Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: klickster on 07 October 2011, 16:04:25

Title: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: klickster on 07 October 2011, 16:04:25
Hi Gang,

The missus wanted a FWD  motor for the winter, and asked me to look around for a Vectra or similar.

Upshot is:  I won one on EBAY ... but have reservations about it now.  as H.P.I.  info seems to be pointing me in the opposite direction

£936 WINNING BID.
2004 (54) Vectra life 1.8L
2 owners.(2nd lady owner  for last 5 years )
96,000 MLS
ENGINE SWAPPED AT 33,000
Plate change last month (was private according to H.P.I. )
2 Months MOT. 2 months tax

Obviously  at £936.00 it isnt expensive...quite cheap really,  ..but
as the Plate has been changed, as well as the Engine, then i feel that the only referance point left is the Chassis number. not to mention all the other things that  the seller might have forgot to mention...like the plate change....

I  dont think i will go ahead with this one, (even although i think it could/probably is genuine.

beleive it or not ..(Sorry Girls ) but one of my main concerns is   the short MOT  coupled with the lady owner for the last 5 years.

How would you guys assess the risks on this one ... humour is  anticipated if not expected  !! 

klickster.  :( :o
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: millwall on 07 October 2011, 16:20:52
if your worried about the short mot why buy it
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: Jimbob on 07 October 2011, 16:28:04
you cant walk away baed on 'but one of my main concerns is   the short MOT  coupled with the lady owner for the last 5 years' surely you knew that before bidding?

Should of HPI'd before bidding.

You bid, you bought.

You can only walk away if it is not as described.
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: blackviper90210 on 07 October 2011, 16:30:08
Ref the plate change, I don't see the issue with this?  If the owner had a private plate on and was planning on selling the car, she would have transfered the plate off and put the original "registered" plate back on.

Thats if I've understood your post correctly  ???

Also, as millwall pointed out, why buy it when your concerned about the short MOT?  Bit silly IMO  ::)
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: millwall on 07 October 2011, 16:41:50
Ref the plate change, I don't see the issue with this?   If the owner had a private plate on and was planning on selling the car, she would have transfered the plate off and put the original "registered" plate back on.

Thats if I've understood your post correctly  ???

Also, as millwall pointed out, why buy it when your concerned about the short MOT?  Bit silly IMO  ::)
i cant see the problem either  my vans have private plates  my mrs car has  as said you bought it pay your money and fingers crossed its a good car 
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: klickster on 07 October 2011, 16:55:30
hi again,

1. yes i knew about the short MOT...not a major problem.
2. Didnt know about the plate change till HPI,d the thing, as she never said.
3. did know about the Engine change.

What i,m saying is ...

2 out of the 3 main things that one would normally check ..have been changed....so

The only original thing left to identify the vehicle are the  VINs  ... on the drivers floor ... etc.

So...having THAT knowledge....would you proceed ???

( the short mot and the lady owner are incidental to the story obviously.)

klickster



Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 07 October 2011, 17:04:40
But THE reference that is used is the VIN, the plate is considered a temporary assignment to a VIN and the only reason you HPi aganst the Reg is that its easier to do than a VIN.

Does not sound an issue to me.....as long as the engine was not changed for one with 150K miles and no service history!
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: tunnie on 07 October 2011, 17:06:40
hi again,

1. yes i knew about the short MOT...not a major problem.
2. Didnt know about the plate change till HPI,d the thing, as she never said.
3. did know about the Engine change.

What i,m saying is ...

2 out of the 3 main things that one would normally check ..have been changed....so

The only original thing left to identify the vehicle are the  VINs  ... on the drivers floor ... etc.

So...having THAT knowledge....would you proceed ???

( the short mot and the lady owner are incidental to the story obviously.)

klickster

You have no choice, you have committed to buy. You have a legal obligation to buy, unless its not as described.

I assume this is the car?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-VAUXHALL-VECTRA-LIFE-SILVER-/180731222320?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a146b9930#ht_502wt_1183 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-VAUXHALL-VECTRA-LIFE-SILVER-/180731222320?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a146b9930#ht_502wt_1183)

It clearly states new engine being fitted by Arnold Clark.

Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: Kevin Wood on 07 October 2011, 17:07:47
Plate change isn't really an issue IMHO. Neither is the engine change given that it's gone on to do another 63K on the new engine, as long as the current numbers match the V5. In fact, the car I had before the Omega had both in its' history. Previous owner had fitted a private plate and engine was changed for new by a main dealer after water ingestion. Put another 130K on it with very few issues.

