Have I been scammed?

[R66SS427]

I'm getting a little nervous. On 12/24/07 I contacted Golden Classics of Clearwater Florida with a required $2000. deposit on a car. I then recieved a contract that DEMANDED full payment by 1/10/08. I paid the car, in full (28,500) on 1/3/08. Since then, I've gotten excuse after excuse as to why they haven't shipped the car. (I paid the shipping in full with a seperate check, also on 1/3/08). First they wanted to replace the rear window. Then it was the e-brake. Then the wipers. Now, 3 weeks later, only after I called them several times to see what the holdup was, they tell me that the quote THEY gave me, was to low and they can't get the car shipped. I'm a month into a car loan with no car. Have I been scammed?

[lively]

WAS THIS CAR LISTED ON RJ FOR SALE? DOES THIS DEALER SELL ON RJ ANY? ADD####? I THINK YOU ARE GETTING SCREWED--IF YOU HAD A SALES AGREEMENT FOR THIS CAR , DELIVERED TO YOU [ THE DEALER SHOULD HONOR IT--OTHERWISE HE IS BREAKING THE CONTRACT AND CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE EXPENSES :x :x :x ---I MYSELF CAN'T STAND MISLEADING DEALS OR SHADY DEALINGS :oops: :oops: --I FEEL YOU NEED TO GO AFTER THIS WITH A HARD ATTITUDE[ IF ALL THESE FACTS ARE STRAIGHT]---DO NOT LET THIS GO / GET AFTER IT[ ENOUGH IS ENOUGH] :? :? :? ---LIVELY IN ILLINOIS

[bigray]

shit, i would just latch on to the old trusty, trailer and take off for florida..for 28,000 i dont care how far i have to drive.

[bjuice]

i'm with Bigray..except i would leave for FLORIDA tommorrow trailer or no trailer..take a trustworthy friend ( not a wife or girlfriend) and also take anything else that may seem appropriate for the long trip.....probably a good idea to stop by a local law enforcement and have them escort you to the place where the car is..probably not a bad idea to start making contact with the local detectives so they know a little history on this beforehand.


for the record i am not advocating or insinuating anything.....just stating my opinion how i would handle a $28,000 deal i was concerned about..

i have to ask this..'What got you to the point of spending this kind of money for a car sight un-seen?..not passing judgement just curious...

Brian

[Scorpion1110]

Did a quick websearch.

WWW.goldenclassics.com GOLDEN CLASSICS, Clearwater, Florida, USA, Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time
(727) 726-1957,(727) 449-1962,Fax (727) 449-9363
Owner:Dan Newcomb

I would apprise local law enforcement of the fact that Mr. Newcomb wont ship your car, and inform Mr. Newcomb that you are reporting him to the attorney general in Florida.

Now here is a fact that few seem to know, state law (check Michigan for example) suggests that if you do business on the internet, you effectively are doing business in all 50 states. This is important because it allows you to sue a company in your home state and puts the defendant in a position to have to defend defend.

Tell Mr. Newcomb that you are filing suit in your home state and he will need to incurr the cost to defend, lest he wish you to win a default judgement.

Remind him the cost to defend far exceeds the cost to ship your vehicle. Tell him he has five days to get the vehicle to you or you will sue him in your home state and that you will prosecute the case as it a fairly simple suit.

Go after him relentlessly and agressively. And when you get your way-still do everything you threatened-Rain fury on him such that he will beg you for mercy.

Then light up a victory cigar :)

[topsportsman1]

WAS THIS CAR LISTED ON RJ FOR SALE? DOES THIS DEALER SELL ON RJ ANY? ADD####?


Looks to me this seller is on eBay that would be my take on this,anyway you are getting good info here

Some of these "used car salemen" are pretty forceful to get your money,and I never met one that had a ton of excuses. Good Luck

Most of these guys are not very honest,but they all wear priest attire. :P

[excelerater]

I would be on a plane pronto looking for a refund check or a flatbed...
Brass Knuckels in hand

[kaptkane]

