Re: car sales

[Sargent Schutt <sargent@novagate.com>]

Osman,

Nice post from the 'other side'. One of my best friends (of long standing) is
currently in the same occupation you are. I have heard both sides to no end.
My buddy has been in the business a bit longer than you, and subscribes to the
'dog-eat-dog' business model. 

Phil got burned, yes. Unfair? I dunno. Really depends on the understanding he
*and* the other party had. Frankly, if I were him I would have agreed upon a
purchase price before leaving with the stipulation that the car must pass a
rigorous tech inspection upon arriving. If it lived up to it's billing, then
he agreed upon price would be paid. If there were details amiss, then
negotiations might be necessary, depending on the severity of the
'infractions'. 

Regardless, I would have left on that drive with a definite understanding of
what the 'deal' would be (with a contract signed by both parties). To do
otherwise is operating in a presumptuous manner, where the presumptions
overestimate the values of the other party. I have learned in my brief life
thus far that trust is a valuable commodity and as such it should not be
squandered where the ROI is unstable. 

That's the basis of this wound: misplaced trust. Nothing, to me, merits more
wrath than misplaced trust. Unfortunately, like speeding, many of us have
gotten away with doing it on a regular basis. I now only trust my eyes and my
V-1 when staring into that abyss of striped lines ahead. One without the other
is insufficient, and even then there is always a chance. Last resort is court.
Eh, Bruce ;-)

In Phil's case a good verbal understanding along with a meaningful offer
(signed, in writing) would have done him some good. Even then, that may not be
enough. But he could potentially sue for performance of a contract. It is sad
that Phil had such a miserable experience, but perhaps it was for the best.
Assume it was. Perhaps the car was a POS. No harm in that assumption. And
hopefully a bit of prudence was (painfully) learned. Write/fax a letter next
time, get a return faxed signature. It takes 15 minutes to draw up, 5 minutes
to fax back and forth, and serves as a pretty good bit of insurance for that
600 mile trip. ROI on the letter is certain, and the up front investment is
small. If the seller requests a deposit, fine, so long as it is
contingent/refundable pending the tech inspection.

Caveat Emptor rules the earth. *Especially* in the used car market, of all
places. Pertaining both to the vehicles and the sellors. I have no doubt Phil
will find an equally if not more enjoyable Q elsewhere. As he said from the
outset, the asking price was more than he wanted to pay. I searched for 8
months or more before I bought mine...

So good luck brother Phil, you'll get your due, don't fret. But don't trust
unnecessarily either. Words have a longevity commensurate with their medium -
audio tape is good. Signed paper is better. Memory, though, is highly
maleable, and mere airwaves, well...

Better luck in the future. I don't mean to advocate behavior such as Phil
recieved, but expect no more. That's all. I, along with many others, lament
this state of affairs, but not to acknowledge it is asking for misery.
Ignorance is hell, eventually... 

Regards,

Sarge

91 200q
San Diego, CA