holding a car until spring

[Topher5150]

So I got in touch with an old timer about buying a car off him. As of right now it's sitting behind his building in the snow on some cinder blocks. He said it would be fine if sent him some money to hold it until everything thaws out a little bit. I planned on going down there next week to look at it and give him a down payment. Would something like a hand written bill of sale be sufficient enough. I never bought anything this way before and I like to make sure all my bases are covered.

[rockfla]

A word of Advice from a close friend "Seal the Deal"! Absolutely NO do not give a deposit and walk away......two months from now you'll get you're deposit back and a "sorry but someone gave me more money"! on the lucky side. On the bad side, you may return to "nothing". If you go, take a trailer and money and load the car and go!!!!

[rockfla]

We had a friend here in town, many years ago, do the same thing with a 40 Ford Sedan Delivery, he was on his way out of town, left the deposit on the car and agreed he would pick the car up three days later, he came back to "sorry, here is you're deposit back!". We have this 35 sedan delivery because of my friend advice......"SEAL THE DEAL!!!!" "THEN load your stuff and GO!!!"

[34pickup]

I think you should get something legally binding, like the title or certified and notarized bill of sale so you can pursue actions if you get cheated.

[Seth Swoboda]

Or just leave a simple $100. If something bad goes down your only out of $100.00. I have done this before.

[19Fordy]

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A fool and his money are soon parted. Time is not your friend, especially if others know about the car or seller changes his mind after watching a Mecum Auction.
When you go there next week, bring a helper, a shovel, a trailer and the means to get the vehicle out in the open where you can really see it.
Then, if you like what you see, pay the man, have him sign the title over to you (after you verify the VIN). Load it on your trailer and off you go.
Be polite and explain that you can't wait and all will be fine.

BE SURE TO READ THE INFO. ON THIS SITE ABOUT BUYING A CAR IN MI.
https://www.google.com/search?q=do+y...hrome&ie=UTF-8

[skidmarks]

Or just pay someone with a rollback.

[95476]

That sedan delivery is beautiful.
If someone makes a deal they need to stand by it.
One day, one week, one month, whatever.
I have purchased several cars but was unable to get them hauled before the snow hit,in each case the seller was more than happy to work with me and my haulers to get the best outcome.
I did pay for the cars in full but the sellers could easily have sold the cars for more money in the interim.
They abided by our agreement and all went well.
Getting a bill of sale or a receipt before actual possession might be a good idea in my opinion but if you have to worry about that you have other issues to deal with.
Suing someone a long distance away is expensive and hardly wirth the effort.
Buy something you can see, purchase , and take home with you if that is a problem.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by 95476

That sedan delivery is beautiful.
If someone makes a deal they need to stand by it.
One day, one week, one month, whatever.

In a "perfect" world. Unfortunately there are "some" unscrupulous B@$T@&D's that have ruined that whole concept. BOTTOM line, IF you are making a drive to go see the car, its one you are interested in to start......make the moves to "SEAL THE DEAL" and get you're car loaded and GO!!!! Only way to conduct business!!!

[95476]

I do agree that there are some real bad actors out there.
I was looking for '34 sedan delivery and got quite a few responses.
On inquiring I got one guy who would not give a price for his car until I went to see it, 6 hours away. $38,000 for a car that at best was worth $12,000.
2 others said they had the cars but did not supply photo's or return e-mails or phone calls..
One guy called me almost every day for over a month about the car but no photo's no price, and unwilling to schedule an appointment to look at the car. (600 miles away)
These were not scammers, their identies were verified.

[V12Bill]

I had a friend who sold the same car 3 times!! He was not a scammer, the first two buyers gave him 4 or 500 dollars and never came back to pick up the car. I realize this is the reverse of your deal, but things happen. You also stated that the seller is an old timer. He could pass on and his heirs sold that junk for scrap not knowing of any deals. A bird in the hand ...

[bigdoor]

if you want the car buy it and take it home or forget about it

[rotorwrench]

The only time I had to leave a vehicle with a previous owner was on a weekend waiting for a check to clear since it was on short notice (Sunday) and I didn't have cash in hand. The previous owner retained the vehicle but surrendered the title, a signed title application (It's a Texas thing), and with a completed bill of sale just to keep things on the up & up. Went back the next day and secured the vehicle with no problems.

If a car didn't have wheels & tires on it, I'd find some pretty quick for a vehicle I really wanted. I wouldn't care if they were doughnuts or crusty as long as they fit the wheel pattern and roll. I always keep some usable 5 on 5.5" wheels around just in case.

