Who owned this SMB (in WA, then TX, then WA)?

deminimis · 02-20-2008, 03:30 PM

Thinking about this SMB, but everything tells me to stay away from it. Auction car, two owners (orig first registering it in Kirkland, WA , then Texas) already with the seocond owner registering it in Auburn, WA just this past November. Its dirty and looks like it wasn't taken well care of. I'm guessing with a recent purchaser (second owner) and the quick sale via auto auction, there's got to be some serious problems. Auction vehicles are always suspect. Tires are worn out, batts are toast, stains everywhere, etc. I can live with bad tires, tired batteries and even coffee stains (assuming those are coffee stains). Anyway, if you've got the 411 on this one, please let me know. I think its probably a piece and not worth considering. Thanks.

kzemach · 02-20-2008, 03:59 PM

Cripes, bid low. Can it hurt? Offer, say, $25-30k and make it your fix-up project.

deminimis · 02-20-2008, 04:06 PM

Was thinking that, but damn, not sure this thing would make the 2500 mile trip back to Oregon. I'd consider driving down there and hauling it back but my car trailer is in Baja. I once priced a hauling service and it was pretty high. Would be nice to know why the last owner dumped it and dumped it via an auto auction after only a couple of months. Guessing tranny.

smb4me · 02-20-2008, 04:16 PM

i do recall that an smb with a 'salvage' title from MA i think, i really don't recall, was posted for auction on ebay, sometimes ago, i don't recall exact dates, etc...but the pictures you posted looks very similar, IF MY MEMORY SERVES ME CORRECT, THIS APPEEARS TO BE SAME VEHICLE
maybe a member here can recall and posted feedback....
IF WHEN IN DOUBT WALK AWAY, check out the smb west pre-owned plenty of pre-owned available..
good luck

lowracer · 02-20-2008, 04:18 PM

Trust your gut. Run away. "There are plenty of fish in the sea," my mum used to say... Course she wasn't talking about fish or even sportsmobiles, she was talking about chicks but you get the idea.

deminimis · 02-20-2008, 04:20 PM

I should have listened to your mum.

PS: Hope my wife never finds this site

oclv · 02-20-2008, 05:11 PM

I saw this one listed for sale elsewhere. If I read it correctly, it says that they did a car fax, and no mention of a salvage title. Body work doesn't always show up in a car fax, but a salvage title should. Do a quick look, I think car fax is less than $20 for a single vehicle. oclv

smb4me · 02-21-2008, 07:06 AM

FWIW: A salvage titled vehicle CAN be washed to produce a title without the salvage designation.

jage · 02-21-2008, 08:00 AM

The guy on ebay with the salvage did the whole front end IIRC. There should be a forum thread about it even if the ebay is gone... use the search, Luke.

smb4me · 02-21-2008, 09:15 AM

jage is talking about the one i was referring to..........

i think the winning bid on ebay was like 30K....I THINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
or something like that...someone here can just in if they recall
good luck