| kyuubi |
I was hopeful that I could trust what was written on the auction sheets when I was bidding on cars, since there is no real feasible means of viewing the car prior to purchase. Well unfortunately through trial I have discovered that you can not rely on the auction sheets.
This is the auction sheet that came with my car, as you can see there should be no mechanical or engine problems, and there should only be a few scratches and dents.
In addition to the flaws that were listed on the auction sheet, I have also had the joy of discovering the following issues when the car arrived at my residence:
- moderate paint fade on front bumper
- dent on hood
- scratches not only on one side of the car's rear, but on both
- paint peel on both sides of rear spoiler
After changing the battery since the one that came with the car couldn't hold a charge, I came across my favourite issue: the car expells ALOT of white smoke. I guess at the auction place they only check the car for smoke problems while it is sitting still, but if you even touch the gas throttle on this car, wisps of white smoke and the smell of burning oil floods the air. I really don't know what to think about this anymore. The mechanic that I consulted told me this may be a $2,000 fix, depending on what is blown in the car. Could be turbos, could be the head gasket, but something is obviously damaged.
I realise that alot of people got lucky with good cars, but this is just a notice that you can not depend on the auction sheets. caveot emptor -- let the buyer beware. |
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| Major_Boost |
quote:
Originally posted by kyuubi
I was hopeful that I could trust what was written on the auction sheets when I was bidding on cars, since there is no real feasible means of viewing the car prior to purchase. Well unfortunately through trial I have discovered that you can not rely on the auction sheets.
This is the auction sheet that came with my car, as you can see there should be no mechanical or engine problems, and there should only be a few scratches and dents.
In addition to the flaws that were listed on the auction sheet, I have also had the joy of discovering the following issues when the car arrived at my residence:
- moderate paint fade on front bumper
- dent on hood
- scratches not only on one side of the car's rear, but on both
- paint peel on both sides of rear spoiler
After changing the battery since the one that came with the car couldn't hold a charge, I came across my favourite issue: the car expells ALOT of white smoke. I guess at the auction place they only check the car for smoke problems while it is sitting still, but if you even touch the gas throttle on this car, wisps of white smoke and the smell of burning oil floods the air. I really don't know what to think about this anymore. The mechanic that I consulted told me this may be a $2,000 fix, depending on what is blown in the car. Could be turbos, could be the head gasket, but something is obviously damaged.
I realise that alot of people got lucky with good cars, but this is just a notice that you can not depend on the auction sheets. caveot emptor -- let the buyer beware.
First of all I'm sorry for you. I received my car last saturday and the car isnt as mint as it was described on the auction sheet. I was a bit sad about it but I knew it wouldnt be as nice as I wish it would be. Fortunetely for me, I know alot of people in the automotive industry and i have kick ass deal on parts. Also I have friends that are mechanic and that can always give me a hand.
I could do a list like you of things that werent written but I wont hijack your thread.:spam:
As for the white smoke It can be alot of things... If you are a mechanic, or like to learn i would recommend you buying a jdm vg30dett from an import company like this http://www.teknotik.com/product_sec..._disp.php?id=42 . Run your engine as is for the summer and then swap the engine during winter. If it can make you feel better I,ll post everything on my car that need to be fixed. ;) Unfortunately for you, a fairlady is one of the hardest car to work on... It really is a pain in the A... I wish you good luck and keep us updated :fingersx: :fingersx: |
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| kyuubi |
Hey Major Boost, Thanks for the reply,
did you get an MR2 or a Z? Could you list what you had to fix and repair on your car when it came in, so I have a better idea of what I should look over on the 15 year old car? I have only checked all of the fluids, not much else right now. The coolant tank was bone dry when the car first got here
:dunno: |
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| T-R |
Ouch .. that sucks. :(
I suppose thats how the broker cars are better in some aspects that you get a lot more pictures to look at and can ask some questions. |
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| Major_Boost |
quote:
Originally posted by kyuubi
Hey Major Boost, Thanks for the reply,
did you get an MR2 or a Z? Could you list what you had to fix and repair on your car when it came in, so I have a better idea of what I should look over on the 15 year old car? I have only checked all of the fluids, not much else right now. The coolant tank was bone dry when the car first got here
:dunno:
First of all there where like 8 holes on the trunk and 3 on each side of the rear wing due to the removal of the original spoiler. There werent any indication of that on the auction sheet. Else there are some scratch here and there... the right passager door was repainted with something that look like a 5 years old kid having fun with paint. The rims are in bad condition. As for mechanical problem, I havent really used the car so i dont know much about the engine... But otherwise the 2 inner tie rod in front need to be changed, link to sway bar, brake disk and pad everywhere and one light that was burned. And i ordered a mr2 btw ;) But I guess it is normal since it is a 15 years old car...
