Scam?

[TraceZ]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Z28-C...QQcmdZViewItem

If it only has 16k on it, why did it need new tires and brakes? Also, the engine compartment looks like it has way more than 16K.

[fastTa]

I'm not sure about the brakes, but even at only 16k on the car, the tires were way overdue. Tires that aren't driven much can dry rot in as little as 3-5 years. Especially in areas like NJ that are known for significant temperature swings accompanied by high humidity.

The engine compartment corrosion also just looks indicative of a car driven in the NJ area. Otherwise it shows the signs of a low mileage car.

The current bid of $8,000 is already pushing the value of that car anyway.

[Steel2686]

I don't live terribly far from this car. About an hour and a half away. Mountainside is right near Newark and New York City. That would explain the premature break wear. However, even for a Jersey car, that's a bit excessive for the mileage indicated. It may have low miles, but the car was clearly not taken care of the way it should be.

In this area, I've always steered clear of any vehicle being sold out of the metropolitan area. It's hell on a car's engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes... Not to mention the numerous dings and scratches they always have from city parking.

In comparison, I have just over 17K miles on my T/A, and the engine compartment looks brand new because I take the time to keep it that way. My original brakes have well over half the life left, and the tires are still original with a few thousand miles left in them at very least.

[fastTa]

You know it always amazes me that people can't find the time to give their car a good complete detail, especially when they are selling it and for the pictures as well.

I guess some people just honestly don't know how to care for a car. You can tell that car is low mileage, it just needs a little TLC and some Zaino products from the owner.

[TraceZ]

I bought my car 3 years ago with 52K on the odometer.

It still had its original tires and brakes on it. The tires were to the treadwear indicators, and the brakes were fine.

It still has the original rear brakes on it, and the only reason I changed the front pads was for Hawk's added performance and less dusting.

I suppose it is possible the owner decided to upgrade the pads and freshen up the tires due to dry rot. But, looking at the engine compartment and the paint it does not appear the owner was that anal.

[Steel2686]

Trust me. It's rare you'll see a really nice car coming out of the metropolitan area. They are out there, but so few and far between.

Here's a map of where it's located...