924Board.org

[xanderdeg]

As most of you know I sold my 924 a couple months ago.

The guy who bought it was a university student my age. He claimed that he was interested in a car to have a sort of a project/weekend car and that he didn't know much about cars but wanted to learn. I thought this was perfect as he could slowly work on making the car more reliable over time while driving it on the weekends. This car taught me how to work on cars and it's simplicity makes it pretty easy for a mechanically inclined newcomer (as you all know)

When he bought the car I pretty clearly warned him about the dipstick leaking oil and showed him how to insert it so that it wouldn't leak. I also told him that this was because of a lot of blow by in the engine which most likely meant bad piston rings. He didn't seem to mind that as he was also taking my spare '77 engine to hopefully rebuild and swap in.

I also made it clear that it's an old car with a worn out engine so it would be wise not to push the car extremely hard/try to drift/street race etc... also that it would require constant love. He seemed to understand.

I sold him the car.

The other day I got a call from a number I don't know as I was leaving work. I pick up the phone and the first thing I hear is "the car won't start"

Once I figured out who was calling and which car was being referenced (i also just recently sold my jetta) I realized that the guy was probably thinking I had something to do with the car not starting and would know exactly how to fix it.

I told him to check for vacuum leaks because that was my best guess based on the symptoms he described and also told him that there's not much I can do as it's not really my car anymore.

Later that night he texted me: "Turns out it's the vacuum hose. Thanks for the tip"

I was thinking "THE vacuum hose? pretty sure there are a few more than just one..."

So I asked him which hose and here's where it gets interesting:

He says: "Your intake pipes you put on blew off at the bottom, and the entire vaccuum frame had dislodged from the engine, so I think there's a f**ked up motor mount that's allowing the engine to move around"

Either I don't know as much as I thought about cars or he just sent me a bunch of nonsensical jibber jabber.

Furthermore, I'm a little peeved with his wording "YOUR intake pipes that YOU put on sounds a lot like he's blaming me for his problems which quite frankly, is ridiculous.

I'm not sure what he means by vacuum frame... could it be the intake? in that case how would it manage to break free of the head? But that wouldn't even make sense because then the car wouldn't run at all. (I think)

I'm stumped, anybody know what his message meant?

Either way it's not my problem as I don't own the car anymore. Thought I'd share as it's been slightly entertaining dealing with this guy.

Sorry for the wall of text

[Rasta Monsta]

timstar?
_________________
Toofah King Bad

• WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

[fiat22turbo]

Probably the air intake tube from the CIS fuel distributor, which he thinks is a vacuum block of some sort.

Basically, he's looking for someone to blame for something that broke because he didnt heed your warning about it being an old car. if he calls again, tell him that it is a-is where is and that he can come to this board or a local mechanic if he needs help. Or just play dumb and tell him that it's an old car, stuff breaks.

And what the hell is in the water up there where college students think an old 924 is a good daily driver? Hope he has a pass for the bus or a set of roller blades or something.
_________________
Stefan
1979 924 Carrera GTS (clone-ish)
1988 944 Turbo S (Silver Rose)

[xanderdeg]

[sbarc]

kids these days are so amusing. The car is how old and he paid how little for it?
_________________
1981 931 (Canadian car)
1981 931 (US car)
1990 928GT (ROW car)
1991 Toyota MR2
1989 Toyota MR2 Super Charged
1985 Toyota Supra
1973 Triumph GT6
1971 Opel GT

[emoore924]

The following is not meant nor intended to be legal advice:

At least here in the litigious United States, there are two bits of advice worth mentioning: "notarized bill of sale" and "AS IS". <-- bold and caps on purpose, as this is how the words should appear in the aforementioned notarized bill of sale.

Yes, you have to (and should) truthfully disclose any known faults when asked, and IMHO even when not, especially if material, but if the purchaser purchased with all known faults disclosed and with eyes open with regards to the risks of purchasing an old worn out car, from a legal perspective as they say, tough titties.

[Slam]

First off, good for you for having a conscience. Posting here speaks volumes to that, and shows me your intent was not to do harm in selling a 'bad' car. Second, I feel your angst. I sold my 84 924 to a guy who purportedly fell in love with it. I told him what it needed and why and explained that it was an old car and needed constant care and attention. For whatever reason he chose not to listen. In his words "the car stranded me a couple of times". I asked if he'd replaced the components I suggested he replace. Answer? "No."

So this is his problem. You helped and are helping just by posting here, but if the new owner does not heed your advice then what? As far as I'm concerned you're off the hook. If he crashed on the way home after buying the car would that be your fault too? Used cars are a volatile commodity. Period.

Chin up. Chat with him but make it clear the car is his, all his, and you're not available at any old time and now he needs to take responsibility and help himself - just like you did when you got the car.

Keep smilin'!
_________________
'88 944 Auto - may or may not resurrect

[kcoyle]

Damn P.O.'s

I think it's time for a new phone number or you may have just made yourself a new best friend!
_________________
1982 931- Stock with MBC at 8psi

Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.

[Mars478]

Xander, seeing the guys instagram feed makes me think he knows very little about cars. He probably should've kept the matrix. Good luck.
_________________
924, 82, 5 speed, dark red, 500 dollar special.

Daily: 99 ML320, 210k and still trucking.

[Ozzie]

just reply,
its your car so now its Your intake pipes that blew off at the bottom, and the entire vaccuum frame had dislodged from the engine, so I think there's a f**ked up motor mount that's allowing the engine to move around" and I haven't a clue what you just meant.

tell him you don't mind helping him but not if he keeps an attitude.
_________________
Porsche 924 1984 (UK import) NA
Its AUTO and its BLACK
Montego Black on black/red
Engineer of Electro/Mechanical Systems Maintenance

[ThomasJoseph315]

Personally,. I wouldn't have sold him the car. I've turned away people when selling previous cars because of this. People need to be realistic with themselves and understand what they are getting themselves into. Chances are he was star struck on the fact it was a Porsche and wanted to drive it like a race car. I am willing to bet this car don't last the kid 6 months.

My advice,.. don't answer the phone next time he calls.

[xanderdeg]

Thanks all for the advice and kind words!

I haven't heard from the guy since - my guess is that he happened upon this post and learned a lesson or two about craigslist sales and what they entitle.

Once again I've been reminded of just how awesome this forum is. Of all the other forums I've been to and am a part of you guys are the best! Glad to be here.


On a side note: The Scirocco is awesome and I really love it. That being said I've been craving the passion and emotion that comes with driving/owning a porsche as the VW just doesn't quite have that.

Someday I'll get myself a nice clean 931 or late 944!