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Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 06:57 AM

Hi all,

Unfortunately today I have to voice myself, I appreciate this may not sit well with some people but the truth is the truth.

Mark (mepstein) contacted me in regards to a wanted ad for a car, after some back and forth I purchased the car.

Unfortunately it isn't a good story, Its rotten where he stated it was solid, parts missing where he confirmed they were complete and I even have pictures confirming parts were swapped after my purchase and before the collection. The 4 reconditioned injectors are very dangerously leaking and iv been unable to verify engine condition because the running when parked car has relays missing- it has been suggested by a member that the injectors have been swapped for the broken ones he suggested he had returned from Mr injector- who knows.

I have contacted Mark to see if he will rectify some of the issues or missing parts who was very unhelpful.

Mark knew my health issues and i believe took advantage of my uk location.

I have all messages and picture proof, its clear im going to get no help and im stuck with what iv got but be careful when you hand over your hard earned cash because Unfortunately not everyone has good intentions.

Thanks for those who have messaged me, your support is very much appreciated.

For those who won't like what iv said l, I apologise but whatever side of the pond you are wrong is wrong and iv not listed anything I haven't got valid proof of.

He says he gave me some parts that were missing in the photos but that doesn't give him the right to steel parts from my then car.


Oh and the last thing he had to say?

LOL, have a good life!


Feel free to hate on me, iv told the truth- and if you have some parts for sale please keep a look out for the wanted advert I will need to post.

All the best.

Nathan.

Posted by: mb911 Dec 3 2020, 07:14 AM

What? This is confusing at best.. Can you tell the story or is this just a call out thread?

Posted by: Cairo94507 Dec 3 2020, 07:25 AM

We have no idea about your personal experience with Mark- only you and he know that. All I can tell you is I have known and been dealing with Mark for over 10 years now and he has always, 100%, been upfront, honest and generous. He is a guy who has gone out of his way to help and support this community.

I am not sure how experienced you are with 914s and the condition of these cars in their unrestored condition but they are all rust buckets to varying degrees. The rule we live by is always buy the best example you can afford and be prepared for rust repair. After all, a 50 year old car with no rust protection from the factory is going to have rust and be missing parts.

I wish you the best in regard to your health and I hope you can work this out and come to love your 914 as you hopefully begin to put it together and get it back on the road.

Cheers,
Michael

Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 07:30 AM

Its a bit of everything I guess,

Once upon a time you could take someone's word and get what you pay for, I just want to highlight how careful you need to be when handing over cash to a stranger that you thought you could trust and even more so when dealing from overseas.

I joined this forum to find a car and be around the scene, im just obviously to trustworthy- im not going to start posting pictures but I gave mark his chance and de abruptly declined so thats that.

A few dollars worth of parts there is alot by the time they get here with taxes shipping and handling- a few parts taken is a big expense to replace with little availability here.


The up side of this is I do have a car, yes its not as described but I guess its a base.

I will start a build thread when im able to get started but unfortunately my disability has taken a turn right now so it won't be for a while.

Nathan

Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 07:38 AM

QUOTE(Cairo94507 @ Dec 3 2020, 07:25 AM)

We have no idea about your personal experience with Mark- only you and he know that. All I can tell you is I have known and been dealing with Mark for over 10 years now and he has always, 100%, been upfront, honest and generous. He is a guy who has gone out of his way to help and support this community.

I am not sure how experienced you are with 914s and the condition of these cars in their unrestored condition but they are all rust buckets to varying degrees. The rule we live by is always buy the best example you can afford and be prepared for rust repair. After all, a 50 year old car with no rust protection from the factory is going to have rust and be missing parts.

I wish you the best in regard to your health and I hope you can work this out and come to love your 914 as you hopefully begin to put it together and get it back on the road.

Cheers,
Michael

Posted by: dhuckabay Dec 3 2020, 07:39 AM

Sorry to hear all of this. Been down the road myself. Seller made representations and the car did not match to. Also had pictures of it as sold, missing parts when I got it. Sued the seller and won, several years work to get the money from him. The amount rises every time I need to get the lawyer on him and interest, still don't have the money. He now owes about three times my original purchase price. Offered him an easy way out in the beginning.

Posted by: jaredmcginness Dec 3 2020, 07:42 AM

Sorry to hear about your experience with this transaction - and most importantly your health conditions.

I'm local to Mark and have known him personally for a year. He is trusting, open and a really charitable guy. I would find it difficult to think that he would have done anything shady for his own gain.

There are no perfectly solid 914's out there. If this is the car I think it was, I wish mine was half as nice when I bought it...
I hope you can get this sorted out and the ramifications of the deal don't affect your love of these cars and participating in this community.

Posted by: rhodyguy Dec 3 2020, 07:44 AM

Maintain low tones.

