Pre-Purchase Inspection: A Cautionary Tale

[CompFi]

I have learned so much from this forum. Not just via the expertise of the members but also from those willing to share their experiences when things don't go quite as planned. So, here is my attempt to give back in a similar way.

While I share the obsession with these amazing cars, I lack the expertise of many here. So, when it came time to review a car offered for sale on the other side of the country from me, I chose to contract the inspection services of a certified appraiser that came with recommendations and positive online reviews etc.

He conducted his inspection and noted some "minor" discrepancies that he initially conveyed to me via voicemail.

Here is where things began to go south. I left him a voicemail expressing my interest in more details on the discrepancies which he dismissed as minor and that I looked forward to his final report detailing those discrepancies.

Despite assurances of an independent inspection devoid of conflicts of interest etc, it became obvious to me that the inspector was more interested in repeat business from the seller than representing my interests as the buyer. So much so, that the inspector refused to provide me with his inspection report, presumably unwilling to risk angering the seller.

In the end, I did not pay for such unprofessional service. But this experience still levied costs upon all parties. Not the least of which was time - mine, the seller's and the inspector's.

I am not here to smear anyone nor damage their livelihood. So, for many here, this is merely a cautionary tale to confirm that the vendors on which you rely don't have a conflict of interest. But for those in need of inspection services in the San Francisco Bay area, shoot me a PM if you want to ensure that you steer clear of this inspector.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by CompFi

So much so, that the inspector refused to provide me with his inspection report, presumably unwilling to risk angering the seller.

Dang, I've never heard of doing that. But wow, what a way to give a report by saying "I'm not even going to give you this report." OTOH, if I were buying a car sight unseen and my inspector said "that car is so bad you don't even want to see the report, but here's my bill and I cut it in half because I quit inspecting the POS half way through." I just might be ok with that.

[Blas]

You would probably find people here on CC who would be more than happy to check-out a potential Cobra pre-purchase for you in there area. I have done it a few times myself for prospective owners. Definitely go with a professional if purchasing and original car. But for your general replica car, people here are happy to help.
Blas

[1985 CCX]

Always best to get the right person via SAAC reference or other members here.
There are a lot of bums out there....

[rads42]

I had the opposite experience years ago. I saw a '72 Blazer online when I was in the market for one that looked really clean and had a great write up but it was across the country as well. I found an inspector that went over and looked at it for me. He sent me an incredibly detailed report that probably had 100 photos in it, he found and documented multiple things wrong with it that weren't disclosed and in the end when we spoke he said something like "I wouldn't go near this truck if I were you". Best $200 I ever spent.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by rads42

... he said something like "I wouldn't go near this truck if I were you". Best $200 I ever spent.

Damn, he should have quit halfway through and saved you a hundred bucks.

[Sargie]

When I was looking at cars out of my area several of the dealers had links to a “recommended” local independent inspector. That didn’t feel comfortable for me.

I did seek and get help and great advice from members on this forum as Blas suggested. No regret with the cars I passed on and most importantly the car I ultimately brought home. Mr. Mustang Bill S really helped me through the process. Terrific moderator and friend to us all.

[twobjshelbys]

I would never have a Cobra, or any other specialized car, inspected by someone "from the internet" even though they are in the business. Sure if you're getting a modern production vehicle they can go through a checklist that probably has good coverage but would you trust a guy whose resume is full of inspecting Fords and Chevys inspect your Ferrari? Same with a Cobra. They've probably never seen a frame like it let alone know if it is a kit how well it was assembled.

I think the guy pretty much admitted he didn't know what he was doing.

As far as inspections being done by "people on the forum", I was asked over the years to inspect a few Cobras and a few Ford GTs that were in my area. I politely refused to do anything more than make a visit and to confirm the car existed and take some pictures but would do nothing as far as an inspection. I didn't want to get in a position of offering advice and if that car had problems you could be caught in the middle. Trust me in today's litigious society if something goes wrong the shotgun could go off in your direction. Professional inspectors have errors and omissions insurance for a reason. If you do offer your services it should be to do no more than recommend that a follow up PPI be done by a professional with experience for that type of vehicle.

For Cobra inspections I'd suspect SAAC has some experienced folks. I know in the Ford GT space there are a handful of very experienced and trustworthy individuals.

[Blas]

Tony, I totally agree with what you said. I guess I’m referring to a general inspection of a car. I had one Cobra that I looked at where the seller used photos taken shortly after the initial build which was 3 years earlier than sale date. Car looked like it was dirt tracked when I got there to see it. Oil leaks, carpet wear, etc. But seller did wipe down the larger surfaces of car with Pledge so it had a pleasant lemony smell. I would think if you are dropping large dollars on a car, a weekend plane ride is well worth the peace of mind.
Blas

[Dominik]

Originally Posted by rads42

I had the opposite experience years ago. I saw a '72 Blazer online when I was in the market for one that looked really clean and had a great write up but it was across the country as well. I found an inspector that went over and looked at it for me. He sent me an incredibly detailed report that probably had 100 photos in it, he found and documented multiple things wrong with it that weren't disclosed and in the end when we spoke he said something like "I wouldn't go near this truck if I were you". Best $200 I ever spent.

Was probably another truck. The inspector didn't risk to be held responsible - $200 easy money ;-)

[Alfa02]

I have been on both ends, Tom (Williams) called me out of the blue, he had been a CC watcher, but had never joined, He asked if I would be so kind to look at an ERA 289FIA (He Hoped) was in my area. He said I'll pay you, I said no need if it was close by Maybe just gas if out of my area, well long story longer, it was just one city over (8 miles) Gave Tom my opinion & pictures, he trusted me, and asked if I would make an offer for him (What I would pay) I did, He brought it, and has been a Happy Cobra owner since Now for the other end, I called KarlzEE & Scotty about a Cobra in Prescott AZ., they went over the Cobra with a fine tooth comb (Pictures would have been better ) Gave me their thoughts and said great car, make the deal, Well it's sitting at my house, and I couldn't be happier. I've always thought this site is first place to reach out to other members, if looking to buy (Out of your area). I, here in the PNW have no issues going to look one over, for a member. Thank you CompFi for your story it may help others in that area, Cheers Tom.

[novasscnc]

I have bought cars out of town, have dealer inspect them

[CompClassics]

By all means get the vehicle inspected by a professional, somebody that knows the cars and knows how to assemble them properly, you will be saving yourself from potential problems down the road.

[CobraResurrect]

What criteria did you use to select the inspection service?

[mrmustang]

When I was selling one of my Cobras this past late spring, I had someone interested in the FIA, told him to contact his local Cobra group (he was in an area with an active group), they gave them my name and number .

Thankfully, I sold the 289 roadster a day before he called me back to say he would take it........

Bill S.

[CompFi]

Originally Posted by Alfa02

Thank you CompFi for your story it may help others in that area, Cheers Tom.

Thanks Tom. Exactly my intent here with this thread, in hopes of paying it back by helping someone else in the future.

And plenty of additional insights in the responses to this thread. Most importantly, the wealth of expertise contained in the membership and the willingness of members to assist others.

I have certainly benefited from that assistance from several members. And I am truly grateful for that.

In my case, the inspection report and appraisal were additional reasons why I opted for a pre-purchase inspection. Apparently, lawyers, bankers, insurance agents etc seem to prefer written reports