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what to do?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ernie m
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ernie m

Guest
What is the name of your state?
I live in Pennsylvania.
I recently sold a car on eBAY to someone in California. He claims that I grossly misrepresented the car and wants all his money back or he will sue me for fraud.
Here are the brief facts: Car- 1967 Firebird Convertible. Listed on eBAY for 7 days at no reserve. My ad copy listed the car first by stating the options, then by description. I sated in the ad that I had purchased the car "to restore" but a life change forced me to sell. The car sold for $13200. it was eBAY item number 2488367579, if you want to check it out.

The winning bidder called me and we had a LENGHTHY conversation about the condition of the car. I was surprised that he had not E mailed me with any questions about the car during the action. After all I answered 65 or 70 E mails! In any event I described the car to the best of my ability, told him of how I bought it, what concerns I had then and how I had planned to restore it. After a couple of conversations he wired the money.
I drove the car to the shipping site, took more pictures of it before loading and overnighted the title and other documentation as agreed.
Now he recieves the car, hated it, tells me that his mechanics checked out, it is a totally irreparable wreck and wants his money back. He said that in may ad copy I described the car as beautiful and stunning and needed only minor issues resolved. He is right . The car is beautiful! It looks AT LEAST as good as the pictures posted. I also stated I bought the car to restore. I stated in the ad all of the things I did to the car since I purchased it. He says my ad is misleading and that I did not disclose the problems.
I suppose in retrospect the ad was somewhat vague. Many of the interested parties E mailed their inquiries . I never said the car was restored, in fact I described it as a "survivor" and in very good condition for an old car. That is very true! Everyone that ever saw the car stopped to offer favorable comments. Casual observers thought it to be restored. It looks that good.
I told him of the various flaws that I knew about and that the paint looked excellent from 20 ft away but that he would find some flaws if he really looked for them. The truth is that I fully described the car to the best of my ability to him during our phone conversation and was 100% truthfull. He only sent payment after totally discussing the condition of the car. He never inspected the car, or had someone do it for him. He didnt even E mail me any questions about the car until he bought it.
According to the NADA value guide the car is worth from $13000 to a $38000 car. He did not over pay for the car. In fact he set his own price since the car was offered at no reserve.
In addition I clearly stated in the ad copy: NO warranty is offered or implied and vehicle is sold AS IS.

I don't think I should return his money, am I right? Can he sue and win?
 
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He had an duty to inspect the car prior to the purchase and opted not to do so. Tell him to go pound sand. Additionally, he would have to come to California to file suit. I doubt that will happen. And even if it does, see above.

Search the forum archives. This subject has been discussed numerous times. Good luck.
 
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E

ernie m

Guest
now what to do?

The buyer continues to demand his money back. I have not responded. His latest Email reads as follows:


""Just a reminder, you have until Monday the 4th to arrange a refund of the money I sent you and my shipping expenses based upon your fraudulent auction for the car. If not, on Tuesday the 5th I am going to be filing charges with the FBI and the IFCC. I can assure you that they take cases of internet auction fraud very seriously. I have reviewed numerous cases of arrests, indictments and prosecutions of individuals perpetrating internet auction frauds.

If you are not planning to refund my money you will have federal authorities knocking on your door one early morning very soon. As such, I suggest that you get your affairs in order and retain an attorney specializing in criminal defense of federal charges. Understand that in addition to prison time, those convicted of these crimes have their assets seized for restitution for their victims - so I will get my money in any event.

It is still not too late to avoid this unpleasantness. ""

Does he have any basis for his statements? They seem like scare tactics to me but in any event...should I be scared?
I wonder if perhaps I should respond? I was also contacted by Square Trade, who I suppose is an independent arbitrator on behalf of Ebay. Should I try to sort this out through an arbitrator?
Thank you in advance for all your assistance.
 

Halobear

Junior Member
Seems to me you have your bases covered, I looked over the auction myself and you stated plainly in the ad that the car is in "very nice condition for an unrestored car". You mentioned that as an unrestored car, a few minor issues should be attended to and the fact that the radio and horn don't work and the motor for the top is slow...Also, the golden words are included in the bottom in your conditions, "no warranty" and AS IS. I think you just got a hold of a real stickler. Hold your ground. I don't think you'll have any problems in the end.

By the way, my husband and I are Firebird/TA enthusiasts and think the car is awesome! Good luck!
 

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