Dodgy Dealer

steloide

Hi everyone.
I need some help please.
I bought a car from a guy on done deal. Myself and my wife went to view it. The guy left us waiting for over an hour and when we seen the car it wasn't as expected but a good price non the less. He advertised the car as "stunning Condition" with "full Main Dealer Service History" "Recent Timing Belt and water pump change". The car had a couple of dint's/scratches and a long mark down one side, the seats were also really dirty.The main dealer from which the car was bought original were gone out of business. We paid cash €3250 and were promised a receipt and the relevant documents in the post....that was 2 months ago.
I contacted him 2 weeks after we bought and he said that they had been sent out. A week later i requested he send them again, nothing came that week. When i rang him again he told me his computer was broken (i offered to fix it) suddenly his cousin Works in IT in Dublin.....
I kinda guessed that those documents would never come so i asked if he could get proof of the timing belt.............still waiting
Promise after promise after promise then no word and wouldn't return my calls so i reported him to done deal and with in minutes i got a call telling me he was sorry for not getting back and that i got my wires crossed about the service history, as he told us they that company had closed down when we bought and i would need to meet him to sign for my receipt (his "invoice books need two signatures") and he would ring the previous owner and i could ask them direct about the timing belt.
All i want a this stage is solid proof that the timing belt was done recently i cant afford to fork out €350 or be down €3250 if the belt goes.

Mr_Muffin

Not to sure but i always thought when buying from Done Deal and the likes it's always a case of 'buyer beware' in that there's no comeback once the money changes hands.

Atlantic Dawn

Is he an actual car dealer or someone who sells car privately on Donedeal?

bazz26

Is he actually a dealer or some randomer selling cars from a car park on donedeal? Why did you go ahead and buy the car when it wasn't as described, had no documented evidence of the timing belt change?

I really cannot see how you are going to get any joy from this guy, who is obviously giving you the run around now that he already has your money.

So the way I see it you have two choices:

1. Assume the timing belt is due a change so find the cash to get it done.
or
2. Drive the car and hope your belt doesn't snap risking damaging or destroying the car's engine.

The lesson to learn here is don't take a seller's word as gospel and always get a car checked over by a mechanic before handing over any money. The fact that the car was not as described would have me put doubt to anything else the seller was saying especially around mechanical things like timing belts, etc. In essence he told you what you wanted to hear.

steloide

Mr_Muffin wrote: »

Not to sure but i always thought when buying from Done Deal and the likes it's always a case of 'buyer beware' in that there's no comeback once the money changes hands.

He did falsely advertise the car. I should have been less trusting i know. This guy has his own valeting company and he sells a lot of cars.......at the moment he has 21 cars for sale on done deal.

steloide

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Is he an actual car dealer or someone who sells car privately on Donedeal?

I dont know what he is......and like i said he has 21 cars for sale at the moment to me hes a car dealer (trader i suppose) How or why should that matter?

colm_mcm

Threaten him with revenue commissioners.. It's possible that he's not paying tax on selling cars.

dastardly00

Can you post a link to one of the cars he is selling on Done Deal?
Maybe someone else here has purchased a car from him before.

steloide

colm_mcm wrote: »

Threaten him with revenue commissioners.. It's possible that he's not paying tax on selling cars.

Thought about that. I was thinking of telling him i needed the receipt for revenue and if he didn't send it down i would have to direct them to him?

steloide

dastardly00 wrote: »

Can you post a link to one of the cars he is selling on Done Deal?
Maybe someone else here has purchased a car from him before.

