would you buy a car from . . . ?

[eric wissing]

I found a car in Hemmings. I contacted the owner. He gave me the name of the garage that worked on it. All sounded very good. The pictures were good. He is a lawyer. That made me a bit nervous. That doesn't sound fair but they worry me. I decided to google his name. I discovered that he was suspended by his state's law board for two years. I couldn't find out his violation of ethics. The details are all buried in case studies that can only be accessed by members of the web sites. It must have been bad or atleast interesting because it is cited many times. I have even booked a flight to pick up the car. He is very friendly on the phone BUT!! Damn. Hard call for me to make because the car seems very nice. Do I back out , do I ask him about the suspension? Thanks, a bit off topic. Eric

[Guest flathead6]

The fact that you have the question says a lot...

I bought a car in Cleveland drove it 60 miles. An electrical problem stopped me in my tracks. The seller said he had driven the car daily. When I picked the car the rotors were covered with rust. I knew there was something was amiss and I should have run but I drove on instead. I got my money back but it stunk to high heaven. I spent more time than I wanted in Cleveland . (FYI, I do like Ohio, I just don't live there.)

My point when it smells, it could really stink! Risk vs. reward? If you are betting the farm, can you live with the loss! Your call.

Steve my 2 cents

[Guest 51plymouthod]

He's not gonna tell you the truth about the suspension.

If you really like the car, I'd check that title with a fine-tooth comb before paying him one red cent. I'd go so far as taking the title to the County's tax office (whatever they call the office where titles are transferred in that particular State) AND MAKE SURE it's clean as a whistle.

If it's clean and they will transfer it into your name; if the car is priced right for you; and if it's what you want; then get it.

I think it says something in the Book about being innocent like a lamb, but clever like a fox...something like that. Great advice; especially when you're dealing with a lawyer.

I have to deal with lawyers every day. More than a few have proven to me to be persons you can trust...but then, there's the rest of them!

[claybill]

the only suspension i would worry abut is the one on the car.

if it looks good and a real good price, go see it. education isnt cheap, that i know from experience. point #1 check the title and the numbers, (the number plate)and in his name. you can check this out over the phone or by fax..

bill

[Brad Lustig]

Oh come on, not all lawyers are bad. It's just that 99% of them give the rest a bad name.

Is the car really rare? A price you can't turn down?

[claybill]

eric...you are in iowa...where is the car? one of us on the forum must live close. maybe....we can take a look.

hey if the price is right buy it.....just get someone else to settle your divorce!

bill

[Norm's Coupe]

Eric,

I always go by one old saying when looking at something, or someone. "You can't judge a book by it's cover." No telling why the guy got his law license suspended. It could have been something like talking back to a judge in court too may times, etc., which has no bearing on the guy as an individual or the car he's selling.

Plus when it comes to buying a car, you're buying the car, not the person selling it. Rule number one when buying any car, especially a used one is, don't take anyone's word for anything. You have to check the car out yourself, and take it to your own mechanic if you want to, not theirs.

I'd say if you are really interested in this car, then you should at least make the trip to look at it. If you still like the car and price, then buy it. That holds true even if the the seller is in prison for the rest of his life.

Another thing to keep in mind on this particular deal. If the lawyer lost his license to practice, he's also lost his source of good income. It may be a case of where he feels he just needs the money, so he's selling off a few of his un needed assets to raise money to live on, or pay bills. So, again I wouldn't worry about the guys personal problems, just the car itself.

[Normspeed]

I'm with Norm on this. I would treat it like any other used car purchase, look at everything closely, especially the title and vin number, make sure the mechanic has no liens on the vehicle, and if it starts to smell, walk away.

My only additional thought is, it takes a LOT for a lawyer to get his license suspended. The wheels of the oversight group turn very slowly if at all. Chances are he did something really outrageous, or something mildly outrageous repeatedly:D

[eric wissing]

Thanks for all of the advice. This is a good sounding board. If the car was closer it would all be easier. He had a two year suspension that is all I know. I do know that it sure isn't easy to get suspended. I know the car and the man are two different things but character does matter. Maybe he just had personal problems drinking, drugs etc. That wouldn't bother me as much as cheating people out of their money. A good lawyer is a great thing. I wouldn't toss them all in the same boat. The bads ones make a lot of money for the good ones. Again thanks. Eric

[Plymouthy Adams]

An come on guys..you buy cars from CAR DEALERS....chances are if this lawyer loses his license he will be qualified to sell cars...

[Normspeed]

Eric, let us know how it works out.

[Normspeed]

Or run for public office...

An come on guys..you buy cars from CAR DEALERS....chances are if this lawyer loses his license he will be qualified to sell cars...

[Young Ed]

Tim brings up a very good point. Good memories of the little chat Dad and I had before my good friend and I went car shopping for him. (I've actually never bought a car from a dealer) Basically something along the lines of used car salesmen are soulless humans and nothing you say will offend them. Its pretty true!

[Don Coatney]

We could get a retainer from Lou.

[blueskies]

I swore after buying a car sight unseen that I'd never do it again...

After the second time I did it, I'm convinced.

If it's really a car you are willing to buy, it's worth a plane ticket to go check it out with a fine tooth comb before you buy it. If it doesn't fit the bill after you have had a chance to drive it and look it over very carefully, fly back home without it, money still in your pocket.