[ford38v8]

A car on cinder blocks, outdoors in Michigan this winter? You can count on cracks in the pan rails, and with a heavy load of snow on top, a car in the Rustbelt might be rust-channelled down to the frame.

[woodiewagon46]

If you are really that hot for this car, I would get an attorney to draw up a legally binding contract and put down $100. Just remember, when you do get a good look at the car, the contract works both ways so there is no backing out. In many states, a hand written bill of sale is worthless. Might not be worth the drama.

[Tinker]

When I bought my 36 I made a deal and put a deposit down and picked it up a week later, 600 miles away. When I got there the gentlemen told me he received calls (even guys cussing him out for not selling to them, out from under me... for more money).



He didn't however, guess he felt a deal was a deal and honored it, he chuckled about the rude guys calls when telling me.



Granted that I didn't offered him chicken feed for it. Never know though.




.

[1ton]

Give him 100 bucks and a firm handshake, you should be good. Get a receipt with balance due just to make it legally binding.

[paul2748]

Just remember a down payment doesn't mean anything as far as ownership goes. Your not going to get a title or bill of sale with a down payment, just a receipt if you insist. As far as down payment, don't give any more than what you can take a hit for

[1ton]

Leave it up to the fickle car gods. Make the deal and if the car is still there after the thaw then it was meant to be. If not, move on.

[Tinker]

Snow might melt and you're glad you only lost a $100.

[Sparky79]

I had a guy with a bike shook hands on a Sunday afternoon wanted 1500 cash no check Monday I call to be sure he was home said yeah but a friend came over and offer 1800. Said ok I will let everyone in town know your shady deal thanks. Following weekend found another older bike paid the guy 1800 for it first guy comes by, friends with my old landlord, said how's about that bike paid 1800 for it and is in worse shape. Dont trust the handshake bird in hand is for sure

[Frank Miller]

I had a 33 parts car. I mean parts. Maybe some patches here and there if you were doing a chop. I wanted 200 for the front axle and wishbone. I thought that was fair. Guy said he was not really going to give me much for the back section so I just asked for a tour of his facility for the club. I got it cut up like he asked and he said he comes by all the time and would pick it up. Month later it is still there. I send a text and nothing, so I take the stuff to Hershey and got a few dollars for it. He calls a few weeks after and asked where the parts were. I told him. He was pissed, to say the least. I told him he did not even give me any money for them. He said he would not pay over 100 for the axle and wishbone. He's well known in the hobby. I sent him $100 and called it a day. I do not let stuff I want sit in someone elses yard. I could have just said I thought you took it and must have got stolen etc. If you want it son't mess around. Even buying bigger items at flea markets, the vendors are usually pretty good with holding it until you get back but a friend close by is much better to leave it with, especially if you got a smokin deal.

[skidmarks]

Originally Posted by Frank Miller

I had a 33 parts car. I mean parts. Maybe some patches here and there if you were doing a chop. I wanted 200 for the front axle and wishbone. I thought that was fair. Guy said he was not really going to give me much for the back section so I just asked for a tour of his facility for the club. I got it cut up like he asked and he said he comes by all the time and would pick it up. Month later it is still there. I send a text and nothing, so I take the stuff to Hershey and got a few dollars for it. He calls a few weeks after and asked where the parts were. I told him. He was pissed, to say the least. I told him he did not even give me any money for them. He said he would not pay over 100 for the axle and wishbone. He's well known in the hobby. I sent him $100 and called it a day. I do not let stuff I want sit in someone elses yard. I could have just said I thought you took it and must have got stolen etc. If you want it son't mess around. Even buying bigger items at flea markets, the vendors are usually pretty good with holding it until you get back but a friend close by is much better to leave it with, especially if you got a smokin deal.

You paid him $100 ?

[big job]

Spring ya must live in a perfect world; round here, Spring comes middle of June. Have
cash get truck rent UHaul have snow shovel done deal..We bought at least 10 that way.

[Topher5150]

I use the term spring loosely, but I've been thinking about there with a u-haul and digging it out by myself if I have to.

[Vics Stuff]

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My buying practices vary depending on my gut feeling about the seller
Vic

[Frank Miller]

Originally Posted by skidmarks

You paid him $100 ?

He said he felt I owed it to him and I just sent it to see if his rich ass would cash it after he knew he screwed up. I believe he knew in the long run he did. When you act like something is not worth a lot to get the price down, I'll treat you accordingly.

