle listing could mean its a rental, that just doesn't seem possible given the time frame and mileage.

I will agree with Ross that I didn't really like the idea of it being in 3 differant states, but then I started trying to figure it out. It looks like it was leased for 2 years in NY, then bought at auction by a nearby PA dealer who then sold it in PA, after a couple years it looks like they moved or something to OH, since it doesn't list a new owner, just a new title issued. I am still a bit confused by it all, but when you figure while it did go through 3 differant states, they are all very close together. I just wish I could decipher all this.

 

[coolred]

Thats carzy, I know the post was long, but it didn't take 22 minutes to type and I refreshed before typing it. Not sure how I missed yours or skoorbs other posts.

 

[coolred]

Well unless I get some more reasons not to buy it, I think I will get it checke dout by a mechanic and if it checks out okay then i will probablly buy it.


Not sure about price though. Sticker is 7990.00 TMV dealer retail is like 10,500.00 trade in is close to 7,000.00.

When I asked what the best price quote they could give me on it they said the price thats on it is the price they sell it for. Not sure if that means they are very firm on that or if thats just a tactic. Probablly the later, but assuming it checks out without any problems I will probabblly be willing to get it at 7900. I am actually willing to give them asking price, but if they can't even budge a little bit, then I am not sure I want to deal with them.

 

[Yossarian]

If you don't have the price worked out to before you go, don't expect them to budge once you get there. They know you're gonna buy it after driving several hours to get there.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Yossarian
If you don't have the price worked out to before you go, don't expect them to budge once you get there. They know you're gonna buy it after driving several hours to get there.

Likely true.

Carfax is weird, but if it gives the car a clean bill of health I'd trust its definition of odometer rollback and what not.

In terms of mechanic I just had the seller of my maxima bring it to a nissan dealer not affiliated with them. The mechanic there spent an hour and gave me a check list of the car including condition of brakes, etc.

I'd just call a local nissan dealer in the area up and ask them about it.

 

[xchangx]

Definately get the car checked out by a mechanic BEFORE you put money down. If the seller is serious and knows you are serious then they will get it checked out with you. Schedule a time when the both of you can go get it looked at.

If they refuse, I would walk away.

 

[coolred]

So I need the seller to come with me when I get it checked out? Why is that? Should they pay for this, or is it my obligation? I don't know why I didn't even think of taking it to a nissan dealer to get inspected, the closest one to them is about 23 minutes away. I think they should allow that.

 

[Yossarian]

the seller won't just give you the car to go get it inspected, so you will either need to leave collateral or bring him with you. it's your cost though.