I would make enquiries as to whether the engine was new, recond or 2nd hand, and ask for documentation to prove this. If the engine wasn't new you might be able to take issue with the fact that the engine may have done more than the advertised mileage, therefore not as described, but, really, as said, you should have satisfied yourself with the car before bidding.
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: henryd on 07 October 2011, 17:56:48
I have recently sold my Omega,before it went I removed my personal plate and it was given its original number back,now does that make the car dodgy ?,I don't think so ???
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: blackviper90210 on 07 October 2011, 18:10:00
As the seller clearly informs everyone the engine had been changed and by whom, if I was that worried/concerned, I'd have contacted the garage and asked for background info!

Either way, as you bid AND won, you are under a legal obligation to purchase the car, unless you find it "not as described" as mentioned earlier. At the end of the day, if your unsure and don't have enough time to elay your fears, don't buy!!
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: jonnycool on 07 October 2011, 18:48:58
You're all missing the point here - its had a lady owner for the past 5 years - RUN!!
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: albitz on 07 October 2011, 18:57:38
hi again,

1. yes i knew about the short MOT...not a major problem.
2. Didnt know about the plate change till HPI,d the thing, as she never said.
3. did know about the Engine change.

What i,m saying is ...

2 out of the 3 main things that one would normally check ..have been changed....so

The only original thing left to identify the vehicle are the  VINs  ... on the drivers floor ... etc.

So...having THAT knowledge....would you proceed ???

( the short mot and the lady owner are incidental to the story obviously.)

klickster

You have no choice, you have committed to buy. You have a legal obligation to buy, unless its not as described.

I assume this is the car?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-VAUXHALL-VECTRA-LIFE-SILVER-/180731222320?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a146b9930#ht_502wt_1183 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-VAUXHALL-VECTRA-LIFE-SILVER-/180731222320?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a146b9930#ht_502wt_1183)

It clearly states new engine being fitted by Arnold Clark.
I entirely agree with Tunnie.You should have addressed your concerns before bidding.Youve entered a legally binding contract to buy the car.People like you should be banned from ebay for life.You have almost destroyed it (with antics like this) for genuine people.Nothing more frustrating than "selling" something on the bay and then the "buyer" decides they somehow have the right to change their minds. >:(
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: blackviper90210 on 07 October 2011, 20:11:04
hi again,

1. yes i knew about the short MOT...not a major problem.
2. Didnt know about the plate change till HPI,d the thing, as she never said.
3. did know about the Engine change.

What i,m saying is ...

2 out of the 3 main things that one would normally check ..have been changed....so

The only original thing left to identify the vehicle are the  VINs  ... on the drivers floor ... etc.

So...having THAT knowledge....would you proceed ???

( the short mot and the lady owner are incidental to the story obviously.)

klickster

You have no choice, you have committed to buy. You have a legal obligation to buy, unless its not as described.

I assume this is the car?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-VAUXHALL-VECTRA-LIFE-SILVER-/180731222320?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a146b9930#ht_502wt_1183 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-VAUXHALL-VECTRA-LIFE-SILVER-/180731222320?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a146b9930#ht_502wt_1183)

It clearly states new engine being fitted by Arnold Clark.
I entirely agree with Tunnie.You should have addressed your concerns before bidding.Youve entered a legally binding contract to buy the car.People like you should be banned from ebay for life.You have almost destroyed it (with antics like this) for genuine people.Nothing more frustrating than "selling" something on the bay and then the "buyer" decides they somehow have the right to change their minds. >:(

Totally agree with you Albs!  It's as bad as having won an auction, then the buyer refusing to send the item AFTER it was paid for, just because they didn't get what they were after  >:(

They should be banned forever too!
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: millwall on 07 October 2011, 20:16:16
You're all missing the point here - its had a lady owner for the past 5 years - RUN!!
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: albitz on 07 October 2011, 20:19:20
hi again,

1. yes i knew about the short MOT...not a major problem.
2. Didnt know about the plate change till HPI,d the thing, as she never said.
3. did know about the Engine change.

What i,m saying is ...

2 out of the 3 main things that one would normally check ..have been changed....so

The only original thing left to identify the vehicle are the  VINs  ... on the drivers floor ... etc.