Pete

[Plymouthy Adams]

There are as many if not more individual owners that will lie and cheat you as there are professional salesmen. It is always buyer beware...buying sight unseen is a gamble at any time. buying on the word of another person is risky at best...only real true method is use a professional appraiser, bonded, there is a slim chance for recoupment with them. I bought two cars over the net sight unseen, pleased with both deals...I have walked away from many a deal also...bad feelings...you can trust your instinct more than you think..In the case of "I gotta have it"...welll..just be prepared admit you asked for it...car buying is always a tad of gamble...if it is mechanical it is subject to and often will break down...if you are able to view this car in person, test drive it, paperwork in order..price is right...terms agreed to..never know what may or may be the reason for investigation on the mans character. I think that poor DA in NC is regretting some of his agressiveness now that lots more facts have come to light...his quick shot to fame and fortune, possible political advancement just bit him in the butt.

[Norm's Coupe]

I swore after buying a car sight unseen that I'd never do it again...

After the second time I did it, I'm convinced.

If it's really a car you are willing to buy, it's worth a plane ticket to go check it out with a fine tooth comb before you buy it. If it doesn't fit the bill after you have had a chance to drive it and look it over very carefully, fly back home without it, money still in your pocket.

Pete

I agree with Pete 100% on his comment. You have to look for yourself, "IN PERSON".

I know many guys would be willing to take a look at the car if it was close to them. I myself would do that if ask. However, no offense to anyone but what one person thinks looks good and is a good deal, another person won't think so. It's like a food or movie critic saying a movie or food is bad someplace. I may have a totally different opinion though and think it's great. Only you know what is good for you and what you like when you see it, so only you can make the decision. AND THAT INCLUDES APPRAISERS, again I would want to see it myself regardless of what an appraiser said. Even if that person looking for me was my wife or a close relative, I still want to see something first before I make a decision to buy it. It's not that I wouldn't trust those people, it's just that I may not like what they like.

All that said, you could still have someone look first for you, but I would still make the trip before closing the deal, to see for myself.

[1just4don]

I do second or third or whatever line I am in for asking somebody close,,At least find out IF there is anyone close. That would go take a look for the first look see. IF you get a real bad vib and info then dont bother to journey out,,,might save ya lots of miles if its obviously a scammer or 'stretched' truth.

Guess it makes a difference if you are trailering TO it or you intended to fly there and 'drive' home??? Is it in THAT good of shape to long travel??? That is the biggest risk I see.

I guess you could always CALL another lawyer in that town to represent you and get a second opinion of whats what. Problem is they all sleep eat and drink together so might get biased opinion from a 'friend' or a big line from a foe!! Only thing worse than one lawyer is a whole room full of them!!! At monthly bar meetings they used to get drunk and trade cases(who got what),,,why would I think THAT has changed. I guess the names they call their own clients there are appalling!!!(I used to work with a lady who had an ex-husband who did just that!!)

Hope this all works out for you,you get it bought right,and it turns out to be a jewel just needing a bit of spit and polish!!!

[eric wissing]

Well, I e-mailed him that I was going to walk away from the deal. He was upset because I had given my "word" but being a lawyer he was used to people like me. Oh, well. So it goes. If Ilived closer I could have done more to check it out. Maybe a good one got away. I was going to buy it for pleasure. That was already tainted. Thanks for all of the input. Eric

[Normspeed]

If that was his response I would guess you made the right choice.

[1just4don]

I looked on hemmings site and found several beauties over there. Where was the car at,,,now you have decided NOT to?? I just saw a really GOOD looking 48 Desoto over on the bay just south of us that wasnt out of mind,pricewise,,,yet but ending pretty soon . A rust free car with original paint is pretty rare. GOOD luck on finding something good,close,and priced right!!-d-

[Norm's Coupe]

Well, I e-mailed him that I was going to walk away from the deal. He was upset because I had given my "word" but being a lawyer he was used to people like me. Oh, well. So it goes. If Ilived closer I could have done more to check it out. Maybe a good one got away. I was going to buy it for pleasure. That was already tainted. Thanks for all of the input. Eric

You may be right, maybe you did let a good one get away. One will never know now. So........I wouldn't worry about if a good one got away or not at this point, or the sellers parting comment, and just forget it. You did what you thought you had to do.

[DAVE KNOXX TENN]

Well, I e-mailed him that I was going to walk away from the deal. He was upset because I had given my "word" but being a lawyer he was used to people like me. Oh, well. So it goes. If Ilived closer I could have done more to check it out. Maybe a good one got away. I was going to buy it for pleasure. That was already tainted. Thanks for all of the input. Eric

A Nother One Bites The Dust !!!!!!

[PatS....]

Well, I e-mailed him that I was going to walk away from the deal. He was upset because I had given my "word" but being a lawyer he was used to people like me. Oh, well. So it goes. If Ilived closer I could have done more to check it out. Maybe a good one got away. I was going to buy it for pleasure. That was already tainted. Thanks for all of the input. Eric

After that comment, I'm sure you did the right thing. There's lots more cars out there

[Brad Lustig]

After his comment, you should have sunk to his level and called him a "poo poo head", but then he probably would've said, "Takes one to know one". Sounds like you made a good call.