Curbstoning

[Kamal]

Does anyone know what this is ?

I checked the Car Fax record of a car I am about to buy from a place that looks like a fancy reseller of automobiles - not a licensed dealer of any sort for a particular auto manufacturer, and this is what the Car Fax record has to say

A curbstoner is a person who purchases vehicles at volumes that require a dealer license and then poses as a private seller to sell to unsuspecting buyers for a large profit. Curbstoning is illegal in most States.

Is this something I need to very worried about?

[skahound]

Re: Curbstoning

Edward Norton was a curbstoner in 'American History X'.

A curbstoner is a freelance used car dealer who places "for sale" ads and meets a prospective buyer at a designated curbside address. People who buy often find themselves with cars that have been misrepresented in some way. "Curbstoners" use various names and cell phone numbers. DMV receives complaints but isn't able to do much to help.

[lilsensa]

Re: Curbstoning

sounds shady as hell.....dont think i would wanna buy like this.

[Jibgolly]

Re: Curbstoning

^ thats the point though, how would you know?

[AntonyM]

Re: Curbstoning

I think Jay and Silent Bob
are curbstoners

[Kobe]

Re: Curbstoning

I'd prolly avoid that one. I'd go with a legit dealer or a true private seller. Not a fan of used car lots. *CREAM PUFF*

[Huggie Smiles]

Re: Curbstoning

"Curbstoning is illegal in most States. "

isnt that enough?????

[Kamal]

Re: Curbstoning

but what confuses me is that this looks like a legit business - here is their website

www.bayimports.net

[jarble187]

Re: Curbstoning

I'll play devils advocate.....you might get one heal of a deal Kamal!

[toasty]

Re: Curbstoning

is there anything else in the CarFax report that piques your interest?

[Kamal]

Re: Curbstoning

no - that was the only thing that was of concern

[toasty]

Re: Curbstoning

I dunno. It's definitely odd that they appear to be operating in a manner other than what is definied as "curbstoning" by having a web site, a bricks and mortar location, etc. If the price is appropriate, the thing checks out on inspection, and they're willing to offer a warranty of some sort, I'd still consider it.

With that said, a problem with a luxury car is a much more expenisive problem than it would otherwise be. If there are comparably priced vehicles elsewhere, probably not a bad idea to look there instead.

You might just consider airing it with them. Show them the CarFax report, see how they react, and use that info as well. A reputable dealer would be pissed to find that they're being referred to in such a derogatory way and would probably take steps to try to clear it from the vehicle if it's in error. If they shrug it off, run.

Finally, just remember that if a deal seems to good to be true, it probably is.

[thesightless]

Re: Curbstoning

ask for a business liscence. if they dont have one, dont buy. at least the liscence will allow you to seek damages from the BBB or other agency instead of trying to find a guy who just ripped you off.

[toasty]

Re: Curbstoning

ask for a business liscence. if they dont have one, dont buy. at least the liscence will allow you to seek damages from the BBB or other agency instead of trying to find a guy who just ripped you off.

BBB doesn't have the authority to award damages and although some gov't agencies have the authority to seek restitution, you ought not rely upon them to do so. BBB just collects data and tries to resolve consumer issues informally -- the only incentive a company has to play along is to maintain its good standing with the BBB.

[thesightless]

Re: Curbstoning

BBB awarded me 2400 or a new comp against alienware.