I dont know if that is against the rules?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/find/all/for-sale/Ireland/?filters%5BuserId%5D=1237940

They are all his.

kravmaga

steloide wrote: »

Hi everyone.
I need some help please.
I bought a car from a guy on done deal. Myself and my wife went to view it. The guy left us waiting for over an hour and when we seen the car it wasn't as expected but a good price non the less. He advertised the car as "stunning Condition" with "full Main Dealer Service History" "Recent Timing Belt and water pump change". The car had a couple of dint's/scratches and a long mark down one side, the seats were also really dirty.The main dealer from which the car was bought original were gone out of business. We paid cash €3250 and were promised a receipt and the relevant documents in the post....that was 2 months ago.
I contacted him 2 weeks after we bought and he said that they had been sent out. A week later i requested he send them again, nothing came that week. When i rang him again he told me his computer was broken (i offered to fix it) suddenly his cousin Works in IT in Dublin.....
I kinda guessed that those documents would never come so i asked if he could get proof of the timing belt.............still waiting
Promise after promise after promise then no word and wouldn't return my calls so i reported him to done deal and with in minutes i got a call telling me he was sorry for not getting back and that i got my wires crossed about the service history, as he told us they that company had closed down when we bought and i would need to meet him to sign for my receipt (his "invoice books need two signatures") and he would ring the previous owner and i could ask them direct about the timing belt.
All i want a this stage is solid proof that the timing belt was done recently i cant afford to fork out €350 or be down €3250 if the belt goes.

Check the engine to see if there is a record of mileage in tip-ex on the outside of the cam belt , usually to show change of timing belt and water bottle change.

I would just call into his office or portacabin where he trades out of and demand receipt, use Sale of goods and Supply of service Act 1980.

Agree with recent poster that he may not be registered with Revenue

steloide

kravmaga wrote: »

Check the engine to see if there is a record of mileage in tip-ex on the outside of the cam belt , usually to show change of timing belt and water bottle change.

I would just call into his office or portacabin where he trades out of and demand receipt, use Sale of goods and Supply of service Act 1980.

Agree with recent poster that he may not be registered with Revenue

Thanks but no tip-ex anywhere to be seen. He did say he would come down so i could sign this receipt but changed his mind to me going up to him.
When does tax have to be done by?

Mr_Muffin

steloide wrote: »

He did falsely advertise the car. I should have been less trusting i know. This guy has his own valeting company and he sells a lot of cars.......at the moment he has 21 cars for sale on done deal.

I would say a lot motor ads on Done Deal are dodgy in regards actually describing the car properly - that's what i have experienced anyway.

cnoc

OP - "stunning Condition" with "full Main Dealer Service History"

Don't want to make matters worse for you, but according to your description the car was not in stunning condition you should have walked away.
Did you get the main dealer service history?
Where did you meet this guy to buy the car?

steloide

cnoc wrote: »

OP - "stunning Condition" with "full Main Dealer Service History"

Don't want to make matters worse for you, but according to your description the car was not in stunning condition you should have walked away.
Did you get the main dealer service history?
Where did you meet this guy to buy the car?

I can live with the cosmetics part and i scrubbed it like new inside and out. The service history and proof of timing belt are nowhere to been seen. And i meet him at his valeting place. I did chase up "some" history and i have the previous owners address and i was going to write them a letter.(worth a chance)

SCOOP 64

steloide wrote: »

I can live with the cosmetics part and i scrubbed it like new inside and out. The service history and proof of timing belt are nowhere to been seen. And i meet him at his valeting place. I did chase up "some" history and i have the previous owners address and i was going to write them a letter.(worth a chance)

Also if you get hold of last owner ask what the mileage was when he sold it.

cnoc

steloide wrote: »

I can live with the cosmetics part and i scrubbed it like new inside and out. The service history and proof of timing belt are nowhere to been seen. And i meet him at his valeting place. I did chase up "some" history and i have the previous owners address and i was going to write them a letter.(worth a chance)

Glad to hear you cleaned it up. I hope you can sort this matter out to your satisfaction. Good luck.

nc19

Is either you or your wife qualified to examine a car properly before buying???

Why would you hand over the cash when it wasn't what he advertised????

Why would you take his word on anything after he proved he couldn't be trusted???

dastardly00

nc19 wrote: »

Is either you or your wife qualified to examine a car properly before buying???

Why would you hand over the cash when it wasn't what he advertised????

Why would you take his word on anything after he proved he couldn't be trusted???

None of those questions help the OP in anyway now.

steloide

nc19 wrote: »

Is either you or your wife qualified to examine a car properly before buying???