I,m looking for the out of province inspection to see what else need to be changed. |
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| T-R |
| Out of curiousity what grade was yours? |
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| Major_Boost |
quote:
Originally posted by T-R
Out of curiousity what grade was yours?
grade a |
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| redbaron303 |
Well Grade A = Accident grade. The cars been wrecked is what it means...would you expect much from a wrecked car?
Also when a decent Z32 locally (AB) sells for $12 000+ na, low mileage, are you expecting much out of a car that is under $10 000 (assuming you paid less than $10k for it). It's a buyers market, but don't forget YOU are taking a MAJOR risk and should understand that the car IS 15 years old, it's a sports car so chances are it's been driven REALLY hard, blah blah blah... count on the worst and be happy when the best arrives.
---> Feasibly you shouldn't be seeing any sort of auction sheet or other paperwork. The importer should relay all the information they have about the car to you and make claims about it's condition they can back up.
I feel it's important to do your research when buying a car and determine what sort of guarantees there are.
When I was with IC, we did a good job, so I felt. Since I've left, I seem to hear more complaints? Maybe my ears are just open more now??? |
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| redbaron303 |
| Oh - the reason I say there isn't a reason for you to see the auction sheet is because it is not your area of expertise and the importer should be able to translate the information and relay it to you. If you misread the auction sheet, you can't blame the importer for somethign you didn't understand (I'm not saying you don't know how to read one but many people don't and mis interpret too much and or assume too much for their own good). |
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| youngbex |
| tough break man....... |
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| mx73someday |
| There's almost nothing to translate on that auction sheet. Some things to consider are that each auction company is different, so you will see inconsticencies. And some auction companies don't care about older cars, so they rush them through, I know there is one that doesn't even bother to inspect them, they just put them all as Grade X and leave the sheet blank, those cars go to the "bargain" section of the auction and are sold as is. |
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| Major_Boost |
quote:
Originally posted by redbaron303
Well Grade A = Accident grade. The cars been wrecked is what it means...would you expect much from a wrecked car?
Also when a decent Z32 locally (AB) sells for $12 000+ na, low mileage, are you expecting much out of a car that is under $10 000 (assuming you paid less than $10k for it). It's a buyers market, but don't forget YOU are taking a MAJOR risk and should understand that the car IS 15 years old, it's a sports car so chances are it's been driven REALLY hard, blah blah blah... count on the worst and be happy when the best arrives.
---> Feasibly you shouldn't be seeing any sort of auction sheet or other paperwork. The importer should relay all the information they have about the car to you and make claims about it's condition they can back up.
I feel it's important to do your research when buying a car and determine what sort of guarantees there are.
When I was with IC, we did a good job, so I felt. Since I've left, I seem to hear more complaints? Maybe my ears are just open more now???
Oh sorry sir... From now on no one should buy grade a,b,x car since they are complete piece of shit in your book... As for the fact that there are more complaint its probably because they now sold more car since you are gone... There more you sell the more you get chances of complaints:asshole: |
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| youngbex |
| but the grade X cars are cheap and you COULD find a good one, but you never know......................... |
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| mx73someday |
| We imported a grade X (uninspected) car for our stock once and the gamble paid off. |
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| redbaron303 |
quote:
Originally posted by Major_Boost
Oh sorry sir... From now on no one should buy grade a,b,x car since they are complete piece of shit in your book... As for the fact that there are more complaint its probably because they now sold more car since you are gone... There more you sell the more you get chances of complaints:asshole:
I would say there are more complaints b/c a worse job is being done and they are allowing *shit* to be imported more so now than then... That's my opinion and I have my reasons for it, but you can use your imagination as I'm not here to validate myself; Christian can do that.
