Thanks for sending this Vid our way Hemi.
Yes , sadly the classic car game is littered with stories like that one. (Bondo Bongo!) It's strictly a buyer beware situation for the purchasers, that's for sure!
It's very important to try and find an independent, and reputable inspection company to carry out a comprehensive report on any vehicle you intend to purchase. It's money well spent for all the right reasons. Even if you are a super savvy car guy, there will be things you will miss out on noticing about the car you intend on buying.
Just for the record, all the American cars i have looked at purchasing from America and Australia over the last 12 years, (around about ten or so cars) i have gone to the trouble and expense of employing American and Australian independent car inspection companies to carry out comprehensive inspections of every vehicle i was serious on buying. Only three cars made it through the gate keeper.
I have tried a few different companies for this task. Some were ok,and others were not good companies to deal with,as their inspections were not accurate or detailed enough to be relied on sadly. Finding a really good company can be quite tricky. Beware of any inspection company affiliated with the seller in any way. You will not be getting an honest, unbiased report.
All of the cars i had inspected,bar three, i turned down, because they were not up to scratch as they were advertised to be. The list took in private and used car sellers as well. I have spent a couple of thousand dollars on car inspections over the years, but the end results have certainly paid off for me big time. Since 2011, i have sold on two American cars to Australian buyers. My approach with any purchaser, is to be as honest and transparent as possible to them with the sale. I always say that you can come and have a coffee and a chat any time in the future with me if you want for an open discussion regards anything. My door is always open in that regard.
I also promote to them, that they are welcome to get an indepenant inspection carried out on the car that i am selling on. It's interesting to note that in the two cars i have sold on, both purchasers turned down the opprotunity of getting both cars independently inspected. That was their risk that they were willing to take. As it turned out of course, they didn't get diddled by me, and everything turned out well for them and for me. I still think that they should have gotten inspections anyway.
Always remember the wise old saying ........................................ All that glitters ain't Gold!
Greg.