keeping it up top

|UPDATED|8/3/2004 10:09:12 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Do you guys think it would be cool to add some "don't s"
Don't jack the car up and put it in gear'
Don't thrash a car on a test drive
Don't "trash" a car when discussing price with a seller
At least act like you respect the value of the car when you're checking it out
Don't bring your kids along with sticky candy soaked fingers
Don't bring a buddy that just thinks he knows everything and really doesn't
Don't really expect to find a concourse car for project prices
If you find a "deal breaker" type problem on the car, just walk, don't waste any more of the sellers time, it's not your problem, it's his.

Just a few thoughts from previous encounters.

while there is a certain degree of etiquette that a buyer should be aware of, that isnt within the scope of this project. We are trying to make a functionality checklist.

Please forgive me!

Asking the buyer if it is ok to remove screws, jack up the car, and be invasive in any way might be good.

Getting twisted up like a pretzel to look under the dash was how I found the old water stains that told me about the bad heater core in the 75 I looked at recently. I needed a trip to the chiropractor after that one.

A picture or two of what the numbers are supposed to look like on the engine might help. Being a noob I wasn't sure what to look for.

Also somthing I missed until thinking about the experience several weeks later was that the AIR pump was missing. I can spot the distributor shield right away but not actually looking for the emmissions stuff would have caused me problems here in PA. if I had bought the car.

Thanks and keep it going. I need something to take with me next time. . .

cthulhu said: keeping it up top

Now you don't have to. With the 'sticky pin' it will stay near the top of the forum.

What's up with the checklist?

Check EVERY HOSE! I was looking at my starter for clearance problems because the original one has to be swapped a.s.a.p. due to the higher compression (around 10.1) . Anyway I noticed a rotted fuel feed line  . I might throw a few zip ties and bolts in the emergency glove box. My C3 sounds like a Harley .... might as well treat it like one and check bolts, belts ...etc often. The loose bolts and sloppy work usually happens when you pay someone $75/HR to make repairs that you are too lazy or not sure if you want to tackle. I keep having to remind myself it is an Antique. Not all previous owners show attention to details.

Not sure where I should have posted these comments?

Just gota open my mouth ...

Some Givens:
1. I think everyone would like to know how to "evaluate" any car before they write a check

2.. I own three C3's and none of them are for sale...and have no plans  ever to part with them or any of my others...But to be truthful every
single car has 3-4 little things that always need attention...nothing major just little things...

==================== BUT ================

If I were to put a car up for sale... I honestly think I would have a very hard time dealing with any buyer who insisted on checking out the car  by fully utilizing half of the items mentioned...

Not saying it is wrong for a buyer to  protect himself by using a checklist... Not at all...

But boy if I put a car on the market I honestly think I would be tempted to shoot some of you guys or at least kick you out of the garage,....

I just do not think I could handle the agrivation of dealing with some buyers...

Oh Well....    When I die you guys can agrivate my wife... since she is not into cars...and would love to sell the entire "fleet" and remodel the
bathroon, the  kitchen, sewing room etc...

Bob Griffiths