Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lil hoodlum · 06-30-2011, 01:42 PM

Hello everyone! I need another truck like I need another hole in my head.

However, I am considering purchasing another 1968 c10 that is running and in driveable condition. I have only seen pictures of it (via internet) and talked with the gentleman who is selling. I feel fairly confident that the seller is honest and has been truthful about the trucks condition.

I am considering sending the money via Western Union and then arranging for an auto transport to pick it up and ship to me. As I said, the truck is in drivable condition and the owner does have a title.

Anything else I should do short of renting a car and making the 500 mile trip one-way?

Hopefully those with cooler heads can give me something else to think about>

Thank you,

Keith

Hottrucks · 06-30-2011, 01:47 PM

see if theres another board memeber near by and have them take a peek...I have asked and if asked would always say yes!! BUT ...Me I would take a pick up drive out there and drive it home.....take a few tools hit oneof the Jiffy lubes have them check the fluids and add some fresh oil and DRIVE IT HOME!!! done it alot of times...worse case is you'll have a great story to tell when your done with it!! and it will be cheaper than having it transported..Oh and the pick up makes a great tow rig if needed!! and still cheaper!!

MARKDTN · 06-30-2011, 01:47 PM

Find someone nearby the truck and have them look it over. Don't care how many photos you see, it never looks exactly like it in real life. The rest depends on the price. If you are buying for scrap value, you can buy sight unseen with no worries. If you are paying top dollar, you better go yourself. In between, you have to use your judgement. My .02

cdowns · 06-30-2011, 01:50 PM

i'd do what HOTTRUCKS said 500 miles isnt that much of a road trip

wild4wheels · 06-30-2011, 01:52 PM

I think I know of which you speak, and if it is the same truck, I would be tempted too. I once bought a Toyota Pickup sight unseen, was dissappointed when I did get. Had the guy just taken "honest" pictures, i.e. taken 2 steps closer ...a lot of frustration could have been avoided. I'm actually looking at starting a business to deal with this exact problem. Good Luck.

faribran · 06-30-2011, 01:53 PM

Keith,
where is the truck located.... there might be a member very close.

lil hoodlum · 06-30-2011, 02:17 PM

The truck is in Hays, Kansas. The owner told me he drove it for an hour and a half straight just last week.

I know, I know, maybe it just spun a rod or the tranny went out during the last trip. It is a $1000 truck though. Yeah a grand is still alot of dough but I somehow I imagine the truck to be drivable and in "fair" condition. I would expect it to need some work.

HotTrucks, I would love to just drive up there and pick it up and drive home in it. I think it would be fun and a great way to see a part of middle America.
I am also considering renting a U-Haul with trailer and just driving it up and trailoring it back. I've never towed anything before so I'm a little nervous about that.

Keith

lil hoodlum · 06-30-2011, 02:24 PM

a few pictures.

Keith

lil hoodlum · 06-30-2011, 02:35 PM

Quotes for transport vary from $340 to $600. Time frame from 1 to 2 weeks pickup and delivery to priority 1 to 10 days pickup to delivery.

I guess my biggest concern is if I act impatiently and rush through with this I might regret it later on.

Oh well, it's only money right? Good thing I planted a money tree out back recently.

Keith

wild4wheels · 06-30-2011, 02:30 PM

Quote
"I am also considering renting a U-Haul with trailer and just driving it up and trailoring it back. I've never towed anything before so I'm a little nervous about that."

Hey man, I did it, did a local rental and a car trailer, (unlimited mileage of course) Penske or Ryder, ..NOT Uhaul..drove from Cedar Rapids, Ia to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to pick up a wrecked 5 series Bimmer. That is through Chicago, during rush hour..broken passenger mirror on the truck...NO PRIOR TOWING EXPERIENCE..I think evrybody lived..not sure about those folks in the mini van.. but my point is, You can do it! I think $300-$400 bucks and I was back home that night. (BTW, Get the insurance)

wild4wheels · 06-30-2011, 02:33 PM

LOVE THE TRUCK! (not the same one I was thinking) I'd like to find something like that here in AZ for that kind of dough..That would be $2995 here on Phoenix Craigslist

72freak · 06-30-2011, 02:36 PM

I have probably bought over 20 vehicles sight unseen. Including the JUNKERS , the owners descriptions were WAY off on all of them. As long as you go into it with its price way lower than its worth and know its not going to be as described you will be fine! With my commercial trucks I have started having a truck shop look at them ahead of time. Go to USHIP.com for transport and oplan on $600

lil hoodlum · 06-30-2011, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild4wheels

Quote
"I am also considering renting a U-Haul with trailer and just driving it up and trailoring it back. I've never towed anything before so I'm a little nervous about that."