Why would you hand over the cash when it wasn't what he advertised????

Why would you take his word on anything after he proved he couldn't be trusted???

Why are u pointing the finger. I'm asking for advice on what to do next or what I can do. Not what I should or should not have done. Pointless don't you think?

nc19

dastardly00 wrote:

None of those questions help the OP in anyway now.

But maybe next time........

steloide

nc19 wrote: »

But maybe next time........

Exactly.

DoctorStrange

Even if he gives you 'proof' of belt change will you believe it at this stage? Unlikely to have been done at a main dealer's.

Either try to get your money back or just change the belt and drive on if rest of car ok

Edit: can another mechanic tell if the water bottle / belt if new or fairly new?

steloide

DoctorStrange wrote: »

Even if he gives you 'proof' of belt change will you believe it at this stage? Unlikely to have been done at a main dealer's.

Either try to get your money back or just change the belt and drive on if rest of car ok

Edit: can another mechanic tell if the water bottle / belt if new or fairly new?

My thinking was if I get written proof along with his ad that says it was done I have something to go with. And I'm sure a mechanic can give an experienced guess it the belt was done.

colm_mcm

Same person I think http://www.adverts.ie/member/1286280


Rings a bell for some reason.

Ah yes, here it is.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=93414876&postcount=5756

unkel wrote: »

'06 Saab 9-5 2.3 turbo auto, low miles, 1 owner, high spec, just serviced, NO sludge issues, NCT 06/16, asking €2,295 (I very much doubt he'll refuse €2k cash)




A bit strange though that the seller (who has 4 cars for sale, so probably a small time trader) mentions the timing belt was changed. The car doesn't have a timing belt :rolleyes:
[/COLOR][/B]
Checked NCT, it is in fact 03/16, but carsireland confirms it's a 1 owner car and indeed the high spec 185BHP linear sport as claimed.

steloide

colm_mcm wrote: »

Same person I think http://www.adverts.ie/member/1286280


Rings a bell for some reason.

Ah yes, here it is.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=93414876&postcount=5756

Yes I think Thats the same guy. Hes even aggressive in his txt messages. He was very aggressive the first couple of call I made to him.

the_syco

steloide wrote: »

I kinda guessed that those documents would never come so i asked if he could get proof of the timing belt.............still waiting

Regarding the timing belt, bring it to an indie that you trust, and they should be able to tell you if it needs to be changed or not. I'm guessing it will, but €350 is a lot cheaper than what the damage may be if it goes whilst you're driving.

Even if he provided proof that it was changed, you'd be a fool to trust him.

colm_mcm wrote: »

Same person I think http://www.adverts.ie/member/1286280

Same phone number anyhoos, with the seller location listed as Naas, Kildare.

Limbo123

steloide wrote: »

Hi everyone.
I need some help please.
I bought a car from a guy on done deal. Myself and my wife went to view it. The guy left us waiting for over an hour and when we seen the car it wasn't as expected but a good price non the less. He advertised the car as "stunning Condition" with "full Main Dealer Service History" "Recent Timing Belt and water pump change". The car had a couple of dint's/scratches and a long mark down one side, the seats were also really dirty.The main dealer from which the car was bought original were gone out of business. We paid cash €3250 and were promised a receipt and the relevant documents in the post....that was 2 months ago.
I contacted him 2 weeks after we bought and he said that they had been sent out. A week later i requested he send them again, nothing came that week. When i rang him again he told me his computer was broken (i offered to fix it) suddenly his cousin Works in IT in Dublin.....
I kinda guessed that those documents would never come so i asked if he could get proof of the timing belt.............still waiting
Promise after promise after promise then no word and wouldn't return my calls so i reported him to done deal and with in minutes i got a call telling me he was sorry for not getting back and that i got my wires crossed about the service history, as he told us they that company had closed down when we bought and i would need to meet him to sign for my receipt (his "invoice books need two signatures") and he would ring the previous owner and i could ask them direct about the timing belt.
All i want a this stage is solid proof that the timing belt was done recently i cant afford to fork out €350 or be down €3250 if the belt goes.

