toybuyer
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posted on February 2, 2006 01:00:10 PM new
Mike'sRepair:
Most any mechanic or body shop mechanic knows where the so called "secrect" VIN is. It's not a big secrect in our opinion.
That's cuz you're in the biz, per se. However, the general public thinks we're still talking about the vin plate. But then you're not the ones that would have to testify in court if there's a problem.
Vehicle Electronic Control Modules (ECM) have had the VIN number programed into them for years by both US and foreign auto makers to include medium/heavy truck's. Vehicles that have multiple ECM's and work on a multiplex system often also have the VIN programed into the different modules (but not all). However the VIN's found on these modules is easily reprogramed with a factory diagnostics scanner and is therefore NOT a reliable source. How else do you think they program the VIN and vehicle specefic info into a new ECM when it fry's in your car and they install a new one.
Nothing to argue with you about there. However, I was referring to what police have access to. The majority of officers do not the understanding or equipment and must be certified by Vetronix. Again, court issues. Like I said, another topic....your post (and your buddies) and this post are discussing more advanced information than the original poster needed.
Information is always good--the point still being that the vin plate and a title can sometimes mean squat depeding on the cirumstances and people shouldn't be lulled into complacency about them. I'm sure you've seen that many a time!
[ edited by toybuyer on Feb 2, 2006 01:04 PM ]
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pixiamom
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posted on February 2, 2006 01:01:43 PM new
I would contact AutoNation NOW, especially since the local manager won't take your calls. AutoNation was the seller and should be held responsible. It's their reputation at stake so I would definitely involve their corporate HQ
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sparkz
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posted on February 2, 2006 01:16:00 PM new
I would list that car on Ebay motors with a BIN and sell it to Classic. Then let him worry about it.
If Murphy's law is correct, everything East of the San Andreas Fault will slide into the Atlantic
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agitprop
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posted on February 2, 2006 01:30:57 PM new
I think the best thing we can all take away from this most informative thread are the PERILS of buying a car sight unseen on eBay. To have it checked over by a certified mechanic familiar with that model, check for washed titles, etc. and do all the due diligence before buying it. This will reduce your risks, but you can never eliminate them completely.
Home of the best eBay auction fee & PayPal calculators: http://auctionfeecalculator.com
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cherachael
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posted on February 2, 2006 05:13:04 PM new
I will never trust carfax again. Also never will buy from a newspaper, I was a big fan of a getting a deal that way. Got my Mom's car that way. Scary!
Lawyer has not returned phone calls, and no one else called either.
Will keep you posted.
I'm on the edge ...
I will make all the "noise" after the inspection. Right now I don't have anything solid.
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hwahwa
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posted on February 2, 2006 06:26:47 PM new
why blame Carfax?
Carfax gives you quick access to where it comes from and how many parties have owned it??
/ lets all stop whining !! /
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cherachael
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posted on February 2, 2006 06:51:18 PM new
Carfax gives an impression that you are safe.
"stolen"(?) is one of the selling points
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kozersky
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posted on February 2, 2006 07:15:49 PM new
If the lawyer has not returned your phone calls, it is time to move on. He does not really want to handle your problem. Or, he is just too busy handling the matters of his business clients. Either way, when you really need him, he will not answer your calls. He has already demonstrated how he will treat you in the future.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, you should contact your County Bar Association. They will give you the phone number of an attorney who is experienced in this area. The Bar Association number is in the phone book. Trust my advice on this.
I see that everyone has all sorts of advice for you. They range from crawling under the car to look at a transmission tracking number, to wiping the grease from the engine block, to keeping notes and taking pictures.
Gather all your paperwork which supports your purchase and ownership of the car. Do take a picture of your car. Do jot down notes as to what has transpired to date. And, contact an attorney.
Do not wait for that attorney to contact you. If you belong to a church, ask a member or your minister, or priest for the name of an attorney who is a church member.
Do you live in the sticks? I just can not understand why you would have any problems in obtaining legal assistance. Please do not expect to receive an answer to your problem over the phone. Ask for an appointment.