Hey man, I did it, did a local rental and a car trailer, (unlimited mileage of course) Penske or Ryder, ..NOT Uhaul..drove from Cedar Rapids, Ia to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to pick up a wrecked 5 series Bimmer. That is through Chicago, during rush hour..broken passenger mirror on the truck...NO PRIOR TOWING EXPERIENCE..I think evrybody lived..not sure about those folks in the mini van.. but my point is, You can do it! I think $300-$400 bucks and I was back home that night. (BTW, Get the insurance)

That is a one heck of a story.

I really appreciate the advise. I am considering.

Keith

Steve Hafner · 06-30-2011, 02:40 PM

I sold a classic car 10 years ago for "A LOT OF MONEY" and the guy who bought it only had seen pictures on the internet ( they did show details though ) The money was in my account BEFORE he sent his driver 1000 miles to pick it up in an inclosed trailer. ( see picture below ) He called to tell me he was pleased with it when it arrived at his home . . . and I haven't heard from him SINCE - It can work !!! GOOD LUCK !!!

Autoblueprint · 06-30-2011, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

I would expect it to need some work.

You better BELIEVE it WILL need work, in today's economy $1K does not buy very much...but I would want to see photos of the undercarriage / frame BEFORE I sent any money.

If the frame / undercarriage is ok...I'd just arrange transport and have the truck delivered. I'd save the road trip / haul-it-yourself money for another day / another truck.

I'd offer $800.00 if it has a good frame and clear title and have the truck transported to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68chevyLQ4

There is ALWAYS surprises. some not so bad..some would have been deal breakers had I known.

X2...( like a bent / rusted frame surprise )

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72freak

As long as you go into it with its price way lower than its worth and know its not going to be as described you will be fine!

X2

johndawelder · 06-30-2011, 07:41 PM

Go get it and have a good time.

BlackTopMotors · 07-01-2011, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johndawelder

Go get it and have a good time.

x2

I like Longhorns advice about things to bring. Have Fun!
.
.
.

68chevyLQ4 · 06-30-2011, 02:34 PM

I have bought roughly 10 cars/trucks sight unseen on ebay (just pics). There is ALWAYS surprises. some not so bad..some would have been deal breakers had I known.

Go get it yourself if at all possible. Only advice I can give.. Or like others have said try to find a member here to check it out for you..

goodluck

Hottrucks · 06-30-2011, 02:37 PM

hell a 4 speed and a radio I'm in it!! what can go wrong start it stick it in high gear and let it roll!! you can baby most anything 500 miles

lil hoodlum · 06-30-2011, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hottrucks

hell a 4 speed and a radio I'm in it!! what can go wrong start it stick it in high gear and let it roll!! you can baby most anything 500 miles

Hottrucks, if I can't baby it for 500 miles, I guess I would have one hell of an adventure to share with you guys with lots of pics.

Keith

Hottrucks · 06-30-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

Hottrucks, if I can't baby it for 500 miles, I guess I would have one hell of an adventure to share with you guys with lots of pics.

Keith

Hey Kieth If I had time I could tell you some stories about trips but never any really bad ones about getting vechicals..mostly after I had "FIXED" them..

Now I would like the guys contact info because I think I want that car behind your new truck?? Maybe on your road trip you could check that out for me???

Jeff

kcsa75 · 06-30-2011, 02:48 PM

I used to live in Hays, Kansas. For the most part, they are fine, upstanding and honest folks there. Having said that, don't wire the money via Western Union. If something should go wrong, you have no other recourse than to hunt the guy down. I would use PayPal.

Also, I would request a fax or email a copy of the title along with a photo of the VIN so that you can be sure they match and that the vehicle isn't stolen.

I knew a guy here in KC that bought a truck on eBay from a guy "supposedly in Texas". He met the guy somewhere in Oklahoma, gave him $18K cash and got the truck. Turns out, when he went to register the truck it was stolen. So he was out his $18K and the police took the truck!

68chevyLQ4 · 06-30-2011, 04:04 PM

yeah western union is a big no no....

BB72CHEVKT · 06-30-2011, 04:19 PM

If you live in Denton I would just find a local truck. There should be plently in the area.

lil hoodlum · 06-30-2011, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB72CHEVKT

If you live in Denton I would just find a local truck. There should be plently in the area.

There are plenty of 67-72 chevy?GMC trucks in my area and the DFW area, just look in the craigslist to find em. However, most of the listings for trucks at or around $1000-1500 are what I think are mostly junkers and many of them do not have motor and transmissions.

I just can't wrap my head around the idea that a non-operable vehicle with no motor and trans can be worth more than $1000. I probably wouldn't pay that much for one.

I have pretty much decided from everyone else's experience buying a mostly complete original truck is the way to go. I do expect for any original survivor truck to have some minor issues if it is still operable.

I just hope that my expectations are not to far off of the mark.

