I bought a 2003 Vanden Plas on Ebay, where the described as running perfectly and no issues. Once I got the car, I discovered it is leaking massive amount of oil. I am going to have the car checked out on Friday, but does any have experience if this would costs thousands to repair or the chances if the entire engine being shot? The seller is saying I can return the car but I would have to pay shipping, and not sure if I can be sure that I will get the money back. So do I ship it back (about a $1K) or do I repair it?

 

Oil Cooler hoses can weaken and blow....although it's a young car...there was another post about this a week or so back.

 

pjk, that's true for supercharged cars, bit I don't think it's relevant here.

Christer, a pair of trained eyeballs will easily find your problem. Post the result of the inspection if you need any additional advice.

 

Christr,

eBay should have a policy on that, and if eBay and the seller try to foot me with a car shipping bill, they would be in small claims court so fast. The seller blatantly lied and misrepresented the car, there's no reason his or her mistake or dishonesty should cost you a grand.

Get an inspection like JTO said. See what's wrong. Offer to have the seller pay for the cost of the inspection and repair, or the cost of shipping it back to him. Don't give him any options, and perhaps go talk to your attorney and have him send him a letter promising legal action if he doesn't comply. That letter shouldn't cost much and should put the fear of God in the seller.

Good luck!

Edit, I just got a terribly awesome idea. If you decide to send it back, post it in the craigslist "gigs" section. Find some college kid or family traveling out to where the seller lives, and just tell them they can drive the car back if they pay for gas (get notarized copies of their licenses and a small contract, etc). The seller will really appreciate having some messy college kid drive his car back!

(Double edit, I'm a college kid, and we're not all messy. Find a messy one. )