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  #1  
Old 06-07-2008, 11:50 PM
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Location: Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Missed a scarce five speed today.

Missed a five speed 240d by a whisker today. Saw the car and guy at a yearly business meeting last year. Mentioned if he puts car up for sale give me the first crack at it. Left my name and phone number. He mentioned he was considering selling it.

The annual general meeting took place today a year later. He told me he sold the car yesterday. Twelve hundred fit for the road with some body rust. I had checked the car out a year ago as he at the time he said he might be selling it.

It gets worse. The engine was really sound with minumin blow by. It was a euro model so it had the right flywheel and driveshaft. Almost sickening but you cannot win them all in life. Probably the last one I might have ever got a shot at.

Our gallon the old imperial one is a little less than .75 litre larger than the american gallon. He claimed he always got 38 mpg in the summer back and forth to work on the highway. Sounds a little high to me but that engine was quite solid. Of course I also had no way to tell if this was the truth or the milage was calculated correctly. Now the guy that brought it said he will send a deposit on monday.


I can only hope the buyer changes his mind and does not realise what exactly it is. Since he owns at least one oher 123 I kind of know that is wishful thinking. I am at this moment considering asking him if he will tell the other guy he has changed his mind about selling it and offering him 1800-2000 for it. I would have willingly paid that anyways.

The ethics or lack of them are his decision in my opinion. If I said I would sell you something it would be yours. On the otherhand he has little money. So who is to say. I just feel a compulsion to try something as I have been looking for a couple of years. I guess my question is what would you do? Is there a particular unethical position in this by me? Or it is that area his sole determination? He kind of is in the drivers seat so to speak.


Last edited by barry123400; 06-08-2008 at 12:16 AM.
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  #2  
Old 06-08-2008, 02:44 AM
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Location: Out in the Boonies of Hot, Dry, Dusty, Windy Nevada
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well money talks BS walks they say. the guy doesn`t have the money yet and if nothing was signed, wave some green under his nose. might work like cat nip .

Had the same kind of thing happen back in the 60`s. a friend had a 46 chevy 1/2 ton PU. 6 cyl. floor shift. told him if he ever wanted to sell it let me know. saw him some months later w/o it. said he sold it for $125.00 to a carpenter.
You couldn`t touch one of those trucks today for less than $4000.00. on up.

Hope it works out for you.

Charlie
__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works
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  #3  
Old 06-08-2008, 03:31 AM
ForcedInduction
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I agree, if the he hasn't signed anything stating he will hold it for the other guy and the guy hasnt paid anything for it yet then make a counter offer asap.
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  #4  
Old 06-08-2008, 05:20 AM
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Location: Colorado Baby!
Posts: 119
my sentiments:

its not sold untill the title is in someone hands and cash is in someone elses.

Go up to him with cash in hand, and say "I have cash here, I want it, you can sell it here and now"

there a decent chance you will get it that way. Money talks.
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  #5  
Old 06-08-2008, 07:20 AM
t walgamuth's Avatar
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Lafayette Indiana
Posts: 38,604
I would not ask him to break his word. You don't know what was said in any case. I would just say "if anything happens with your deal, I will buy the car and I have the money right now." I might even say as an aside that I would probably have been willing to pay a bit more than that.

Good luck.

What does it work out to on the mileage in us gallons? About 32? I would think mid 30s would be possible with a five speed and 369 rear end.

Tom W
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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  #6  
Old 06-08-2008, 08:52 AM
Waitn For The Bus All Day
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: south east pa.
Posts: 1,786
Money talks. Go make the offer. It ain't sold until its sold.

The other guy might not appreciate/take care of the car like you would.

I bought a camper from a guy who was "in the process" of selling it. Asked what he sold it for and he says $4500 when he was asking $5500, then mentions the other party had yet to come up with the money after waiting 2 weeks. I waved the $5500 cash in front of him and he took it on the spot.
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Bill
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  #7  
Old 06-08-2008, 11:00 AM
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Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
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I get a lot of my cars this way.
Show an interest and sit back.

I do have one comment and/or suggestion:

When you show interest, you need to continually reinforce it. It is NOT sufficient to make the comment and not reiterate it for a year.

If I were the seller, I would not take a singular offer like yours too seriously, especially if I had another offer on the table.

I've been on both sides of this deal, and IMHO, it's the buyer that needs to remain dilligent.

That being said, bummer you didn't get the car. However, it's not over quite yet. Since you know the seller, get the name of the buyer, and make the same offer to him. This time, keep reinforcing the offer every couple of months. With luck, the current owner may tire of the car, and you'll end up with it!

Jim
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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles
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  #8  
Old 06-08-2008, 11:03 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir Sam View Post
my sentiments:

its not sold untill the title is in someone hands and cash is in someone elses.

