Looking for internet P.I.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by pinkreef

principal owner ALTAF SIAL
couple of red flags
one search says the business is closed
one search says 19-20 employees
but all reviews are in reference to your salesperson garcia

What searches are you using?

[pinkreef]

i used the address of the business
got the name of owner
checked bbb
i used the name of the business to get the reviews
checked the name and saw nothing unusual

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by pinkreef

i used the address of the business
got the name of owner
checked bbb
i used the name of the business to get the reviews
checked the name and saw nothing unusual

Yeah that's what I did but didn't see anything relating the business being closed.

[fencer]

Go down and inspect the vehicle yourself.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by fencer

Go down and inspect the vehicle yourself.

Yeah ideally however the cost of doing so with flights, accommodations, and lost time of work is close to a couple grand. If the business is legit and as it appears I see no need for that, the agreement would state 30 day refundable deposit based on inspection.

Really, beside flying down there I'm curious what actions can be taken to insure the deal goes smoothly.

[ScubaSteve]

I'd start with a CarFax report on the VIN to see if anything comes up that way.

As for the business, it might be possible to hire an independent to verify the business. I do this with manufacturers in China. I get someone to go to the manufacturer to verify the business, sometimes inspect the product and make sure everything is legit. Only costs me $150!

Maybe try to find a mechanic or someone like I mentioned above in their area to go check out the place. $150 is a drop in the bucket for the car and is far less than a flight or being scammed the full price of a car.

[MarkoD]

I've had friends that did this. And it ended up not being worth it.

By the time you pay duties (If not American), GST, turn on day time running lights. Switch over to km, out of country inspection etc. it ends up eating up the savings.

And my rule of thumb for buying things online is : if it seems too good to be true, it probably is..... Unless you can verify it yourself