(Lots of car related posts today. Same as everyday, I suppose.)

I had a gentleman recently, although this is a very common occurrence, who called me at work and spent around two hours discussing the pros and cons of purchasing a certain model of car. We work on that type of car a lot, so it was logical. During this two hours I was still working on other cars, and we all know what a pain in the ass it is to hold a phone by your shoulder so you can use both hands. So I was trying pretty hard to help this customer out.

He listened to most of my advice, but like most, missed two very key points.

He didn't have us look at the car first, to give an unbiased/knowledgeable opinion and he bought a car from the North East.

I warned him when he mentioned the car was from Maryland, that it was likely badly corroded. He insisted that it was garage kept and should be fine, but he would bring it by us anyway before he bought it to make sure.

Naturally, he bought the car without doing so, and now that it's here for work, I immediately observed the car is quite rusty underneath without even having to lift it up to look underneath it. I simply bent down and checked quickly. He could have done that.

The car interior and paint look great, so I'm sure he just jumped at it because it was pretty. Now when ever he gets brake work done, suspension work, etc. it will be extra costly because of all the bolts and parts that will break. Plus now that the rust has started, it will continue to spread even though it's not in that salty environment anymore. Eventually the car will no longer be driveable or need very expensive chassis refurbishing.


I would have looked at the car for free, but people love to impulse buy. I'll still get his business working on this car, so it doesn't hurt me, it's just a shame he wouldn't listen and got stuck with this.