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I saw a 1972 Vista Cruiser for sale on craigslist. I don't know anything about the car.
Apparently the guy who posted the ad on craigslist is selling 5 cars for the owner.
The ad states "1972 OLDSMOBILE Vista Cruiser 4 door with fixed glass skylight and raised roof; 42,743 miles (just over 500 miles on rebuilt motor), exterior is white, interior is brown/tan, 455ci with auto trans = asking $13,000"
"All cars are available individually for the prices listed above, but would be willing to sell all for $55,000.
All cars run and are in an Air Conditioned Garage except for the Jeep (no AC in that building).
All cars have clear titles and there are also extra parts such as the roof glass for the skylight in the Vista Cruiser, hubcap sets, extra bumpers, extra trim pieces, fuel and oil filters and extra dashes.
I have more pictures if needed. Sorry these pictures were taken in the garage because the owner did not want to pull them out at that time.
Please let me know through this add or you can text or call me @ eight 5 zero-three 0 5-seven 9 6 8. Thank you for your time and have a good day"
its located on the Florida Okaloosa / Walton craigslist website
I am a little confused. This is your first post. The owner has them posted on Craigslist and you know nothing about them. However you have been to the guys garage and taken pictures and have a number where we can call you. What is your interest in the deal. Are you trying to broker the cars for the seller. It just seems a little unusual.
I'm not the guy who posted the ad. I don't know who the guy is. The phone number is not mine. I have never seen the cars. I have only seen this ad on craigslist. The picture was posted on the craigslist ad, it's not my picture.
Everything after the phrase " The ad states" was posted on the craigslist ad. I just copied it to here.
Last edited by 70442conv; August 8th, 2018 at 10:14 PM.
Reason: clarification
70442conv is legit and a very nice, helpful man who serves our country...
the ad however is suspect. Not only does it not pass the smell test, the individual who answers the number listed in the ad does not return calls. "This aggression will not stand man"
Did I speak too early? Only time will tell. I heard back from the "friend" of the seller.
He said the elderly gentleman who owned the cars recently passed away. He said he is simply trying to help a widow woman.
He said he is getting slammed from the Craigslist ad and can hardly keep up with the calls. Said he works night. But nevertheless would take a bunch of pictures Tuesday morning.
He claims all the cars are pristine. But sadly reported that the VC had been painted brown where the wood grain is. Claims paint is excellent. Also that the 350 had been replaced with a 455. Buyer claims to have extra glass, rear door and bumper.
Says no rust and nice interior. Trim pieces perfect.
After years in a police uniform and many yrs as a judge listening to tales of woe, there's something that just doesn't feel right about it. My gut tells me something is amiss. Hope I am wrong.
I will be happy to post photos of what he sends me or dial him up yourself. His name is Daniel. He is 45 yrs old.
I have been in contact with the seller, who is not the owner. 70442conv went and looked at the car for me. The car has been in storage for 3 yrs. no brakes, rust in usual places, sentimental attachment to deceased husband's cars. 350 replaced with a 455 but no details about from what or when, no records,
interior nice. Paint ok..IMO not even in the ballpark for 13k for a car that cannot be test driven and no history details..
these are the best photos from seller..
ones from 70442conv are more revealing...will try to load them
from pics that car looks fantastic - as a stasting point - but I agree without it running it is not worth close to 13k more like a 4k car for its solid panels/glass and its potential.
Notes on inspection:8.Cig lighter - did not work
12.Windshield wiper - no washer fluid came out. I think reservoir was empty
13.Vanity mirror on visor..lighted - no light, just a mirror
A/C did not blow cold air
did not see rear seat belts
26.Rubber trim, felt around windows - cracked in some places
27.Stainless trim all around. 1-10 scale - about a 9, some pitting in a few small areas
33.How old is paint... about 15 years old
Quality 1-10 about a 7, some chips and a scratch
engine - did not see any smoke, tailpipes had light grey on inside
oil was new did not see any signs of water
forgot to check trans fluid - it did shift into reverse easily
trans fluid residue around pan gasket, trans fluid at speedo cable
battery - brand new
rust bubbles lower fenders behind front tires
rust bubbles behind rear drivers side door in front of rear wheel
rust holes in inside both rear wheel wells - not visible from outside
the extra glass was for lower rear cargo windows and tailgate not the skylights
I took 4 pics of the same part of the tire - not much help. The tires are Broadway Classics
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
I think it's more than $4k Steven. A serious lack of records or maintenance logs doesn't help prove the cars claimed odometer reading and even a half decent paint job will hide a lot of question marks.
But what I don't like is the lack of information. Sure it may have had a 455 dropped in, did it also have a TH400 and proper driveshaft too? I know that pictures can be deceiving. The underside of the car does look to be in really good condition, and the spare tire storage drop appears to be solid. It would be nice to see more complete detail pictures of the typical rust spots, engine compartment, interior floors, pinch welds etc.
Did anyone else notice that the PO put mac tac wood grain on the lower AC valence? Nice touch but completely wrong color. 72 was Rosewood....The vista glass looks like it's de-laminating from the inside, or is that just a bad tint job? Other than that it looks pretty nice. Wonder if this is a 2 seater or the elusive 3 seater.
I will assume "yes" unless you indicate "no." Do this 1st section while it is still garaged please.
1.Horn
2.Lights-dim, bright, high beam indicator
3.Blinkers.. left right, emergency
4.Tag light
5.Parking lights
6.Dash lights..all work
7.Radio works
8.Cig lighter
9.Dome light
10.Map light
11.Courtesy lights under dash
12.Windshield wiper
13.Vanity mirror on visor..lighted
Outside...
14.Blower motor, all speeds..a/c cold, heater work
15.Does bench seat go front then back
16.Seat sits up firm or sinks in like never re-foamed
17.Sun visors consistent w/the rest of the interior
18.Headliner condition ...matches the car
19.Glove box opens and closes easily..lighted, clean, owner manual
20.Rear view mirror bright
21.Seat belt and retractor covers..photo
22.Carpet...replaced? ..appears to lack jute or dynomat on right floorboard
23.Headrests..match
24.Door panels..all match
25.Pillars..rust? Nicely painted
26.Rubber trim, felt around windows
27.Stainless trim all around. 1-10 scale
28.Glass...especially at top..several photos..cleat, milky..pictures of extras please
29.Rear window should open by interior switch and key
30.Tail gate..should let down and swing out
31.Wheel well openings...signs of rust
32.Any bubbling around it
33.How old is paint...
Quality 1-10
34.Tires...date code..brand name
Engine...
Listen, let it get hot please...
Leaks, smoke, funky smells,
Check oil cap and dip stick for any signs of water
Battery....age
Sure, I am a nut, but might as well be as thorough as possible. And whatever you suggest.
Just got a few photos of engine bay, not impressed! But the car looks nice.
See what you can find out why the engine swap..
Also, any history, documentation, and receipts are most helpful.
Also, I will be home while you are inspecting it. Call me, I'll be standing by..also, shoot a video of the car all around.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
That power brake master cylinder looks like it's almost eaten through. Why the green funnel by the hood spring?? Looks to have been converted to HEI ignition, what is the extreme corrosion picture supposed to be?
The picture that did not come out so well is of the lower fender in front of the drivers door. There is the scratch and there is also rust bubbles that are barely visible in the picture. there was only about a foot between the Vista Cruiser and the car parked next to it so the camera was close to the door.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
So that's inside the car. I'd be wondering what else is covered up on the outside if that kind of rot is happening inside. That would be a defining 'run-away' moment for me.
August 8th, 2018, 08:45 PM