Keith

06-30-2011, 01:42 PM	#1
lil hoodlum Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 1,696	Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? Hello everyone! I need another truck like I need another hole in my head. However, I am considering purchasing another 1968 c10 that is running and in driveable condition. I have only seen pictures of it (via internet) and talked with the gentleman who is selling. I feel fairly confident that the seller is honest and has been truthful about the trucks condition. I am considering sending the money via Western Union and then arranging for an auto transport to pick it up and ship to me. As I said, the truck is in drivable condition and the owner does have a title. Anything else I should do short of renting a car and making the 500 mile trip one-way? Hopefully those with cooler heads can give me something else to think about> Thank you, Keith

06-30-2011, 01:47 PM	#2
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? see if theres another board memeber near by and have them take a peek...I have asked and if asked would always say yes!! BUT ...Me I would take a pick up drive out there and drive it home.....take a few tools hit oneof the Jiffy lubes have them check the fluids and add some fresh oil and DRIVE IT HOME!!! done it alot of times...worse case is you'll have a great story to tell when your done with it!! and it will be cheaper than having it transported..Oh and the pick up makes a great tow rig if needed!! and still cheaper!! __________________ 1970 C10 CST fleetside 472 ....big dreams little cash... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335721 SunShine Syndicate.. Mikes Sandwich Fair Run OCT 8th 2011 http://www.thesandwichfair.com/html/...auto_show.html

06-30-2011, 01:47 PM	#3
MARKDTN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 2,134	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? Find someone nearby the truck and have them look it over. Don't care how many photos you see, it never looks exactly like it in real life. The rest depends on the price. If you are buying for scrap value, you can buy sight unseen with no worries. If you are paying top dollar, you better go yourself. In between, you have to use your judgement. My .02 __________________ '83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project

06-30-2011, 01:50 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? i'd do what HOTTRUCKS said 500 miles isnt that much of a road trip __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

06-30-2011, 01:52 PM	#5
wild4wheels Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Queen Creek, Arizona Posts: 1,626	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? I think I know of which you speak, and if it is the same truck, I would be tempted too. I once bought a Toyota Pickup sight unseen, was dissappointed when I did get. Had the guy just taken "honest" pictures, i.e. taken 2 steps closer ...a lot of frustration could have been avoided. I'm actually looking at starting a business to deal with this exact problem. Good Luck. __________________ Dave aka "Wild" Current truck "Ida Mae" 71 K5 Blazer Former Trucks "Loretta" 71 Longbed (AZ) "Tanya" 69 Stepside (AZ) "Ferdinand" 71 Longhorn (SD) "Patches" 67 Panel (IA/ KY) "Rosita" 68 C30 (KY) Instagram @Wildforwheels @k5_klub @c10university Profile pic provided by Jeff Sundance

06-30-2011, 01:53 PM	#6
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? Keith, where is the truck located.... there might be a member very close. __________________ "

06-30-2011, 02:17 PM	#7
lil hoodlum Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 1,696	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? The truck is in Hays, Kansas. The owner told me he drove it for an hour and a half straight just last week. I know, I know, maybe it just spun a rod or the tranny went out during the last trip. It is a $1000 truck though. Yeah a grand is still alot of dough but I somehow I imagine the truck to be drivable and in "fair" condition. I would expect it to need some work. HotTrucks, I would love to just drive up there and pick it up and drive home in it. I think it would be fun and a great way to see a part of middle America. I am also considering renting a U-Haul with trailer and just driving it up and trailoring it back. I've never towed anything before so I'm a little nervous about that. Keith

06-30-2011, 02:24 PM	#8
lil hoodlum Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 1,696	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? a few pictures. Keith Attached Images

06-30-2011, 02:35 PM	#9
lil hoodlum Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 1,696	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? Quotes for transport vary from $340 to $600. Time frame from 1 to 2 weeks pickup and delivery to priority 1 to 10 days pickup to delivery. I guess my biggest concern is if I act impatiently and rush through with this I might regret it later on. Oh well, it's only money right? Good thing I planted a money tree out back recently. Keith

06-30-2011, 02:30 PM	#10
wild4wheels Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Queen Creek, Arizona Posts: 1,626	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? Quote "I am also considering renting a U-Haul with trailer and just driving it up and trailoring it back. I've never towed anything before so I'm a little nervous about that." Hey man, I did it, did a local rental and a car trailer, (unlimited mileage of course) Penske or Ryder, ..NOT Uhaul..drove from Cedar Rapids, Ia to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to pick up a wrecked 5 series Bimmer. That is through Chicago, during rush hour..broken passenger mirror on the truck...NO PRIOR TOWING EXPERIENCE..I think evrybody lived..not sure about those folks in the mini van.. but my point is, You can do it! I think $300-$400 bucks and I was back home that night. (BTW, Get the insurance) __________________ Dave aka "Wild" Current truck "Ida Mae" 71 K5 Blazer Former Trucks "Loretta" 71 Longbed (AZ) "Tanya" 69 Stepside (AZ) "Ferdinand" 71 Longhorn (SD) "Patches" 67 Panel (IA/ KY) "Rosita" 68 C30 (KY) Instagram @Wildforwheels @k5_klub @c10university Profile pic provided by Jeff Sundance