This is going to cost you money. However, at this point, it should not be more than a few hours of legal work. If you wait, it will be much, much more.
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cherachael
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posted on February 2, 2006 07:31:13 PM new
kozersky:
I understand what you are saying.
I have not contacted another lawyer
because this one really sounded like he will help me. We talked and he took lots of info. He said he will work on setting up times for everyone.
Also, I called a few that deal with "theft" etc and no one knew anything about cars, except this lawyer.
I will contact the C.B.A. like you said, but I was going to wait a bit in case he is working on it.
I will definately ... quote "Gather all your paperwork which supports your purchase and ownership of the car. Do take a picture of your car. Do jot down notes as to what has transpired to date. And, contact an attorney". Absolutely!
I was just mostly waiting because I need to see what will inspection show.
I hate to waiste EVERYONE's time if this turns to be OK.
I feel that after the inspection I will have solid ground to start the fight, (and spending $$$$ on lawyers).
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hwahwa
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posted on February 2, 2006 08:03:54 PM new
Did you ever call the Bureau itself and ask ??
/ lets all stop whining !! /
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kozersky
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posted on February 2, 2006 08:04:25 PM new
In light of what you just posted, do two things in the morning. Call the attorney's office back and ask for assurances that something will be/is being done. His secretary can easily handle the messages from/to you. Tell them you need to know now. However, I have to tell you that there is no excuse for not getting a return call from someone in the office.
While you are waiting for a response, call the CBA. Call the contact they give you.
I wish you Good Luck.
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TheFamilyBiz
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posted on February 2, 2006 08:21:06 PM new
You do realize that if, upon inspection, they determine the car has been stolen, they might have it on a flatbed and off your property in a matter of minutes.
You better act now and not wait for anyone to come sweeping in to your aid.
Wayne
Never explain -- Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
~ Elbert Hubbard
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kozersky
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posted on February 3, 2006 10:09:19 PM new
Well, have you ripped the fender off, to locate the secret number decoder? Barricaded yourself in the garage with a shotgun? Drove to Mexico with your children?
What is happening?
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kozersky
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posted on February 3, 2006 10:41:49 PM new
post no longer relevant
[ edited by kozersky on Feb 4, 2006 01:59 PM ]
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cherachael
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posted on February 4, 2006 08:24:07 AM new
Hi!
no, I did not exactly fall of the face of the earth....
we had to go away on business this weekend, so I left the message for lawyer that we will be gone and we left.
Nothing happened.
I promise to let you know if anything does happen.
Thank you!
Rachael
P.S. I am in Florida
[ edited by cherachael on Feb 4, 2006 09:19 AM ]
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cherachael
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posted on February 6, 2006 08:48:36 AM new
Good Morning,
talk to the lawyer, he set inspection date for Wed. 4 pm
I am so freaking out and tired of worrying.
Once the inspection is done it will either be over or just starting.
Will let you know....
Thanks!!
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mikes4x4andtruckrepair
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posted on February 6, 2006 09:13:12 AM new
Rachael - Good luck. I hope it turns out in your favor.
Who is the lawyer having check it out? A good place to take your Honda would be to a Honda dealership and have a state inspection mechanic verify your VIN and put it in writing. Explain your problem to them so they know they will have to check all available VIN's. They will also know if there is a build sheet in the vehicle somewhere. They are usually located on the underside of the dash board or under one of the seats (if it has one). It might be worth having them pull the build ticket out and giving it to the lawyer.
Good luck, were all pulling for you. 
They say your memory's the second thing to go, I just can't remember what the first thing is. 
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cherachael
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posted on February 8, 2006 04:17:47 PM new
UPDATE!!!UPDATE!!
On my crazy car problem. The insvestigator found that the van is OK, original, not stolen.
It must be the clone that was stolen....
Thanks everyone!
LESSON LEARNED!!
Rachael
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kozersky
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posted on February 8, 2006 04:27:41 PM new
Yes!!!