No people shouldn't by grade a,b, x cars unless they are willing to take on something that could turn into an expensive project. These cars can be good cars but there is a HUGE chance that they're piles of shit and the person importing them usually think they're amazing machines b/c a photo looks good and bitch, whine, and complain when it gets here and needs more than $20 in repairs :P And knowing that if it comes in with any huge misrepresentations then the importing company SHOULD be held liable for it and as an importer I don't want to be held liable for someones car.. but I guess IC is willing to take that chance now. |
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| youngbex |
quote:
Originally posted by redbaron303
I would say there are more complaints b/c a worse job is being done and they are allowing *shit* to be imported more so now than then... That's my opinion and I have my reasons for it, but you can use your imagination as I'm not here to validate myself; Christian can do that.
No people shouldn't by grade a,b, x cars unless they are willing to take on something that could turn into an expensive project. These cars can be good cars but there is a HUGE chance that they're piles of shit and the person importing them usually think they're amazing machines b/c a photo looks good and bitch, whine, and complain when it gets here and needs more than $20 in repairs :P And knowing that if it comes in with any huge misrepresentations then the importing company SHOULD be held liable for it and as an importer I don't want to be held liable for someones car.. but I guess IC is willing to take that chance now.
uhh how you figure that? if YOU want a grade X car and YOU pick it out from auctin and just use christians service to get it to canada how do you figure IC is liable for that car? it didnt even come from them?:confused: |
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| TrevorK |
quote:
Originally posted by youngbex
uhh how you figure that? if YOU want a grade X car and YOU pick it out from auctin and just use christians service to get it to canada how do you figure IC is liable for that car? it didnt even come from them?:confused:
Isn't IC the one on the bill of sale for the car?
If so, they are selling you the car.
Further, as a business, they are judged by what they bring in. If they let people bring in cars with a lot of hidden damage, people would have a different opinion of them. |
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| toyota_guy |
| wow u guys are scaring me away from importing a car.. |
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| kyuubi |
quote:
Originally posted by toyota_guy
wow u guys are scaring me away from importing a car..
You don't need to be that worried, but as with buying anything used, you have to be aware of what you may be paying for. You have to realise that with any 15 year old car, no matter how low mileage, there will always be something that you have to deal with... maybe minor, maybe major.
I think you can trust the cars you buy that have already landed in the IC yards though, since many of them are cleaned up and in good running order for test drives. |
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| redbaron303 |
There is no reason to be scared away from importing a car. There is a risk, but if you take the educated approach and figure out what you're looking to get, set criteria, and the importer agrees to meet this all for you there isn't any reason for you to have a problem. Also, get everything you want in writing and have both parties sign it as that creates a binding contract they must adhere to! :) It's for your protection and ours (as importers).
If you buy a 60 000km, grade 4.0 that is stated to be flawless less small scratches that is what you expect to get in, whereas something that isn't graded = who know what the F you're buying??? It's a huge chace to buy a lemon or a gem. Point being that it's all about representation and coming through with an accurate product! I've always felt that if I misrepresent something I should help the person out to fix the problem....
When importing there isn't anything to worry about. Any legitimate dealer in Alberta can't sell a lemon (unless you knowingly bought a lemon). You don't HAVE to take possession of the car unless it's what it's cracked up to be and your satisfied with it! This is where the "dealer/importer" comes in to effect, it is their job to make an accurate representation of what you're buying and tell you if you're taking a good chance with it or not... Review the Alberta lemon laws, etc.
Maybe have the car inspected next time you buy?