He is a messer but the car was at a good price? Sounds like you were seduced by the price when most would see the messing as a red rag to a bull. Done deal tends to be sold as seen. Report him all you want. Done deal are as useful as a chocolate teapot. Lesson learnt im afraid.

ozt9vdujny3srf

Heh, never seen a bike advertised like this:
http://www.adverts.ie/mountain-bikes/raleigh-mountain-bike-light-weight/6967309

Red Kev

kravmaga wrote: »

Check the engine to see if there is a record of mileage in tip-ex on the outside of the cam belt , usually to show change of timing belt and water bottle change.

steloide wrote: »

Thanks but no tip-ex anywhere to be seen. He did say he would come down so i could sign this receipt but changed his mind to me going up to him.
When does tax have to be done by?

Tippex pens cost €1.99 , it means nothing in my experience when the mileage is written somewhere in the engine bay. You need a receipt or some other proof but a visual inspection from a mechanic is best.

What make, model and year is the car OP ?

What mileage is on it ?

steloide

Red Kev wrote: »

Tippex pens cost €1.99 , it means nothing in my experience when the mileage is written somewhere in the engine bay. You need a receipt or some other proof but a visual inspection from a mechanic is best.

What make, model and year is the car OP ?

What mileage is on it ?

Opel Zafira with nearly 100K on the clock. I thought the belt was done ever 60K miles?

the_syco

steloide wrote: »

Opel Zafira with nearly 100K on the clock. I thought the belt was done ever 60K miles?

Depends. Some last a lot longer, others you're sitting on a ticking time bomb. Got my Honda Civic belt changed at 80K miles, but was told that he has changed some at 120K - it all depends on how much you trust the cars engineering, and how well you take care of the car.

SCOOP 64

steloide wrote: »

Opel Zafira with nearly 100K on the clock. I thought the belt was done ever 60K miles?

Opel service my Zafira B, told belt not due til 150k/100,000mlles.

steloide

SCOOP 64 wrote: »

Opel service my Zafira B, told belt not due til 150k/100,000mlles.

Going to get it checked out to be safe.........its a good car apart from all the bad feeling.

steloide

Just an update for you.................................

Apparently he can be sued for false advertisement, also he broke the verbal contract we had which means he can give me what was agreed or take the car back with a full refund. I told him he had 5 days to get proof of the belt been done and the receipt. A text came back that he didn't have written proof but he already told me that and he would get a timing belt and pump kit down to me........... that was last Friday.

Thanks for all the advice.

SCOOP 64

steloide wrote: »

Just an update for you.................................

Apparently he can be sued for false advertisement, also he broke the verbal contract we had which means he can give me what was agreed or take the car back with a full refund. I told him he had 5 days to get proof of the belt been done and the receipt. A text came back that he didn't have written proof but he already told me that and he would get a timing belt and pump kit down to me........... that was last Friday.

Thanks for all the advice.

Still wouldn't be happy about that as you will still have to pay the labour charge to have it fitted. would should not be necessary as was was advertise with belt change anyway.

steloide

SCOOP 64 wrote: »

Still wouldn't be happy about that as you will still have to pay the labour charge to have it fitted. would should not be necessary as was was advertise with belt change anyway.

Good point but i reckon if i get it fully serviced and the belt done i'll try sell it with the hope of breaking even.

SCOOP 64

steloide wrote: »

Good point but i reckon if i get it fully serviced and the belt done i'll try sell it with the hope of breaking even.

Yes ,at least you have peace of mind that the belt is done and all good,
i would take it now he is not 100% sure if it was done at all,
but why sell it? still could be a good car and go for years ,just that you wont be dealing with him again, what make of car is it?

steloide

SCOOP 64 wrote: »

Yes ,at least you have peace of mind that the belt is done and all good,
i would take it now he is not 100% sure if it was done at all,
but why sell it? still could be a good car and go for years ,just that you wont be dealing with him again, what make of car is it?

Zafira. He's still adamant it was done. But i know hes not sure other wise he wouldn't be sending the kit down (if it comes). It is a good car but there's a lot of bad feelings with it now.