Intro, and buying an 03 this week..

lasalsa · 05-28-07, 11:30 PM

Fellow Enthusiasts:

I'm Richie, U.S. Military Stationed in the Far East.

For the past 10 years or so we've been tossing around the idea of purchasing a LC. We've finally decided to do it so we can take the LC to our next posting in South America. I searched through the numerous ads on AT and Cars.com, E-bay, etc.. to get a market price for a used 03 with average miles. Granted, this purchase was to take place online without allowing me the option of even driving the vehicle and testing out the quirks. Made a few offers of about $25K on a few, but really wanted to get a Black one with the rear entertainment. After a few weeks of searching, I came across a Pearl-Blue 03 in Ohio with 54K, asking on the Dealer's site was $29.9, then lowered to $28.9. Ran a carfax and all checked out good. Called the dealer and got the story. Recent trade-in on a Tahoe, Dealer owner's friend, carpet sales person was previous owner. They wanted to add a warranty to it, that I didn't need. After a few more q's I was able to settle on the price of $26.9, pending an inspection from a 3rd party. I placed a deposit on it and they are starting the paperwork this week.. FROM OVERSEAS..

Here are my questions:
- Is there someone here in the Dayton area that I can PAY to get the vehicle Inspected in Piqua ~30 miles Notrh of Dayton?
- Since I'm shipping the vehicle OVERSEAS right upon purchase, do I have to get the vehicle registered in the states? ie, license plates, tax, etc.. I know I have to get a title from somewhere, but where?
- Am I too late to nogotiate any further if the inspection doesn't go as planned..

These are it for now.. Thanks for your time..

Richie

e9999 · 05-29-07, 07:33 AM

welcome to the site!

well, as far as the inspection goes, surely you can renegotiate anything you want until you have a de facto contract / agreement that no longer involves any contingency (like an inspection). Of course, the dealer is also not obligated to accept your offer and you may perhaps lose your deposit if it has not been stipulated that you'd get it back if the inspection does not pan out. If there was nothing specific in the agreement about the disposition of the deposit, then you guys will have to agree on something. I guess the above is all on the legalistic side. If you are asking about the ethics of renegotiating after the inspection, it's no problem IMO since the inspection leaves the door open for reconsideration based on actual condition. Don't be shy! Lots of dealers rely on the "good nature" and "unwillingness to fight" of customers to increase their profits... To be fair, there are of course ethical used car dealers out there that should be highly valued (but to be realistic, they seem to be rather rare - outside of forums like these...)

boze_man · 05-29-07, 08:06 AM

hey richie...we have prob been looking at the same LC's...good luck with yours

i would call the local toyo dealer and see if they will look it over...i called the 2 nearest the one i am considering and they both said they could look it over for bout 80-100$...and didnt really need an appt...seemed pretty easy to set up, just more hassle for the seller...i will pay via credit card directly to the toyo dealer doing the inspection...

since end of month would think you can work it to your favor...

good luck
bill

sent you a PM

boze_man · 05-30-07, 08:30 PM

any luck?

lasalsa · 05-31-07, 12:23 AM

UPDATE: Got some Inspection paperwork form the Chevy Dealer. Tried to arrange an inspection from a Toyota Dealer in Ohio about 20 miles away from the vehicle. Problem is that they can't go and pick it up. I'm overseas so can't drive it there.. Regarless.... I sent the check DHL yesterday, my cousin will fly in to Dayton to pick it up and drive it to ATL so he can ship it to South America for me..

Damn.. I'm thinking of mods now...