Well, I know of transactions where the buyer and seller just had telephone conversations and an exchange of pictures via email to close the deal. The buyer did not see that X first hand until it arrived via carrier after being shipped halfway across the US. But those were about 16 or more years ago.
Today's world is a different story. If turbo Lou was selling his X today vs a few years ago and I was looking to buy, I could envision a few phone conversations and pictures are all that's needed. Outside of that familiarity, yes, one has to do their homework. Whatever internet search results complemented by forum knowledge and registry guidance would be assembled with in-person inspections by the buyer and/or the buyer's representative.
Sure, there are inspectors for hire all across the country. But a buyer may choose someone with specific knowledge of that make or model and buy the travel expenses and time for that inspector in addition to his own travel expenses and time. Now we are discussing the time value of money.
On a lesser note, it's also the hassle of SPAM when a scammer has your contact info and email address to sell just because you replied to an advertisement only to later learn it is a scam.
Specifically with #379, the seller, Mr. Casper, looks legit. #379 was bid up to $90K in that non-paying ebay auction he references in the relisting ebay ad linked in post #4. As a seller, it certainly would be frustrating to learn a scam had been run in Baltimore and New York using your product. You'd have to entertain a lot more questions.
#379 bid is up to $55.1K now and I don't believe it will eclipse the $90K max previous auction. The buy it now price is $105K. I don't believe this example can command that pricing. I would choose one of the two other examples I know of around the $120K level that have 1/10 the mileage and more original documentation AND are known to this forum by their owners or representative.