I feel sorry that you're dissatisfied with the car you've gotten (or appear to be) and I hope everythign works out well. But on the same token you gambled, so decide whether or not the house wins or you win....
The amount of JDM and German cars I've imported or been involved with importing of, and I must say I don't often run into super bad cars. Every car needs something, some attention in some way, shape, or form.... but not always is it expensive and time consuming! It could be as simple as new brakes and tires! I've always been happy with what I've been driving, what can I say other than I love these cars :D I like to gamble with these cars and see what I'm getting, it makes it a bit more interesting as an enthusiast! |
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| ehos |
| You get what you pay for. Mostly less, but never more. |
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| mx73someday |
This is more non-sense.
Buying a car with Import Concern is not risky. Auction sheets are mostly reliable, the only thing to remember is that these cars are not brand new, mileage and age are going to take a toll on all aspects of the car.
You can't criticize Import Concern for the cars that our customer's choose, some are willing to do the bodywork, some are willing to take on a project, some want cars that are modified, some don't care that a car has been in an accident. Maybe someone can't afford a perfect car, so they take the next best thing and they live with their decision. Everyone has unique criteria when it comes to selecting a vehicle, you can't say that someone is wrong because their criteria is different from your own.
I personally see nothing wrong with buying vehicles that have been in accidents, I just weigh the vehicle's pros a little bit more when deciding.
Only one out of over a hundred cars was rejected by the car's owner with Import Concern, and we accepted to buy the car back. |
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| T-R |
This may sound dumb, but how much have you driven your Z? Mine blew a lot of water out the back for the first few drives over the first couple days .. (1 way trips of 10-15kms). Like running out the back and leaving a trail if you stepped on the gas.
It was on a boat for like 3 weeks so I figured the condensation caused a lot of water buildup in the muffler and it took that long to boil off.
In the end I hope its nothing too major for you .. 3.5 is a pretty good grade. All the damages on my auction sheet matched up exactly to the damages on the car. |
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| i_go_nuts |
quote:
Originally posted by mx73someday
We imported a grade X (uninspected) car for our stock once and the gamble paid off.
Was that the silver auto GTS-t you sold in 2004?? Hahaha 'cause I bought it!! That car was sweet forsure- really fast for GTS for some reason |
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| i_go_nuts |
quote:
Originally posted by mx73someday
We imported a grade X (uninspected) car for our stock once and the gamble paid off.
Was that the silver auto GTS-t you sold in 2004?? Hahaha 'cause I bought it!! That car was sweet forsure- really fast for GTS for some reason |
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| mx73someday |
quote:
Originally posted by i_go_nuts
Was that the silver auto GTS-t you sold in 2004?? Hahaha 'cause I bought it!! That car was sweet forsure- really fast for GTS for some reason
Ya, that was the first GTS-t we stocked in Canada, it ran really well and was fast for an auto. I was definitely pleased with it. It just needed some bodywork. |
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| kyuubi |
| It turned out only to be a minor problem, there was a coolant leak and that was what was making the white smoke. Everything is perfect :D |
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| StraightSix |
| Good to hear, bit of a relief :thumbup: |
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| T-R |
Bet that made your day.
:thumbup: |
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| redbaron303 |
quote:
Originally posted by kyuubi
It turned out only to be a minor problem, there was a coolant leak and that was what was making the white smoke. Everything is perfect :D
:thumbup:
Very glad to hear your car is good! Enjoy it and drive it well :D |
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| ic_guru |
| Good, now to race down the street |
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| youngbex |
quote:
Originally posted by redbaron303
:thumbup:
Very glad to hear your car is good! Enjoy it and drive it well :D
your still around? oh my |
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| redbaron303 |
No cursing please. - Christian
Screw you! :P |
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| abej6 |
| dont even get me started about my auction sheet mishap. :mad: |
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| liel |
What I cannot understand is why you would rely completely on the auction sheets? Those inspectors inspect hundreds of cars per day and are bound to miss things here and there.
