I have a 68 Vert and have recently had an itch to get a 3rd gen so I started looking about 2 weeks ago. Checked some local ads, ebay, collectorcar etc. I'm looking for an IROC or Z with ttops or convert with low miles and have been willing to pay a fair price. I live in LA so there are a few around locally. I've looked at several and it's amazing how people have different definitions of immaculate, show quality, mint, yada yada yada.

I found an 86 z with T-tops with under 20k miles Seemed to good to be true but I had to call. Older guy that seemed honest enough and insisted on its originality, no rust, bodywork, original paint and miles were as stated. I advised I would run a carfax and call him back. He said the report will show inconsistent odo because when they smog the car they assume it is over 100k since the car is so old so they wrote the wrong # down. I've heard that before so I ran it and sure enough it reported inconsistent miles. I should have left it alone at that point but I did'nt. The guy was about 2 1/2 hours away so rather than drive down, spend $80 on gas I figure I'd send a local mechanic for $160 to check it out. Before I did that, i called the seller back and asked if he had anything else he wanted to tell me before I invest $$$ to inspect. Is he sure of the miles??? No accidents??? Rust??? Bondo??? He held to his story... so I sent the mechanic. Turned out the car was over 100k, rust, bondo, replaced door, paint was nice but no where near worth what he was asking. So needless to say I'm a bit irritated that people can flat out lie like that. I gave him every opportunity to tell me, Yea I got a buyer, or this car isn't for you. Anyway, my question is has anyone posted negative comments on a car fax? I kinda feel like this guys owes me the $160. I have yet to call him (if I even do). Do you guys have any thoughts?

 

how much do u trust this mechanic? he might have really liked the car and want to get it for himself, mayb he told you all that and the guy so he could pick it up himself....just my idea!

 

Sounds like he is going to work for Rice-a-Roni down in Miami.

"There's something about Mary" reference.

 

 

I thought of that too. I don't really know the mechanic but it seemed too good to be true and car fax showed title changing hands a several times w/ inconsistent odo. I should've gone with my gut but I couldn't resist. The seller held to his story from day 1 and questioned the mechanics credibility as well. Seller didn't seem to know much about the car. Its still for sale on Collectorcartrader for $9,500, its a gray 86 z in San Diego. I put a comment on the Carfax since the car is still listed for sale w/17k original miles, advised 3rd party mechanic looked car over.

Classic Something About Mary Reference btw.