Does this look legit?

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Positivity

Joined
Dec 19, 2023
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Been looking for a Bj40 for awhile now, came upon this site Muscle Cars Weekly – Classified Automotives - https://musclecarsweekly.com/

It has several FJ40s and 2 BJ40s at seemingly pretty good prices. Does anyone know if the company is legit, have any experience with them, or know how I can find out more info?

When I click "buy now", I get referred to a site called Lake Cities Motors - https://lakecitiesmotors.com/ which seems to be a BBB accredited automobile escrow service. I called lake cities motors via the number on their site and they confirmed over the phone they had the vehicle I was interested in. Their website claims they hold the $ in escrow and send me the vehicle and I have 10 days to review it and if it doesn't "Meet my expectations or differs from the listing" then I can return it for a full refund.

Is this too good to be true?
About to pull the trigger on my first BJ40 after being scouring the market for several years and I'm getting nervous!

Thanks all
 
Our neighbor bought a motor home from an outfit like that in Florida. When it was being shipped out to California it mysteriously hit an overpass (my neighbor is in her late 70’s) and the company spent the next couple of months trying to find a replacement.
It was a ripoff. There was never any motor home and the dirtbag ripped them off. If it looks too good to be true…
 
Tell them you want to see the truck in person at the location it’s at now before purchasing… if they agree then go see it in person
 
If you look for reviews, there’s a lot of outfits with that name but if you include “escrow” you land on a page that looks like a forum discussion, but written like an advertisement. It’s not a real forum, no other links work. Pretty slick but I guess if you’re into being a thief what else are you going to do with your day?

When you called what kind of accent did the person have?
 
It's not a perfect barometer, but look at Bring a Trailer, Auto Trader Classics, and of course, the classifieds here. Based on what you want, you should be able to dial in a "realistic" price range for what you're looking for. Anything below that should put you on your guard. Also, keep posting the ones you're lookin into! I wish I had done so when I bought my rig.

Lastly, and I'll 2nd @JohnnyC on this: Check it out in person! The cost of a flight + hotel is peanuts compared to what you'll put into a really nice rig, let alone a basketcase.
 
Wow @Ditcherman ... thats good sleuthing. That forum thing .... hesitate to list it ... but its "drive and share forum".. looks totally freaking bogus. The content seems "plausible" but you can't land on any page other than the few reviews for lake cities motors. This looks very very suspicious.
 
If i had to guess, that's a finders fee you pay these clowns for them just to put you in contact with the actual seller.
 
procomsignathid said:
It's not a perfect barometer, but look at Bring a Trailer, Auto Trader Classics, and of course, the classifieds here. Based on what you want, you should be able to dial in a "realistic" price range for what you're looking for. Anything below that should put you on your guard. Also, keep posting the ones you're lookin into! I wish I had done so when I bought my rig.

Lastly, and I'll 2nd @JohnnyC on this: Check it out in person! The cost of a flight + hotel is peanuts compared to what you'll put into a really nice rig, let alone a basketcase.
Click to expand...
Current market at BaT for that low original miles no rust is in the upper 10’s of thousands I’d guess. Well north of 50.
 
Ditcherman said:
Current market at BaT for that low original miles no rust is in the upper 10’s of thousands I’d guess. Well north of 50.
Click to expand...

Really think that much? I tried to sell this 1970 for a WWII vet back in 2011. Couldn't even get $10,000 for a original owner, original paint, rust free and low miles. I ended up buying it and pretty much storing it in a insulated garage. I occasionally driving on forest service roads in the area. I obviously have to many cruisers.
The carrot 025.webp
The carrot 044 (1).webp
 
Living in the Past said:
Really think that much? I tried to sell this 1970 for a WWII vet back in 2011. Couldn't even get $10,000 for a original owner, original paint, rust free and low miles. I ended up buying it and pretty much storing it in a insulated garage. I occasionally driving on forest service roads in the area. I obviously have to many cruisers.
View attachment 4096406View attachment 4096412
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I may be high.

No, not like that guys!!

The market has changed a ton since then, I’m only a recent watcher of BaT, and the market was definitely in a slump 2 years ago when I started watching. I feel like it’s off its bottom now, but not sure if it Weill return to its former glory or not.
Today, with some corrosion;
bringatrailer.com

1981 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40

Bid for the chance to own a 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #232,011.
bringatrailer.com bringatrailer.com

In further research, maybe BJ’s don’t fetch FJ money?

Search for "BJ40"

Bring a Trailer Auctions is the best place to buy and sell vintage and classic vehicles - Porsche, BMW, Land Rover, and more.
bringatrailer.com bringatrailer.com

But still, right hand drive late model with 26k miles, supposedly rust free? I’d bet too the moon.

Also, rust free and Minnesota don’t usually go together.

ETA pictures are from Myamirides. Also not Minnesota.
 
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Anywhere that will ship you a car and give you a full refund if you aren’t happy is a scam. End of story.
 
Skreddy said:
Anywhere that will ship you a car and give you a full refund if you aren’t happy is a scam. End of story.
Click to expand...
It's ironic that the guys screaming "cash only, as-is, don't come crying to me afterwards" are probably the most legit :p
 
Hey all

I reached the same conclusion as most of you in here, and I didn't send any $.

I've been in touch with the police and reported it to as many places I can report it to. It's definitely a scam as many of you have identified.

Thanks for looking out.

The search continues....
 
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