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glassgrl
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posted on February 8, 2006 05:06:39 PM new
 YAY! I felt sure you were OK.
however - they ought to give you something for Pain & Suffering - not to mention the lawyer you have to pay.
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cherachael
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posted on February 8, 2006 05:10:45 PM new
I am just so relieved....
I don't think there is anything to get out of them on pain and suffering, (but believe me I was truly suffering)....
I was already wondering if I was better off possibly getting a real deal from them
on a new car....
but OK, fine.
IT'S OVER!!!
Thank You !
Your support is most greatly appreciated...
Rachael
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toybuyer
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posted on February 8, 2006 05:29:04 PM new
Rachael:
Great news! I'm glad it worked out for you and you're not out any moola on the car.
By the way, you did get something from them in writing, correct? You probably learned more here than you'll ever need to know about vehicle identification numbers but better to have some knowledge than going in their completely clueless.
toybuyer
[ edited by toybuyer on Feb 8, 2006 05:30 PM ]
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cherachael
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posted on February 8, 2006 05:42:49 PM new
I kept asking for a report, but they kept saying that I do not need anything since it is clear. They do not give out reports if everything is OK. I kept saying I want to make sure my title is clear for the future and this will never happen again....nope.
I videotaped EVERYTHING at least.
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agitprop
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posted on February 8, 2006 05:43:16 PM new
cherachael,
I'll point out the obvious - had the original investigating officers done a proper job and checked the "secret" VINs they would have discovered that it was cloned from your car's details. You would never have had to deal with all this emotional and mental distress... but someone screwed up. Glad it's finally settled and you came out okay in the end.
I hope you do contact some newspapers and tell your story - it'd make a compelling piece for the weekend magazine section: "eBay seller helps crack South American car hijacking ring..." remember to mention your eBay ID, and to charge any magazines for telling your story (it'll pay for all the emotional distress).
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glassgrl
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posted on February 8, 2006 06:22:24 PM new
and I thank you for bringing this to our attention. I certainly learned something new that I didn't know. My husband had never heard of this either......
makes you think twice about buying a car off of EBay huh?
[ edited by glassgrl on Feb 8, 2006 06:23 PM ]
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sparkz
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posted on February 8, 2006 06:45:37 PM new
Glad to hear everything worked out in your favor. Agitprop has a great idea. When the press shows up to do the story, make sure they take plenty of pictures. As a "celebrity vehicle" it should add at least a couple grand to the value. List it on Ebay motors and use the news photos and links to the article in your add. It'll be the only car on the site with an iron clad guaranteed clear title. It should bring a bundle. Take the loot and go buy a brand new car.
If Murphy's law is correct, everything East of the San Andreas Fault will slide into the Atlantic
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pixiamom
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posted on February 8, 2006 09:16:56 PM new
I have to put in my two cents. Folks have always been leary of cars bought on eBay and put extra diligence in the inspection of them. This was a car purchased locally from a S & P 500 dealership, glad it worked out OK. My best car purchase was on eBay from a reputable dealer with Carfax and independent mechanic inspected. Had to pay $1200 in transport fees but I still saved $1,000 over what I would have paid locally because recent Volvos are over-inflated in Oregon.
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cherachael
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posted on February 9, 2006 05:11:24 AM new
unfortunatley I would not know how to pull the publicity stunt, but would have been great to...
I am not sure why God wanted me to learn this lesson, but there must have been a reason...
Rachael
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kozersky
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posted on February 9, 2006 10:16:22 AM new
This was God's way to show you that lawyers are real people and that you should not hesitate to use their services.
Next time you have a concern, call your lawyer first.
[ edited by kozersky on Feb 9, 2006 10:42 AM ]
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irked
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posted on February 9, 2006 11:03:18 AM new
Good idea Sparkz and agit.
cherachael you already have your own video, sell it to the local news for a report they can do on your wows. Then sell the famous auto on ebay.
**************
Can't touch this! uh huh, uh huh.
"Por favor, no exprima el Charmin."
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