So here’s the facts. I am the guy at Golden Classics who handled the transaction and have been in ongoing contact with Larry Huestis.
· Dec. 24 Larry called our office and agreed to purchase the 66 Chevelle.
· Dec 27 We sent via DHL a packet of “paperwork” for him to sign and return to us, along with his finance company check and I obtained a shipping quote.
· Jan 3 we received his packet and payment.
· Jan 9 his title was mailed out
· Jan 14 the car was scheduled into our Service Department for the standard “pre-delivery inspection” that we do on every vehicle we ship out. As a part of that inspection we saw that the rear window had “sanding marks” in it from whoever did the paint work. (not us). We decided, in the interest of “customer satisfaction”, to have the window replaced. This necessitated a 3 step process;
1. have the glass people come by and remove the rear window
2. get the old window to (a separate) glass company to have one made (which took almost the better part of that week to get back)
3. have the glass people come by a re-install the window.
· Jan 19 I contacted the shipping broker and placed the shipping order. At this point, the ship date is out of our hands as we have no control over when the shipper picks up the car or how long it takes to get to it’s final destination.
· Jan 25 After not hearing from the shipper about a pickup date and in attempt to “please” the customer I called several other shippers looking to place the order.
· Jan 26 I finally found a shipper who was going North and had an open spot in his trailer. I immediatly placed the order with that shipper
· Jan 26 I called the original shipper and canceled the order we had in with them.
· Jan 26 We shipped Mr. Huestis’ car from our location.
At no point was Mr. Mrs. Huestis ever told that the reason their car was not being shipped was because their quote was to low. If Mr. Huestis chooses to remember he will recall that the “low price” shipping conversation was in fact, about a personal car that I shipped to myself and had nothing to do with him or his car at all.
We’ve been in the Classic Car business since 1978 and have thousands of satisfied customers all over the planet. But, I guess you can’t please everyone.
Ken
727 647 6047 direct

[lively]

DID HE RECIEVE THE CHEVELLE??????????WAS IT IN THE CORRECT CONDITION? DID YOU INFORM HIM OF THE DELAY WHEN IT OCCURED??? WAS THERE A LACK OF PLAIN COMMUNICATION ON THIS DEAL?----SOMETHING IS STILL LACKING HERE ON ALL THE FACTS!!----SORRY BUT THAT IS MY THOUGHT ON THIS DEAL 8) 8) 8) ---LIVELY IN ILLINOIS

[mopar1968]

Does make one wonder :?: :?: :?:

[sds10racer]

makes me wonder why he has'nt continued the post :?:

[cepx111]

Can you post a pic or paste a link? I just want to see the car in question and what it looked like?
And I aint buying nothing sight unseen or without driving it, never!



><Cp

[joeready]

i had a car shopped from las vegas to ohio once took almost a month . it was a long 28 days

[R66SS427]

Well I FINALLY recieved the car on 1/30. Was it as described in the add and on e-bay? NO IT WAS NOT! I've been had. Plain and simple. I've e-mailed Golden Classics with my concerns and as of now have had no response. This socalled "preship" inspection missed a few things. No wipers, no e-brake, oil running out of the timing chain cover, dented and leaking valve cover, rear pass side armrest broken, drivers door armrest broken, tailpipe on pass side has no hanger and is banging on the floor, etc etc. I was told the car could not leave until it was "right". They talk a good story, but this is far from my first classic car. But it is my last from these crooks. I got a nice $15000. car.....for $28500. Live and learn.
WARNING! Don't be fooled by these guys. Go look at the car in person. They CAN NOT be trusted.
Larry Huestis

[bjuice]

Larry..sorry to hear that...

you took the words out of my mouth.."Live and Learn"....

i hope you never choose to buy a car sight unseen again...$500 or $35000.

the only good thing i do hear about this is the problems with car are inexpensive quick fixes...i understand you feel it should not have been a problem from the start.....just feel fortunate thats all the problems you have buying this car sight un-seen...

cause remember..what one man considers nice another man may consider junk..thats why you cannot buy something like this sight un-seen

Live and Learn...live and Learn.

Brian

[R66SS427]

Thanks Brian. I've learned alot from this deal. I will at the very least send someone I TRUST to look at a car that I can't inspect myself. It's just sad that you ask specific questions and are misled just for a $$$. And now that I have the car, I can't get them to answer my e-mails. Yeah, I'm bitter.

[OneBadGMC]

So, you didn't ask for photos before buying the car????????

[R66SS427]

So, you didn't ask for photos before buying the car????????
I got several pics off e-bay as well as from thier web site. The car looks great in the pics. But could I see any of these problems? No. I was told the car had 0 leaks...wrong. I was told they couldn't fix the e-brake because the backing plates had no holes for the cable...wrong. I was told they would fix the wipers while they waited for the shipper....wrong. I was never made aware of the tailpipe or the 2 broken armrests until I recieved the car (add says "all new interior"). I know these are easy fixes. But to hear the dealer talk, they wanted it perfect before it left thier shop. It spent time on thier lift, how could they check this car over and not see the oil leaks and the tailpipe hanging? The add also says "new tires and wheels". Wrong. New tires on old rusty wheels with a quicky paint job on the outside only. :x
What goes around, comes around. The net is a powerful tool!!!!!!!

[hammertime]

No way do I spend that kind of dime before seeing it in person...

[Tod74]

WHAT KIND OF CAR? JUST CURIOUS.

[topsportsman1]

WHAT KIND OF CAR? JUST CURIOUS.

