| Author | Message | ||
     Sarodude |
A young friend in Mesa, Az bought a heap of a used Civic from a private party. The car is trash. It was raided for parts between the time she looked at it and actually paid for it! That's just the beginning. Being a California boy, I don't know what the Arizona laws are like. Normally, stuff like this is just plain Buyer Beware and she has hopefully learned a valuable lesson. HOWEVER, there is something that may play into her favor: When she was talking to the DMV folk, they notified her that the mileage on her paperwork was FALSIFIED. In Ca, that's a rather major no-no and possibly grounds for all sorts of stuff - I imagine including nullification of the sale. Anyone have any hints for me and a duped 18 yo girl? Also, we are looking for a decent little car for her. She's willing to wrench on it. We're just looking for an honest sale. Thanks in advance. -Saro | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
The problem is that she has already parted with the cash. The DMV should have told her what could be done with regards to the car when they informed her of the falsified mileage, which is suppossed to be a no no in any state as that falls under federal DOT rules and regs. At this point I would also be worried that the numbers for the engine don't actually match or that the VIN doesn't in fact go with that car at all. But that could just be my paranoid mind at play. AZ has no cooling off period so the only hope she has is based on the car being misrepresented. The missing parts would be very hard to fight unless she had pictures of the car showing the parts at the time she looked at it and agreed to the price. It becomes a She said he said deal otherwise. Wish I could help out with the car issue, but I don't have one, nor do I know anyone selling one. | ||
| Kdan |
I know a guy... | ||
| Tramp |
umm.... sounds like you know where he lives....  | ||
| Reepicheep |
If you can get out from under the Civic, the 93-97 Saturns are just as good a car (as the Honda) and very easy to work on. My 95 SC2 has been a better car then any of the Honda's I drove into the ground. | ||
| Tramp |
on that subject- 240 series volvos ('70s-'90s) are exceptionally trouble-free, simple and relaible. in most states you can pick up a nice '80s model for around $500-. ridiculously simple under the hood..... | ||
| Court |
>>>Anyone have any hints for me and a duped 18 yo girl? Talk to anyone other than an attorney, experienced in such matters, and you're likely wasting your time. I agree, there is an actionable offense. But, I also feel for her having to prove (beyond doubt) that the person who sold her the car, not the person they bought it from, committed the crime. At this point we return you to your "buyer beware" logic. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
If you can get out from under the Civic, the 93-97 Saturns are just as good a car (as the Honda) and very easy to work on. My 95 SC2 has been a better car then any of the Honda's I drove into the ground. Until it comes time to change the Alternator. It is not DIY friendly in the least, as it is located on the backside of the motor towards the engine cradle in a very tight spot almost requireing complete removal of the motor to change out. Everything else Reep said about the cars is true however. | ||
| Billc |
Call the consumers advocate office in the attorney generals office. I have a seasonal C.A. office at my work in the winter - no help to you now. Might be worth the call. | ||
| Ceejay |
make a visit ax in hand....just hope they don't have the street sweeper | ||
| Knotrider |
every body in arizona has at least one gun so don't do anything stupid. i would go and talk to the seller. a 33 year old man (your bio) would probably be a little more persuasive and convincing than an 18 year old girl. (aren't you a little old for her). tell the seller that by mis-representing the milage he left open a loophole you plan on kartwheeling through. tell him that you may not be able to prove the parts swapping shenanigans, but thats ok because once this 18 year old girl is in a courtroom telling the judge about the D.M.V. certified milage shenanigans, that you're pretty sure the judge will believe her. (why would she make it all up and how would she get the D.M.V. to cooperate with her on a scam?). also tell him that the judge may actually want to look further into the milage issue.and as you mentioned earlier, swapped engine parts may have been sourced using other than legitamit means. my son street races a 91 hatch and the amount of stolen parts out there is amazing. here in N.J. if your motor #'s aren't original to the car you better have a paper trail proving it's not hot. i'm figuring AZ. is the same. if this seller is anything like what i pre-judged him to be he will gladly give your girl her money back. if not do it the way we used to do things. TELL him youre returning the car for the amount paid. if not you will use your own disgression in seeing to it that if you can't get the money back in your pocket you can atleast make sure it leaves his, one way or the other. | ||
| Tramp |
If you're afraid he'll get stupid, then secretly bring a tape recorder. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Uhm, people, its now 3 days since the reply, and who knows how long since she paid the guy and picked up the car, do you actually beleive the guy, after having/allowing the parts to be removed from the car, still has the money? Taking him to court and all is good and everything, but tent city is FULL of people that haven't paid up on court ordered debt. If Saro is asking us for legal help, I am guessing that she has tried to contact the guy she bought the car from and is not having any luck what so ever. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
I'd say report the incident to the local Department of Motor Vehicles. They are not very favorable with that kind of activity. | ||
| Sarodude |
To everyone who replied: Thanks for the info!
I think I know the same guy. On Saturns: Loli, my Significant Other, has had a 98 or 99 SL1 and an 02 SC2. The SC2 - I think it's mediocre. The SL1 was a FANTASTIC little simple car that was MUCH better at its task than the SC2 is at it's. Just an opinion. Unfortunately, My experience with Saturns, although good, pales in comparison with my experience with Hondas. That, however, is a moot point. 240 Volvo: Hmm....... It'd be nice if she drove something a tad less pedestrian, but the easy to work on thing is definitely appealing. 18 yo girl / 33 yo dude: This 18 yo girl is my SO's youngest. There aren't words to easily describe the relationship. I certainly ain't anyone's dad. I'm a big, goofy kid with no intention of adding to an overcrowded world. I HATE the prefix "step" as it has all sort of terrible connotations. I am, however, VERY happy to have Loli and her two girls as part of my life! This is all probably water under the bridge - but it helps to have some info and advice in hand. Thanks again! -Saro | ||
| Tramp |
hey- don't let it get to ya. my better half is 17 years younger than me, and a heckuva a lot more mature.... |