It's beyond me why people use exporters that don't physically inspect the cars before purchasing:lol: That is just asking for trouble..... |
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| mx73someday |
| You can rely on auction sheets, if the auction buyer (the exporter) finds problems with the car that aren't found on the sheet, then they can return the car. We've bought many cars at auction with only the 2 auction pictures and auction sheet, and we never had our exporter return a car. |
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| mx73someday |
quote:
Originally posted by abej6
dont even get me started about my auction sheet mishap. :mad:
quote:
Originally posted by 1sicsol
What happened?
Andrew, please explain the mistake. This was not an auction sheet mistake, it was our exporter's mistake. |
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| abej6 |
quote:
Originally posted by mx73someday
Andrew, please explain the mistake. This was not an auction sheet mistake, it was our exporter's mistake.
it was the exporters mistake about the auction sheet.
the '1' beside the '86000' kms was barely visable, and the exporter passed on the info that the car had 86,000 kms.
christian and importconcern, along with the exporter, have been kind enough to smoothe over the situation, and the car runs strong, but just with an extra 100000 unknown kilometers on the clock.
anyone in my position would be upset, and from a resale value perspective, im sure all can understand why this trouble gets me a little hot under the collar.
now, christian.. if we could only figure out that wheel situation :D
i sent you an email, just let me know whats up! Id rather hear bad news, then no news.
 to importconcern looking out for their customers best interest. |
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| 1sicsol |
| So your ok with the car having 180 000kms on it? What did import concern do for you in this situation? |
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| abej6 |
quote:
Originally posted by 1sicsol
So your ok with the car having 180 000kms on it? What did import concern do for you in this situation?
of course im not 'OK' with it. I waited 8 months for a car that i believed had 86000 kms on it.
The car was nicely priced, and buying it so early i was told was what brought the price down so much. If i had known at the time that the car had an extra 100000 kms, i would not have bought it, great price or not.
The car runs great, has normal troubles that one should expect from a car 15 years old. An extra 100,000 kms bothers me, but i guess im ok with the discount in price, service fee, and shipping quote that i got from christian.
Im happy with the car, happy with the way christian dealt with it ( other than being near impossible to get ahold of lately ) so i guess i take things as they come to me.
I really didnt know what to expect when importing, and this definitely wasnt something i saw happening, but life goes on right? Its a honda, ive had 2 allready that have run strong well past 200,000 kms.
-andrew |
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| 1sicsol |
| Well its good that things worked out, its great to see that a good customer service was used. |
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| abej6 |
quote:
Originally posted by 1sicsol
Well its good that things worked out, its great to see that a good customer service was used.
things havent worked out yet.
i won a set of mugen m7's from yahoo japan, they were supposed to be in my car. they werent.
i do appreciate IC getting them over here in my car, and i do realize that i got shipping free on them, and saved money doing so, my car was coming over anyhow, so why not fill it with wheels. :p
but, it was filled with wheels, just not the ones i ordred.
There were 6 wheels in my car, and when i went to pick it up, i left them with hansens.
I was told that my wheels would be found, and that the amount of the discount i recieved for the kilometer difference would cover the cost of the wheels when they were found. Christian found out that the wheels were in some guys skyline in winnipeg.
I am upset becauase i dont have the wheels yet, i cannot get ahold of christian, and i still havent recieved my discount.
I know you will read this christian, and when you do, just let me know whats up. Even if you dont know where the wheels are, id rather be kept in the loop, than sit here in the dark. I am okay with the wheels being the same price as the discount, and will gladly take the wheels instead of money, but so far, i havent got either.
once again, i thank IC for letting me bring the wheels over, and i thank them for getting me a discount because of the KM's, but id like to be kept up to date as to what is going on with the wheels.
make sense? i was just typing :p |
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| JZA70=crazy |
| yeah i bought a bmw 525i with grades 4 b 79 000km's.. not a single thing written in the damage box on the sheet.. shows up, the whole fuel system neded to be replaced, and it needed a new cat... The only thing was it hadent been registerd in the last 2 years... Learn from your mistakes i guess. |
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