Bad used car purchase-The ugly pics...

[Todd Simpson]

You may remember a few months ago I bought an E30 M3 sight unseen with a local PPI and was rather disappointed with its condition once it was delivered.

I thought I'd share those details now, along with the dealer and shop who did the PPI.

In the interest of keeping this on topic on a technical board, if you're buying a car long distance-

1. Get a PPI from a shop recommended by enthusiasts
2. Get any and all promises to fix things in writing
3. Book a trip and see the car in person. Airfare is cheaper than putting a car right.

The dealer who sold me the car was Diamond Motor Cars in Pensacola Florida.

I dealt directly with the owner, Bill Weatherall. He described the car as "original paint, just a few dings on the roof, no rust, never been in an accident. I ran my paint meter over the whole car, no bodywork."

I can't even begin to take pictures of all the dents on this car.


Here is where the car was hit in the rear and fixed with bondo. Rust here too.



Runs in the "original paint".



The trunk smelled like a sewer. This explains the CD changer water damage.



Lots of overspray.



This one's tough to photograph, but the RF fender is a different color. The car is a very stark white and the fender is a warm white.




I asked specifically about rust around the windshield and was told there was none. In reality, it's rusted *through*. The wheelwells were clearanced with a BFH, splitting one the unibody seams. The floor is bent from improper jacking, rear calipers couldn't be bled, fog lights, reverse lights, defroster and low beams do not work. It goes on and on.

The car supposedly had a CD changer and awesome stereo. Well, the stereo doesn't work, the power amps have been removed. The CD changer had been submerged in water at some point.




They agreed to fix the AC. Now, this he did do-by "patching" the hoses with hoseclamps and recharging the system. That lasted about 45 minutes before blowing and dumping oil all over the exhaust manifold.



The tires were supposed to be new, and they were, 3 205/40's and 1 215/40, with a 225/45 on the spare.

I brought these items to his attention and have received no satisfaction. The one thing I asked was that he send me new AC lines and I would have them installed at my shop. He eventually agreed.

After 4 months of calls, they shipped me a package which is hopefully my AC lines. I was lucky enough to get this nice note from Jeb Balentine, Bill's partner.

From: "Jeb Balentine"
[Add to Address Book]
To: todd.simpson@comcast.net
Subject: FU---you know where the hose can go

Wow, what a class act, huh?

For the record this is Diamond Motor Cars in Pensacola Florida.
Flyguy66y@hotmail.com is one of their e-mail addresses and he also uses that handle on Ebay.

Bill Weatherall and Jeb Balentine are the people I dealt with.

G-Mann Auto Repair is the shop that did the PPI and AC "fix". He told me the same thing Bill did, ran a compression test, drove the car and told me it was "really nice, original, clean car." I called him immediately after discovering all this, he agreed he never should have fixed the AC that way, but Bill told him to. He never charged my card for the PPI.

Thankfully the title is clear and I've begun fixing this stuff, selling off the 17" wheels and doing lots of maintenance. The interior is OK and I may even paint the car next year. I had a paintless dent removal guy work on the car and it looks better, though with the bondo in the doors he can only do so much.

Draw your own conclusions about these guys. I didn't do enough due diligence with a visit and proper PPI and I paid for it.

At this point I just want lots of views so feel free to forward this.

Thanks,

[Paul K]

Man, I am really sorry to hear what happened to you. It amazes me how some people can be so devious. Can you post the original ad? Have you posted your story on the BMW forums?

Cheers,

Paul.

[addictionMS]

If the PPI is on paper in anyway, I would take them to small claims court and report this ti the police.

Jim

[1973911s]

That sucks, but I love the E30 M3, might need to look around and see what is for sale.

Michael

[Elombard]

Thats disgusting. Its one thing if you new up front but jeez. Modern day pirates.

Can you report them to EBAY??

[aigel]

I would return that car and if they don't take it back, seek legal action.

George

I keep preaching this in all the car forums: Never buy a car long distance unless you can see it in person first. I learned the hard way too. But it was at least only a $500 car. Second rule is not to buy from any stealership. No matter how good their service, they make money on the deal. Money that you can split between you and the seller, otherwise. There may be exceptions if you look for a certain car that you can't get elsewhere, but that's rarely the case.

[Todd Simpson]

First pic is taken in a dark garage on a light day, here's another of the same area showing the car is white.

[Mr9146]

Sight unseen = BIG gamble.

Sorry this one didn't pay off.


As for the PPI, well, it just goes to show you that some people don't know $hit.

[cegerer]

Man Todd, that car was absolutely misrepresented. If there's any good news, it is that the value on the e30 is climbing. There really are very few clean, unmolested car still around. So if you got this at a reasonable cost, maybe you'll still be OK within a few years. -- Curt

[Crachian]

Sucks. For what it's worth, Todd, I had one that collected water back there too. I think it's a clogged drainhole somewhere in the roof.

[vash]

there better be a hell!

[89turbocabmike]

Originally posted by vash
there better be a hell!

Yes and let's hope for some Karma before they get there!

Sad to hear it Tod, at least it is a car worth fixing

[rsNINESOOPER]

you are going to sue these guys arent you?

at least make them take the car back and eat the money you spent on the ppi

Really sorry to hear of someone getting taken advantage of to such an extreame. You are handling it much better than me cause I would be on the road right now driving to Florida to shove that thing up the sellers arse.

[Steve Marshall]

certainly you have given them negative feedback?

BTW: Used car dealer on Ebay = Thief

[Vipergrün]

Man, that is bogus! Buying in person is not much better. I test drove a 99 Subaru today. I thought the thing was gonna blow up after starting cuz it was knocking so bad. The salesman said I obviously did not have any experience with boxer-style motors, cuz they are all like that. Yeah right.

Hope this does not set you back too much. I also hope you did not pay top $$ for a clean car...

[Kevin Stewart]

i would turn in as enternet fraud, just because its the net doesnt mean you cant turn them in, i would also contact the police in his area and also turn him into his locallbbb, fuch em they want to play dirty, Kevin

if you bought it from ebay isnt it guaranteed? i would check especially if it had a carfax

[yelcab1]

That M3 is one of the most expensive cars to fix right.

[randywebb]

1. Yes, contact the attorney General's office in their state & file a complaint, allege fraud.

2. Post a Notice Craig's List in the city nearest them

3. RennList has a BMW forum as does Pelican - post there as well.

4. Willing to pay an attorney? You need one. Yo could try doing it yourself in small claims court...

Good Luck!

[Nickatnyt]

Nasty-gram sent anonymously - no mention of your car...just some choice words for those POS.