I just sold this on BaT, went pretty smoothly and already delivered to new owner who was semi-local, (OC):

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/caterham-seven-480/

Prime merchandise, a top-spec Caterham with 500 miles on it and the coveted California SB100 exemption sticker that means it will never need to be smog tested again and can be registered here. Reserve was under $40, (what BaT would give us), it went for what I predicted to the penny. That was a bit of a trick since it's a one-of-one car that cannot be compared to previous ones in an apples/apples way.
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http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1736134508.jpg
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You speak the truth wrt buying on BaT. I've bought two vehicles, a MC and a car that I posted above. Both were massively under-represented with undisclosed deferred maintenance on the car and the MC basically needing complete rebuilding. I bid on the Mini impulsively because it was cheap and not too far away, (shipping or flying/driving can get really expensive these days). I absolutely did not need it but in classic BaT fashion, I got caught up in the moment and bid. Couldn't believe I won. It's actually a pretty nice car but I had to sink a couple of grand into it right away to get it up to snuff, just tires/brakes/axle boot/wheel bearings/brake hoses...usual stuff on an old car and all stuff I would have known about if I could have inspected it in person before bidding.

The seller was pretty dishonest but no different from your typical private seller. The difference was the BaT format where he could choose what to show and what not to.

Nice Caterham, those are a rare sight on this side of the pond! How did it drive from an American’s perspective?

If I listed on BaT again I would take very detailed pictures as usual, let them write the ad, and then answer questions honestly but no more. I was very upfront in my comments and it led to a lot of nitpicking. There’s a strange dynamic where buyers seem to only trust the peanut gallery, some buyers seem to think it’s like a PPI. Technically I sold my S8 to the BaT high bidder for more money post auction, so I did get some value out of it.

Wife won't let me get this, and probably not good for CDN winters

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3 Hours left: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1996-volkswagen-panel-van/

As a frequent commenter, occasionally seller, and prior buyer, BaT's entire objective is to sell cars at a premium over other venues in what is becoming a crowded space for online auctions. If they fail to bring top dollar, sellers will rightfully move to other competitive platforms, so they have every reason to limit negativity and criticism.

That said, a lot of power sellers have capitalized on "selling the dream" and it's easy to get glamoured and glaze over what can be costly fixes. I've had good luck buying at a distance but it's just that: Luck. I know it will eventually run out.

Very cool car Denis! That would have been fun to throw around during some canyon carving!

That’s what it’s made for and not much else. Canyons and the track. On a good road with curves, it’s a blast. For anything else, kind of a torture chamber. Makes an old Triumph TR-3 seem really refined by comparison. :)

Have irrationally wanted a Caterham CSR for years now...

Irrationality is my middle name!

I have two purchasing experiences on BAT. First one was technically not on the site but I found it there. My 356 was RNM in early 2020. It was just the spec I wanted and the seller still had it. I found him on the 356 registry. He was a one time seller and didn't do the best job with the listing. I had a PPI done and drove down to inspect with a cashier's check in hand. It's really a nicer car than I thought it was going to be and 4 1/2 years later I'm very pleased.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1736261567.jpg

My 914 Limited Edition is a different story. I had been following them on BAT and this auction was very quiet. It's on the registry, numbers matching and billed as restored. I placed a bid at what I thought was below the reserve. I assumed I would either be the high bidder in an RNM situation or lose. Well, no one else bid, and I had just hit the reserve. I bought it, had it shipped out and found a generally nice car with some needs. I rebuilt the suspension and did a bunch of deferred engine stuff like injectors and fuel lines. I drove it 4,000 miles round trip to the last Rennsport. Overall I'm ok, but given what I've done, I'm definitely upside down on it now. Oh well, it's a keeper.

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Since I know that many here want one ;):

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-ford-mustang-bullitt-83/

That would be a fun daily driver, but I’d buy a nice one with 40k on it for $15k instead.:) I had quite a few Mustangs and liked that S197 body style the best, it wasn’t huge and actually had pretty good steering.

Bid to $24K, didn't make reserve. Bullitts seem to be going for 5-10K more than a similarly equipped luxury GT.

2nd low mile Bullitt within a week of each other. This one in Florida, no reserve, so will sell. Still original tires, buyer should swap those before driving home. Only other tip I'd give is to not use the CD player...they're notorious for jamming.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-ford-mustang-bullitt-86/

2600 miles, that’s a damn shame….

'Zactly. 33K on mine, bought as the driver it is. Still, they show up from time to time, people buying when a car new, thinking it's going to be a prized collectable, not driving. Only to suffer disappointment years later when the expected gain doesn't appear.

Cars aren't "good investments", no matter how many time car salesmen utter that phrase.

(edit) My prediction is this will go from between 25-30K, and make someone a nice driver....a better driver than the same amount spent on a new car would bring.

If I was going to spend $30k+ on a Bullitt Mustang, I’d buy one of the 2019-ish ones. Those are pretty sweet cars.

Incredible car for BaT live now, still time for you guys to bid!

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-porsche-959-komfort-3/

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Some problems reported with the getrag 6 speed transmissions with those. Bent aluminum shifting forks. Could it be the result of er, overagressive shifting? ;) Anyway, a Tremec 5 speed in the '08-'09 which seems to be trouble free.

Plus, me being a luddite, did not like the Klingon war bird dash with all it's confusing controls. But...that's just me. Kids who cut their teeth on smart phones seem to love playing with the whiz-bang dashes.

In my powerball dreams this might be the first car I would buy. Great Chris Harris 959 video just dropped on YouTube btw.