Sharing PPI to save others' time?

[M5280RCR]

Price: $1

Location: CA

Description:

Over the past 2 weeks I spent several hours tracking down a seller, talking to them, talking to mechanics and ultimately spent a couple of  hundred dollars on a PPI for a 2002.  Long and short of it, this particular car is not worth purchasing (even for 50% of the asking price, unless you can do paint and mechanical work yourself).

 

I am conflicted as to whether or not it is good mojo to share specific information with others on this website (such as the car and advertisement), so as to be able to save other forum members the time and effort I have already put into investigating this particular car.  I don't think my comments would expose me to libel or slander (defamation) because the facts are the truth; but I am conflicted in potentially poisoning the seller's ability to move the car Vs. saving people here time and effort who have helped me through my search for a car.

 

What are your thoughts, or what would you do in this case?

 

PS,  The seller's add is pretty honest (pointing out a lot of what the mechanic found, though not all).  But the extent of things like rust and engine issues may not be fully understood by the seller.  I think they a good person and I am conflicted as to what is the right thing to do.  I appreciate your thoughts.

Edited November 15, 2017 by M5280RCR

[jgerock]

Buyer beware comment is a good red flag. Many other forum members have checked out cars before and reported their findings.

 

I have crawled in and under some 2002's that are not worth a tinkers darn then they are sold the next week to someone else.

[jb02]

I think in a community of 02 enthusiasts like this forum, it is appropriate to share information.  I have bought several cars long distance sight unseen based on PPI by a reputable independent service shop.  By sharing your information, you might save somebody else the wasted time and money of chasing a car that has serious issues.

 

A few months back I went to look at a local E31 850 6 speed that was being auctioned on BAT.  There was lots not right about the car, much of which was not shared in the auction description.  In hind sight I wish I had posted my observations but at the time I did not want to be the guy to  "throw shade" on somebody's auction.

[M5280RCR]

Thanks for the feedback guys.  The car in question is Colorado Orange in SoCal.  Per the PPI I had done, it was suggested I walk away.  Again, if one can do clutch, engine and paint at cost, it could be a find.

[Mark92131]

This one?

 

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/d/bmwcolorado-orange-beauty/6351694308.html

 

Mark92131

[M5280RCR]

Correct.  To the seller's credit they did reduce the price from $19k to $15k after I gave the PPI shop permission to share the results with her. 

[jb02]

I saw this ad too after M5280RCR mentioned colorado orange in So. Cal. Since the ad mentions this car having been restored in Dallas, I was wondering if this is a car done by Select Classics, discussed elsewhere here on FAQ. 

[02Les]

38 minutes ago, jb02 said:

I saw this ad too after M5280RCR mentioned colorado orange in So. Cal. Since the ad mentions this car having been restored in Dallas, I was wondering if this is a car done by Select Classics, discussed elsewhere here on FAQ. 

Correct. It was a "Select Classics" car. They moved it on about a year ago.

[ray_]

Mark of the beast in the rear windscreen lower right 

 

[Mark92131]

23 hours ago, M5280RCR said:

it could be a find.

 

Here's a find, sell the extra parts, convert it to a 5 speed, paint and interior and still have money left over from your $15K budget, sell it on for $25K when you are done.

 

Mark92131

 

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/1972-bmw-2002-barn-find/6390084409.html

 

 

[ray_]

2 minutes ago, Mark92131 said:

 

Here's a find, sell the extra parts, convert it to a 5 speed, paint and interior and still have money left over from your $15K budget, sell it on for $25K when you are done.

 

Mark92131

 

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/1972-bmw-2002-barn-find/6390084409.html

 

 

 

 

That's a nice project!

Cheers,