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by Topher5150

I use the term spring loosely, but I've been thinking about there with a u-haul and digging it out by myself if I have to.

I know if it were me I would be over there and digging it out an bringing it home. I never was one for waiting. Then you could begin to take stock of just what it needs and begin the search for the parts. I grew up in Chelsea, so I know Spring is just around the corner.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Frank Miller

He said he felt I owed it to him and I just sent it to see if his rich ass would cash it after he knew he screwed up. I believe he knew in the long run he did. When you act like something is not worth a lot to get the price down, I'll treat you accordingly.

Well, did he? I'm betting he did.

[Frank Miller]

Yeah, he did.

[Bored&Stroked]

To me, it all depends on the car, the seller and how I judge all of that. If the thing is buried in the snow/cold, he may NOT want you screwing with it . . . sometimes Old Timers have THEIR reasons for waiting until Spring (like he doesn't want to be outside having to supervise this crap). The fact that it is outside, kind of tells me it is probably not a pristine all-original 32 roadster in top shape . . . so maybe I don't need to be in a big ole' hurry about it.

If everything seems on the up and up, then just draw up a simple 'contract' that states the following:
1) What you are buying -- Make, model, year, vin number, etc.
2) Exact description of everything that "comes with the deal" -- if there are parts in sheds, then write it all down . . . just capture everything you're buying. If there is anything that doesn't come with the deal - call it out.
3) Description of the condition (if that matters).
4) That the stated person (name, address, phone, etc). is the legal owner of the vehicle and has the right to sell it.
5) Total purchase price and all "conditions" of the deal:
a) How much of a deposit - and how the 'balance' will be handled. (Cash, certified check, etc).
b) By what date you have to pick it up
c) What happens if you don't make it by that date (does he keep the deposit and tell you to pound sand?)
d) That he or somebody he designates will provide access to the vehicle, parts, buildings, etc - for you to pick it up at a later date.
e) That upon pickup, you will have a valid pink-slip, title, etc. - conveyed to release interest in the vehicle.
f) Dates and signatures of both parties. I'd then go to a place to photo-copy the original document (such that he has a copy as well). Or - bring two copies and sign/date both.

I've done this type of stuff multiple times. If you plan on going this route, then you need to have a clear conversation with the seller - to see if he agrees to these terms/conditions BEFORE you take a trip. Some folks won't sign anything - strictly cash and carry.

Good luck - keep us posted.

B&S

[Topher5150]

Well here it is fellas

[marko39]

I once made a deal for a car, 2500.00 .when I called to get it the seller said he got a higher offer and price was now 3000.00. I paid the money and hauled it home. Was I pissed? Not really as I new the seller was a turd. The car was a 58 Cadillac eldorado convertible.

[Kerk]

My 32 was in a lean to and buried in snow. Got the call on a friday night and was there the next day. Agreed to deal and also worked on car to get it running. Starter was hung up took out and oiled it up.Worked. Got running. The owner and his son were shoveling it out when I left. Showed up on Sun A.M. jacked it up and put chains on to get it up to drive way. Removed them , put on a borrowed Dealer plate and drove it home.. Rest is history. I had been chasing this car for well over a year. kerk

[RalphM]

47 Tudor?

[Topher5150]

Originally Posted by RalphM

47 Tudor?

Its a 41

[Tinker]

Well I guess he kept his word. Floors look pretty decent. It's a good 2dr project, but they all are projects one way or the other. What are your plans?

[Topher5150]

I want to use the floors and frame for my 47 coupe.

[philipswanson]

Originally Posted by marko39

I once made a deal for a car, 2500.00 .when I called to get it the seller said he got a higher offer and price was now 3000.00. I paid the money and hauled it home. Was I pissed? Not really as I new the seller was a turd. The car was a 58 Cadillac eldorado convertible.

If you left no deposit, the seller was no turd.

[Mike51Merc]

Not to be morbid, but stuff happens. Seller could be the best guy in the world, but if he drops dead in the meantime will his family honor the deal?


Seal the deal, get it in writing.

[Topher5150]

Originally Posted by Mike51Merc

Not to be morbid, but stuff happens. Seller could be the best guy in the world, but if he drops dead in the meantime will his family honor the deal?


Seal the deal, get it in writing.

That's what was going through my mind too. This guy is in his mid 80s with such bad arthritis he could barely stand.