06-30-2011, 02:33 PM	#11
wild4wheels Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Queen Creek, Arizona Posts: 1,626	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? LOVE THE TRUCK! (not the same one I was thinking) I'd like to find something like that here in AZ for that kind of dough..That would be $2995 here on Phoenix Craigslist __________________ Dave aka "Wild" Current truck "Ida Mae" 71 K5 Blazer Former Trucks "Loretta" 71 Longbed (AZ) "Tanya" 69 Stepside (AZ) "Ferdinand" 71 Longhorn (SD) "Patches" 67 Panel (IA/ KY) "Rosita" 68 C30 (KY) Instagram @Wildforwheels @k5_klub @c10university Profile pic provided by Jeff Sundance

06-30-2011, 02:36 PM	#12
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? I have probably bought over 20 vehicles sight unseen. Including the JUNKERS , the owners descriptions were WAY off on all of them. As long as you go into it with its price way lower than its worth and know its not going to be as described you will be fine! With my commercial trucks I have started having a truck shop look at them ahead of time. Go to USHIP.com for transport and oplan on $600 __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere! Last edited by 72freak; 06-30-2011 at 02:37 PM.

06-30-2011, 02:40 PM	#14
Steve Hafner Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Northport, Alabama Posts: 1,353	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? I sold a classic car 10 years ago for "A LOT OF MONEY" and the guy who bought it only had seen pictures on the internet ( they did show details though ) The money was in my account BEFORE he sent his driver 1000 miles to pick it up in an inclosed trailer. ( see picture below ) He called to tell me he was pleased with it when it arrived at his home . . . and I haven't heard from him SINCE - It can work !!! GOOD LUCK !!! Attached Images __________________ . . . . Life is short . . . we only have, right now. . . . . My 70 C-10's BUILD THREAD: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=475526

06-30-2011, 07:41 PM	#16
johndawelder Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Loudon,TN Posts: 101	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? Go get it and have a good time.

06-30-2011, 02:34 PM	#18
68chevyLQ4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: California Posts: 126	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? I have bought roughly 10 cars/trucks sight unseen on ebay (just pics). There is ALWAYS surprises. some not so bad..some would have been deal breakers had I known. Go get it yourself if at all possible. Only advice I can give.. Or like others have said try to find a member here to check it out for you.. goodluck __________________ 68 Chevy C-10. swb fleetside. 6.0 4L80E swap. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=460877



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06-30-2011, 02:37 PM	#19
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? hell a 4 speed and a radio I'm in it!! what can go wrong start it stick it in high gear and let it roll!! you can baby most anything 500 miles __________________ 1970 C10 CST fleetside 472 ....big dreams little cash... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335721 SunShine Syndicate.. Mikes Sandwich Fair Run OCT 8th 2011 http://www.thesandwichfair.com/html/...auto_show.html

06-30-2011, 02:48 PM	#22
kcsa75 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kansas City Posts: 3,590	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? I used to live in Hays, Kansas. For the most part, they are fine, upstanding and honest folks there. Having said that, don't wire the money via Western Union. If something should go wrong, you have no other recourse than to hunt the guy down. I would use PayPal. Also, I would request a fax or email a copy of the title along with a photo of the VIN so that you can be sure they match and that the vehicle isn't stolen. I knew a guy here in KC that bought a truck on eBay from a guy "supposedly in Texas". He met the guy somewhere in Oklahoma, gave him $18K cash and got the truck. Turns out, when he went to register the truck it was stolen. So he was out his $18K and the police took the truck! __________________ Willie Swamp Angel Truckers '72 C10 Highlander *People who blindly follow a GPS end up on television programs on The Weather Channel. Some survive, some don't.* Last edited by kcsa75; 06-30-2011 at 10:38 PM.

06-30-2011, 04:04 PM	#23
68chevyLQ4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: California Posts: 126	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? yeah western union is a big no no.... __________________ 68 Chevy C-10. swb fleetside. 6.0 4L80E swap. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=460877

06-30-2011, 04:19 PM	#24
BB72CHEVKT Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hideaway, TX Posts: 4,948	Re: Advice needed. Who has bought a vehicle sight unseen? If you live in Denton I would just find a local truck. There should be plently in the area. __________________ 71 Suburban 350/700R4 Project Trixie 72 CHEVY,Highlander,SWB,396,T400

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