Buyer beware, lesson learnt no one to blame but me. look before you leap.

**Bazzle218** · 28th March 2019, 12:17 PM

This week I flew from Townsville to Brisbane to purchase and pick up a 1996 defender 300 tdi Wagon advertised on Gumtree for sale by a Person who works for a Land Rover specialist at Deception Bay . This person works for them and no comments are directed at the business itself.

The vehicle was given a glowing report as to condition, including recently painted, air conditioning working a treat, recently rebuilt gearbox, new clutch and timing belt kit and rust free supplied with roadworthy condition by seller. (I recently I had a couple of forum members inspect a vehicle for me, but I decided the one advertised suited my needs better ( lesson learnt). Any way on arrival at business location . I Inspect vehicle and requested it to be started. Leaking Turbo Horn, Turn aircon on. no fan to position 3 and compressor worked for 30 seconds then stopped. I got the old, it was working fine. I questioned where the thermostat control was for the aircon and was advised to be told that this model did not have one ( the switch was three position and did not have thermostat control fitted as per some) and no blower fan at the front of the vehicle. The look on the sellers face when I pulled out aircon vent and removed the disconnected thermostat switch and also pointed out the fan on the front of the radiator. Rust free, drivers floor pan looked magnificent as per photo supplied by seller. I crawled under the vehicle and shock horror there was enough sika flex to re float the Titanic on the drivers side floor pan. Leaking swivel hubs. Checked coolant bottle and was surprised to see that it was filled with the new coolant that looks just like muddy water. It was at this time I realized that I had just wasted my time and I walked away and flew back to Townsville $800 dollars poorer. Moral of the story, members will check vehicles' out for you if asked. Use this option before you travel. As a follow up, tried to message seller and address matters civilly. Message blocked and add was removed from gumtree the same day. Keep your eyes out . Happy to answer PMs.

Baz

**V8Ian** · 28th March 2019, 04:54 PM

So how did you get from the airport to Depression Bay, Barry?

**scarry** · 28th March 2019, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by V8Ian

So how did you get from the airport to Depression Bay, Barry?

Lime scooter.

The new economical modern way.

Shame about the Deefer.

And very surprised the seller works at the place i am thinking.

**DeanoH** · 28th March 2019, 06:48 PM

No names no pack drill .......................... but can you post a photo with say, half the number plate blanked out or showing specific items that can identify the vehicle to another potential AULRO buyer ?

edit . Crikey Barry, don't bother a very simple search shows a current Gumnut add looking very similar to yours. The vehicle doesn't happen to have a very distinctive flat roof rack and non factory wheels does it ? I'd hate to be accidentally maligning the other seller in Deception Bay who just happened to be selling an identical vehicle

Deano

**Bazzle218** · 28th March 2019, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by V8Ian

So how did you get from the airport to Depression Bay, Barry?

Ian: I did not realise a mate who i'm in infrequent contact lived there and picked me up and dropped me back. He's a Veteran and enjoyed the outing rather then sitting at home. I did not forget your offer but did not want to impose as i arrived 1030 am.

**Bazzle218** · 28th March 2019, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by DeanoH

No names no pack drill .......................... but can you post a photo with say, half the number plate blanked out or showing specific items that can identify the vehicle to another potential AULRO buyer ?

edit . Crikey Barry, don't bother a very simple search shows a current Gumnut add looking very similar to yours. The vehicle doesn't happen to have a very distinctive flat roof rack and non factory wheels does it ? I'd hate to be accidentally maligning the other seller in Deception Bay who just happened to be selling an identical vehicle

Deano

Mate exactly like the one i looked at. Must be its twin brother

if you read the description you will appreciate why i jumped at it.

**V8Ian** · 28th March 2019, 08:24 PM

Is the other Brisbane one still on your radar, Baz? It's still on Gumtree.

**Bazzle218** · 28th March 2019, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Is the other Brisbane one still on your radar, Baz? It's still on Gumtree.

Mate, i was that ****ed off i made an offer on a 1998, 130 4 door ute that i had looked at afte you checked the other one out. Set up for travel only missing long range tank, genuinely rust free and serviced and worked on by Tim a local landy specialist. Owner started at $12000 and took $ 9500. Will post some photos when i work out how to down load from phone.

**V8Ian** · 28th March 2019, 08:56 PM

Congratulations mate, sounds like a good buy.
You should be able to log on to AULRO on the phone and post the pictures direct.

**Bazzle218** · 28th March 2019, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Congratulations mate, sounds like a good buy.
You should be able to log on to AULRO on the phone and post the pictures direct.

Here it is.

Thread: Buyer beware, lesson learnt no one to blame but me. look before you leap.

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