Looking for internet P.I.

[sphelps]

A while back a few of the members here helped me track down a member that didn't hold their end of the deal during a buy/sell transaction. So I figured I'd ask for help again regarding something different. Currently considering purchasing a car from US, the savings and availability of what I'm looking at is just too great to ignore. I found a dealer that specializes at online sales, everything seems legit and while I have the option of flying down and driving back I'd really prefer just to have the car shipped directly to me but that means sending payment in advance.

Anyone have any special powers or skills to determine how legit such companies are? My attempts have turned up nothing but perfect BBB score and good reviews. Any experience on such matters is also welcome.

Company is Advantage Auto Sales, in Midvale UT
Sales guy I've been dealing with is Michael Garcia
http://www.advantageautosalesutah.com/

[michika]

Recently just went through this and the advice that I have is this;

When you receive your new vehicle take it to a dealership and have them inspect/confirm the vehicle is what it is supposed to be. There are a bunch of scams happening where US sellers will sell a car and once it gets up here its discovered that the vehicle was in a major accident and repaired on the DL.

Also make sure the features you ordered check out. This happened to me, the car I ordered was supposed to have particular features. The dealer signed off on the car upon receipt and it wasn't until I sat down and did a manual check on everything that I discovered the discrepancy.

[sphelps]

Thanks. Upon arrival I have 30 days to have the car inspected at any certified dealer before final payment is made so not too worried about that aspect. I also suspect if that was the type of dealer I'd find something negative about the business online but I'm not seeing anything. Was it a new or used car you purchased?

[pinkreef]

principal owner ALTAF SIAL
couple of red flags
one search says the business is closed
one search says 19-20 employees
but all reviews are in reference to your salesperson garcia

[michika]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Thanks. Upon arrival I have 30 days to have the car inspected at any certified dealer before final payment is made so not too worried about that aspect. I also suspect if that was the type of dealer I'd find something negative about the business online but I'm not seeing anything.

I went through a reputable guy in Vancouver. 15 days though not 30 in his case due to something with the insurance on importing.

The guy completely missed the power seats and a couple NAV features on a new BMW.


Good luck.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by pinkreef

principal owner ALTAF SIAL
couple of red flags
one search says the business is closed
one search says 19-20 employees
but all reviews are in reference to your salesperson garcia

What searches are you using?

[pinkreef]

i used the address of the business
got the name of owner
checked bbb
i used the name of the business to get the reviews
checked the name and saw nothing unusual

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by pinkreef

i used the address of the business
got the name of owner
checked bbb
i used the name of the business to get the reviews
checked the name and saw nothing unusual

Yeah that's what I did but didn't see anything relating the business being closed.

[fencer]

Go down and inspect the vehicle yourself.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by fencer

Go down and inspect the vehicle yourself.

Yeah ideally however the cost of doing so with flights, accommodations, and lost time of work is close to a couple grand. If the business is legit and as it appears I see no need for that, the agreement would state 30 day refundable deposit based on inspection.

Really, beside flying down there I'm curious what actions can be taken to insure the deal goes smoothly.