So...having THAT knowledge....would you proceed ???

( the short mot and the lady owner are incidental to the story obviously.)

klickster

You have no choice, you have committed to buy. You have a legal obligation to buy, unless its not as described.

I assume this is the car?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-VAUXHALL-VECTRA-LIFE-SILVER-/180731222320?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a146b9930#ht_502wt_1183 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-VAUXHALL-VECTRA-LIFE-SILVER-/180731222320?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a146b9930#ht_502wt_1183)

It clearly states new engine being fitted by Arnold Clark.
I entirely agree with Tunnie.You should have addressed your concerns before bidding.Youve entered a legally binding contract to buy the car.People like you should be banned from ebay for life.You have almost destroyed it (with antics like this) for genuine people.Nothing more frustrating than "selling" something on the bay and then the "buyer" decides they somehow have the right to change their minds. >:(

Totally agree with you Albs!  It's as bad as having won an auction, then the buyer refusing to send the item AFTER it was paid for, just because they didn't get what they were after  >:(

They should be banned forever too!
Ive had that happen too.Left them feedback calling them a thief (which is what they were) reported them to ebay,got my money back eventually.Their account has been inactive ever since.
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: dbug on 08 October 2011, 22:32:13
You bid, you buy!!

Should have raised any concerns with seller before bidding. ??? ???

If you break your contract for no good reason then you deserve all you can get mate
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: Lazydocker on 09 October 2011, 00:11:14
Yep, as stated, unless the description is wrong you've bought it ;)

I had someone try it on with me in the past, threatening to take me to court for costs because he'd come from Wales to pick up a car that was accurately described and then tried haggling ::) I just told him to pay up the agreed bid or drive away with negative feedback... He chose the latter and tried reporting me to eBay ;D He lost ::) Then I re-listed it and it sold for more :y
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: plym ian on 09 October 2011, 15:43:05
looking at the pictures of that one looks like its had a hard life anyway.

also EML is on and engine is running if you look closely.
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: Lazydocker on 09 October 2011, 19:29:41
looking at the pictures of that one looks like its had a hard life anyway.

also EML is on and engine is running if you look closely.
You mean as mentioned in the description, so completely as described AFAICT from the images ;) ;)
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: Lazydocker on 09 October 2011, 19:31:04
And I'm not being funny... It's a 2004 car for sub £1k... Not likely to be immaculate ;) ;)
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: I_want_an_Omega on 09 October 2011, 20:00:52
Looks ok to me. Winner has 100% feedback also.

Call Arnold Clark just to be on the safe side.
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: Andy B on 09 October 2011, 20:09:09
.....
Call Arnold Clark just to be on the safe side.

and there are lots that call Arnold Clark! A brief search of the interweb will show that they don't have a very good name! There used to be a site called Arnoldsucks.com, it was full of horror stories of a couldn't care less attitude re customer service, it seems to have been pulled now though.  ::)
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: I_want_an_Omega on 09 October 2011, 20:11:29
.....
Call Arnold Clark just to be on the safe side.

and there are lots that call Arnold Clark! A brief search of the interweb will show that they don't have a very good name! There used to be a site called Arnoldsucks.com, it was full of horror stories of a couldn't care less attitude re customer service, it seems to have been pulled now though.  ::)

Fair point - my suggestion was for them to confirm that they had changed the engine and if so what with - rather than comment about the quality of their work ........... 8)
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: Lazydocker on 09 October 2011, 20:14:12
Looks ok to me. Winner has 100% feedback also.

Call Arnold Clark just to be on the safe side.
But you're missing the point... The vehicle is as described (as far as we know) and if the receipt is there for the engine change then the OP has entered a binding contract to purchase the vehicle... If he doesn't he deserves any comeback there may be IMO ;)

If, however, when he arrives to collect the vehicle it is not as per the description he is free to walk away, but not to haggle ::)
Title: Re: IS THERE A CATCH
Post by: Andy B on 09 October 2011, 20:18:51
.....
Call Arnold Clark just to be on the safe side.

and there are lots that call Arnold Clark! A brief search of the interweb will show that they don't have a very good name! There used to be a site called Arnoldsucks.com, it was full of horror stories of a couldn't care less attitude re customer service, it seems to have been pulled now though.  ::)

Fair point - my suggestion was for them to confirm that they had changed the engine and if so what with - rather than comment about the quality of their work ........... 8)

I know. ::) ::) ::)