Go up to him with cash in hand, and say "I have cash here, I want it, you can sell it here and now"

there a decent chance you will get it that way. Money talks.

If YOU were the buyer, how would you feel if someone "bird dogged" the car away from you?

Jim
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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles
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  #9  
Old 06-08-2008, 11:04 AM
ForcedInduction
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimFreeh View Post
If YOU were the buyer, how would you feel if someone "bird dogged" the car away from you?
I'd be pissed that I didn't give him cash first.
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  #10  
Old 06-08-2008, 11:14 AM
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I agree fellows it is not perfectly clear where ethical dillemas start and end. I like a good deal but really dislike the breaking of rules. The only thing that re occurs in my mind is the potential purchaser did not even leave a nominal deposit. I always felt if you wanted something never let it hang. Secure it. It can dissapear on you and really it is so easy to leave something and get a reciept.
Some sign of goodwill is required. Complete the arrangement at the time of seeing the car like the potential purchaser did not do at the time. He has said he will send a deposit. I have been struggling with this a little and see both sides of the coin are being reflected in posts. My escape was to leave the decision of what happens up to the vendor.
If I had not known of the car a year back it might be a little different in my mind. I think the guy lost my name and number I imagine. He sure remembered me at the general meeting.
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  #11  
Old 06-08-2008, 11:21 AM
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Location: Out in the Boonies of Hot, Dry, Dusty, Windy Nevada
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He will remember you a lot more when has more money in his hand and his old car looks better than when he owned it.

Charlie
__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works
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  #12  
Old 06-08-2008, 11:34 AM
Waitn For The Bus All Day
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: south east pa.
Posts: 1,786
Quote:
Originally Posted by barry123400 View Post
I agree fellows it is not perfectly clear where ethical dillemas start and end. I like a good deal but really dislike the breaking of rules. The only thing that re occurs in my mind is the potential purchaser did not even leave a nominal deposit. I always felt if you wanted something never let it hang. Secure it. It can dissapear on you and really it is so easy to leave something and get a reciept.
Some sign of goodwill is required. Complete the arrangement at the time of seeing the car like the potential purchaser did not do at the time. He has said he will send a deposit. I have been struggling with this a little and see both sides of the coin are being reflected in posts. My escape was to leave the decision of what happens up to the vendor.
If I had not known of the car a year back it might be a little different in my mind. I think the guy lost my name and number I imagine. He sure remembered me at the general meeting.
Right. If the owner had a deposit, then that would be a different story. But what from you've said I took it that zero money has been exchanged, leaving the car up for grabs.

I run a retail shop and have taken a deposit/ put a sold sticker on an item when others were standing there looking at it. Even though the gawkers asked about it first, the first man with the money gets it. Never has anyone been upset with me. In fact most say "If you get another one would you call us?"

Someone else mentioned "pestering" the owner so he WILL remember you. Very good point. There's an old lawyer who lives down the road a piece from me who has a beeeeautiful red CD. Every time I see him I always ask if its for sale yet...

So, I still say I wouldn't hesitate to at least offer the cash now.
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Bill
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  #13  
Old 06-08-2008, 12:38 PM
t walgamuth's Avatar
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Lafayette Indiana
Posts: 38,604
Yes. In the face of no money tendered by the other party, I would put money on the table too.

Tom W
__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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  #14  
Old 06-08-2008, 02:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimFreeh View Post
If YOU were the buyer, how would you feel if someone "bird dogged" the car away from you?

Jim
I've had that happen many times to me buying a car, someone else snipes it before me.

When I want a car, or think I want a car, I go with cash in hand. Sellers become very motivated when someone walks up with cash.

If I'm selling a car and someone says, I want to buy the car, can I met you on XX and pay you? Sure, I'll meet you on XX, and if in the next 5 mins someone walks up with cash and wants it I will sign the title over to them and head to the bank.

It's not sold untill money is in my hands, there are so many looky loo's who say "I'm interested" or "I'll think about it". Even "I want to buy it" doesn't mean you will be able to. Why should I loose a potential sale to someone else hoping that you can buy it?


Quote:
Originally Posted by ForcedInduction View Post
I'd be pissed that I didn't give him cash first.
Bingo, it's a dash to the finish line, the first person to get cash in the owners hands wins the car.



Barry: I say you should go talk to him today, go to the ATM, under the bed, wherever you have spare cash, and walk up with as much payment as you can muster. Time's a wastin!
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  #15  
Old 06-08-2008, 02:53 PM
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Who's ethics? My take is:
1. Ethical for you to make an offer.
2. Not ethical for the seller to accept your offer if he has made any commitment to the other buyer (verbal or otherwise).

I'd make the offer. The ethical decision is the seller's.

If I were the seller, my word is my bond and even if you offered me twice the cash, the car is already sold until that buyer backs out. Then the other buyer has the lack of ethics.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html
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