Reread the post start on page 1 it was a chevelle :roll:

[bartolottaracing]

WoW I have been saving up to have them do me a nice old car....Well over 35,000.00 I guess I dont even have to call them now. They just Kissed this sale goodbye.. I will be letting all my UAW brothers know about this ..... thanks for the heads up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bjuice]

ooooow..cha ching..... :shock:

[R66SS427]

Well, it never ends. The more I look this car over, the madder I get. Nothing major that I know of yet, but just a ton of little things that should have been found in thier famous "pre-ship inspection". What a joke. They told me the e-brake cable couldn't be replaced because as KEN said "I've never seen a rearend like this. There are no holes in the backing plates for the e-brake cable". It's a standard 12 bolt rear. The holes are there. But they never sent the cable. And the wiper arm they were holding the car to replace? Nope. No arm either.
I've asked for the parts to be sent to me.

***WARNING*** These people only want your money. Once you pay, they forget about you. Well Ken old buddy? I don't forget.

[Tod74]

I'm getting a little nervous. On 12/24/07 I contacted Golden Classics of Clearwater Florida with a required $2000. deposit on a car. I then recieved a contract that DEMANDED full payment by 1/10/08. I paid the car, in full (28,500) on 1/3/08. Since then, I've gotten excuse after excuse as to why they haven't shipped the car. (I paid the shipping in full with a seperate check, also on 1/3/08). First they wanted to replace the rear window. Then it was the e-brake. Then the wipers. Now, 3 weeks later, only after I called them several times to see what the holdup was, they tell me that the quote THEY gave me, was to low and they can't get the car shipped. I'm a month into a car loan with no car. Have I been scammed?

[R66SS427]

Sorry Tod74, I sould have mentioned it is a 66 Chevelle. Actually, its really a nightmare. But GOLDEN CLASSICS has my money, so I guess its my problem now. :x

[Scorpion1110]

Mach Its a shame that buying a classic car has become an unhappy experience. Many members have undergone the exact same thing. I would suggest to everyone to spend $100-200 for an inspection report from an independent appraiser-Of course ask them for any affiliations before you send them out. Its what I call cheap insurance.

Perhaps you could post a pic of the car? I went to the site and was not able to locate-They show their sold stuff.

Good luck, and based on what you described so far-the problems are a hassle yet workable.

BTW, if you have documentation of what they were supposed to do, and pics of the problems on receipt, since they are a corporation I am sure, and do business in all 50 states, you could litigate against them. Filing suit and having them served might allow you to recover some of you $$.

Just my two cents, of course.

[R66SS427]

Thanks Scorpion, I intend to take this to court, I've just been waiting , thinking maybe they would make some sort of attempt to contact me or at least send me the parts needed to fix the car. So far, its like they forgot about the deal. The car was quickly removed from thier site when I mentioned legal aspects of all this. They still have cars that were sold long before mine on the site. Something stinks here. But if nothing else comes out of this, I will make it known world wide, what kind of shady promises these people make. $28500. and the car will not pass NY state inspection.

[olds48]

I hope Scorpion never gets on my tail.I believe he could put the law on a fella :shock:

[cepx111]

I went to the website and seen the eBay ads, what I seen was allot of overpriced, highly polished turds. I bet they really talked a good line of crap on the phone and via email. I'm sure they promised the earth, moon and stars. They've clearly marketed themselves to the unsuspecting online buyer who doesnt take the time to see the car in person and then once they get your check they gotcha.
These jerks have their day coming.
Funny thing about karma, "you do wrong and wrong will follow you"
I hope you nail them to the wall larry.
Goodluck, Charles

[R66SS427]

Thanks to all who have responded. I'm glad to see most share my opinion that you should stand behind your word and deliver what you promised. Unfortunatly, GOLDEN CLASSIC'S doesn't seem to operate that way. I resently recieved an e-mail from Ken,the salesman who sold me the car. He told me that all this was "uncalled for and negative" and that he was having a hard time getting motivated to help me. He then told me that he would send the wiper arm "when they located one" and that the e-brake was my problem because of the "competetion" type rear end in the car. Its a standard GM 12 bolt. The holes are in the backing plates, but the wizards in his shop can't seem to figure out how to put a e-brake on it. So, the car will not pass my state inspection. So, I guess this is headed for court. In NEW YORK STATE. See ya soon Ken............

[Scorpion1110]

Ken, It stinks that you continue to get lack of service from this outfit. PM me and I can put you in touch with someone in MD who might have your wiper arms. As for the emergency brake cable for the 12 bolt, I think Ausley's would help. There is also a large car show at Carlisle PA in April-Check Cars-at-Carlisle.com, you will be able to find what you need. Also would be your opportunity to share your Golden Classics experience.

Also, remember, if you begin any discussion with the statement "In my opinion", its not slander or defamation-not a thing they can do, you can share what you want as you prepare for court. SUE THEM IN NY-make them come to you-They'll have to or risk a default judgement.

Good luck with your lawsuit. BTW, email the salesman at Golden Clasics, let him now that HE will be served with the documents regarding the lawsuit- Also pay the extra to have the president served as well. Let them both know you will ask the sheriff to wait until they have customers in their show room.

If its going to be a fight, might as well make it a good one.

Good luck.

Later