Collector Car Help

[Ralph236]

What is the name of your state? Ohio

What recourse do I have against a dealer that sold me a very expensive collector car that was misrepresented on his web site? The car was presented as being numbers matching and it isn't totally (transmission is a replacement). He stated that it was documented (papers proving authenticity) and no documents have been produced in three months. He also stated that the engine had been rebuilt with 0 miles on the rebuild. The engine is the biggest problem. After purchasing the car, I had troubles almost immediately. I have taken a systematic approach with different mechanics to eliminate one problem at a time. I now have an expert mechanic telling me that the engine was not rebuilt but reassembled. What is the true definition of rebuilt? In most cases, people assume rebuilt means reworked to eliminate problems or perform repairs to return the engine to "like-new" condition. I am being told that the original engine is beyond repair and a replacement will cost $15,000. With collector cars, the original engine constitutes a majority of the cars value. If I replace the original engine, the cars value will be significantly reduced (maybe 50%). Do I have a case? There was no contract or warranty. Other than a printed version of his web page, all discussions were verbal.

 

[rmcnellis]

just for my own curiousity i wonder what kind of car has an engine valued at $15,000? wow. but anyway, rebuilding constitutes disassembly and reassembly with new or remanufactured parts. reassembled would be disassembled and put back together in the same condition as disassembly. i have a really hard time believing the engine block and cylinder heads cannot be reused. unless this engine has been overheated to the point that the block and/or cylinder heads cracked or the block has a hole in it due to connecting rod failure or something of that nature, the block should be reusable. from there, if the block does not need boring, etc you should be able to use good parts from other engines to reassemble it or new or remanufactured parts to rebuild it. that way you can keep your original matching numbers on the block and heads and not lose any value. i have no real legal back ground, but i would say that you purchased the vehicle from this person in good faith that there was legitimate documentation regarding the vehicle's production numbers and history and also in good faith that it was all original. i would write him a letter stating just that and give him 5 business days to reply and send you the promised documentation. Tell him you would not have purchased the vehicle had he not made the statements he did about the condition of the vehicle. He broke his end of the contract if he made false statements in order to sell the vehicle.

 

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collector car through ebay

I am in New York, I bought a car through ebay since they have all these assurances on their site that the seller can feel safe buying in their venue. I got an antique car that was misrepresented. I had gone through Escrow. com BUT they said they'd have to release the funds and it is not their problem if the guy lied. So I an now in this Square Trade and they also say it is not THEIR problem either if the guy was a rip off or not. All they can do is talk to us both and hope! If this doesn't come to a satisfactory resolution,the final step is their "purchaser insurance". I am afraid that will probably be a total waste time as well? So, What options do I have? I am in New York and the car came from California. Also seller is holding back title which he was NOT supposed to do. I can't go to court for obvious reasons (distance) so what can I do against seller and possible against ebay for advertising how safe they are to deal through?? H-E-L-P!!!!! Thanx,Phil