Thanks for the welcome!
Well, it's not off to a great start. I've bought and sold some cars in my time, and there's occasionally the person like this, that doesn't quite comprehend that when you don't answer questions a potential buyer asks, that you're not giving the buyer any confidence in your car.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/3441769169.html
Here's the email exchange. I love the vagueness of "it just needs a major tune up"!
When I sell cars, I have every receipt for everything that I've done to it, a timeline of when the work was done, and lots of pictures to email potential buyers. I feel like if you're asking someone to hand over several thousand dollars for something you're selling...then you need to
sell the damn thing!!!!
Me:
Hello!
I was curious if your Fiat 124 spider is still for sale. If so, I was wondering if you could send me some more photos of it (exterior, interior, engine bay, trunk, etc). It's almost an hour drive to Fuquay for me, so I'd want to make sure it's worth the drive to check out the car.
Also, I have a few questions about the car.
1. Is there any rust? Any at all anywhere on the car?
2. Does the engine run well? Any misfiring, flatspots, hesitation on acceleration, etc?
3. How are the brakes? When was the last time the brake fluid and pads were changed?
4. How old are the tires?
5. Has the timing belt been changed?
6. How is the transmission? Any crunching, grinding, or slipping?
Thanks for your time.
Cheers,
-Dustin
Seller:
Yes it is, however it sounds like you're looking for a new car.
Me:
I'm just curious on the condition to get a sense of what work it would need.
These are pretty standard questions anyone buying a vintage car should ask.
If you don't want to answer them, then I'm skeptical on the condition of the car.
I already own a '74 Triumph TR6 and a '74 Karmann Ghia (which is my daily driver), so I know how these old cars are.
Seller:
The car is in great condition. The only requirement is a major tune up. I have not driven the Fiat in about 18 months.
If you would like to see the car let me know. Happy to show it..