I purchased a 1996 Lincoln Towncar, Signature Series, I looked at the description that was placed on EBAY, and the photos. I even took the time to ask questions prior to bidding on the car. Joel's reply was completely dishonest, but read on and determine for yourself, it may be that I am just that stupid and gullable.
I personally made a mistake, I didn't realize where Pompano Beach was to begin with. I thought it was just below Daytona. When I did the mapquest, I realized I had to FLY! I have panic attacks and new I was going to have to endure a flight. It was over 700 miles. I expressed to Joel I was terrified to fly, but that I wanted to see and drive the car before I paid in full. (5 day limit to pay)
I mapquested a trip from the Airport to Dolphin Automotive, (I didn't know who was picking me up at the airport and wanted to make sure we were going to Dolphin Automotive)... Then my test ride was going to be, and I mapquested; from Dolphin Automotive to a local Dealership where I had already set up an appointment to have the vehicle looked over to make sure the purchase was worth it. I realize this is a 12 year old car and probably would need SOME repairs. Then mapquested my 700 mile ride home.
I own a 92' Towncar and a '94 Towncar one with under 100k miles and one with over 150K miles. Both have been well maintained. Just always wanted a White on White w / a rag top. Didn't mind putting SOME money in it to bring it up to almost new condition; just to have the "CAR OF MY DREAMS!" Now with all that said. Here's what went down.
I boarded the flight; had a MASSIVE PANIC ATTACK, throwing up, etc.
A very nice gentlemen did pick me up at the airport. We arrived at Dolphin Automotive Group where they wanted me to pay for the car, I stated I wanted to drive it first. A different gentlemen got in the car for the ride, I asked him to read the directions to me, for the ride. He immediately stated he could not do that, hopped out of the car, got Joel, who stated he didn't have the staff nor the time for me to take that long with the car. "Keep in mind... I still have 1 day left for my 5 day limit."
I could only test drive for less than 3 miles. The car felt like the brakes were bouncing. So when we arrived back I asked him to make sure they were safe. As I had to travel alone for 700 miles, w/o a gun.
He sent the car across the street to a mechanic??? The car absolutely looked beautiful, no scratches, dings, dents, the interior was impeccable; just like the photos! The description on ebay stated good condition.
I took off for my trip home and all HELL BROKE LOOSE. I made it a little over 200 miles when the patch that was on the muffler blew, now it sounded like I had installed mag pipes on a classy car. Then approximately 350 miles away, I stopped for gas, after filling up the car, it wouldn't start. I had to pay towing to a mechanic shop, stay over night. It needed a crank sensor. I said to my self ok... It's a wear item... They are like light bulbs... Sometimes you hit the switch and they go. The price tag for that was $310.
The computer read out didn't indicate any other problems so I felt ok... It's just $310, I thought... Then this beautiful car went up on the rack for this repair to be done.
OH MY GOD!!! Everything from the motor mounts, exhaust, frame, brake lines, a/c lines, etc. Is so rusty you can't even undo any of the bolts without the risk of the item braking off. The mechanic begged me not to complete my drive home and requested I hire a wrecker or transport company to travel the car. He even took photos of the brake lines that were replaced on the car. The brake lines are to small and really don't support the cars requirement.
This car has been in mechanic shops for estimates since I arrived home on the 9th. The estimate from two seperate mechanic shops to repair this car is a WHOPPING $5900.00 to $6100.00... I feel like such a fool! This car is so unsafe I can't even sell it.
What Mr. Joel didn't know; is... I lost a child in a car in 1996; and how could I risk any ones LIFE for a Dollar?
So now I am out of $4490.16 I paid Dolphin Automotive for the Car; (which is $210 over trade value for a GOOD CAR; as described on ebay by Dolphin Automotive), $144.50 for the Airline ticket, $198.14 in fuel to drive the car as far as I did, and $310 for Crank Sensor, $425.00 for transporting the car, $65.00 for a hotel night, $60.54 for 1 month insurance; thus far, this car has cost me approximately $5694. AND I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT! Very expensive life like photo of my "DREAM CAR!"
I still haven't received the title; thus being over two weeks. I really am ashamed that I allowed a panic attack to stop me from getting back on a plane to fly home when I wasn't allowed to take the car from Dolphin Automotive Group to the nearest dealership to have it checked out.
I had originally lost the bid on this car on ebay by $50. Then Joel called me and told me, "This is my lucky day!", "The man who won the bid, didn't come thru with his down payment", "He, (Joel) would give me the opportunity to buy the car."
WOW... I really missed the RED FLAGS! Today, I believe the gentlemen did go see the car and was able to look under the car and walked away. I didn't think to look under it... It appeared to be in perfect condition. It appeared better than either of mine and mine are in near perfect condition for their ages.
LESSON LEARNED. NO MORE ON-LINE SHOPPING FOR ME! BEWARE if you can't check it out after you have gone thru the expense and trouble for a long trip to purchase, WALK AWAY... You'll save THOUSANDS!
So ashamed that i was stupid enough to be taken like this!
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