Posted by: mb911 Dec 3 2020, 07:44 AM

All I can tell you is I have known Mark for over 16 years now when we met at Hershey PA for a car show/parts swap. He has been extremely generous to me and my family as we went through a very rough time this year. Before that he helped source parts for my project and has been a huge supporter of my business and helped develop the first website without accepting a penny.

I am not sure all of your dealings but I do know that here for a restorable 914 that has a chance of running and driving you are in 4-5k. Heck I bought my clapped out crappie non running rusted out project missing almost everything for half of that 5 years ago as there was nothing better available locally. That car has made a huge transformation.. Search my build out.. It really was bad.

I wish you the best of luck with your build and look forward to helping if I can.

Posted by: mepstein Dec 3 2020, 07:48 AM

I sold my '70 1.7 car to Nathan when he posted a WTB project car. I said it's very much a project, needs a ton of rust repair and will be missing a lot of parts. I explained that it had major hell hole rot, sent him pics and suggested he buy my new, restoration design suspension console because it was one of the big parts needed for a big rust repair job. I told him no bumpers, no interior, no dash, ect and sold him the car for $1.500.

We sent back and forth dozens of emails and pics but I constantly warned Nathan that this was a project car that needed work. I could make way more money parting it out but I felt a sub 40K mile car should be put back on the road. I like the car and was a bit sentimental since it was similar to the first one I owned. I also referred Nathan to my past posts on the car to show what it used to have. None of those posts were altered and they document the major hell hole rust and suspension console concern.

Nathan pleaded with me for extra parts so independent of the $1,500 sale price, I gave him seats, dash, front and rear bumpers, rear valance, interior door parts, steering wheel and a bunch of other small items. All FREE. The wheels where an old pair of steel wheels just to make it a roller for the transport company.

I got run around by his transport company, leaving work to race home, only to be told the pickup was a false alarm. a couple more similar calls until it was finally picked up.

Lately, I had tried to help him get replacement fuel injectors since he said the old ones were leaking. I made contact with the guy who was selling NOS for $50 each, offered to buy them for Nathan and ship to the UK for $30 but he declined.

This morning, he threatened me with legal action. I wished him the best but I'm not going to be part of the crazy.

I told my wife, no good deed goes unpunished.

Edited post - Nathan Is welcome to post emails, pm or pics I sent to him as long as he post them all to show the true context of the deal.

Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 07:49 AM

QUOTE(dhuckabay @ Dec 3 2020, 07:39 AM)

Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 07:52 AM

QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 3 2020, 07:48 AM)

Posted by: mb911 Dec 3 2020, 07:54 AM

Christmas time everyone.. I will gladly paypal you a small donation towards your project.. Lets keep in mind what a terrible year this has been. Ugh

Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 08:00 AM

I feel I need to prove myself,

Here is a picture Iv zoomed into from after payment was made and before collection vs what I recieved.


I couldn't agree with you more about this year, im currently shielding because my illness makes me highly clinically vulnerable and this car was bought in order to be my ray of sunshine.


Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: BeatNavy Dec 3 2020, 08:38 AM

QUOTE(jaredmcginness @ Dec 3 2020, 09:42 AM)

Posted by: Unobtanium-inc Dec 3 2020, 08:38 AM

QUOTE(914nb @ Dec 3 2020, 05:52 AM)

QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 3 2020, 07:48 AM)

I sold my '70 1.7 car to Nathan when he posted a WTB project car. I said it's very much a project, needs a ton of rust repair and will be missing a lot of parts. I explained that it had major hell hole rot, sent him pics and suggested he buy my new, restoration design suspension console because it was one of the big parts needed for a big rust repair job. I told him no bumpers, interior, dash, ect and sold him the car for $1.500.

We sent back and forth dozens of emails and pics but I constantly warned Nathan that this was a project car that needed work. I could make way more money parting it out but I felt a sub $40K mile car should be put back on the road. I like the car and was a bit sentimental since it was similar to the first one I owned. I also referred Nathan to my past posts on the car to show what it used to have. None of those posts were altered and they document the major hell hole rust and suspension console concern.

Nathan pleaded with me for extra parts so independent of the $1,500 sale price, I gave him seats, dash, front and rear bumpers, rear valance, interior door parts, steering wheel and a bunch of other small items. All FREE. The wheels where an old pair of steel wheels just to make it a roller for the transport company.

I got run around by his transport company, leaving work to race home, only to be told the pickup was a false alarm. a couple more similar calls until it was finally picked up.

Lately, I had tried to help him get replacement fuel injectors since he said the old ones were leaking. I made contact with the guy who was selling NOS for $50 each, offered to buy them for Nathan and ship to the UK for $30 but he declined.

This morning, he threatened me with legal action. I wished him the best but I'm not going to be part of the crazy.

I told my wife, no good deed goes unpunished.

If only that were the case mark! But obviously your not going to publicly shame yourself i guess.

I wont show you up posting pictures and messages but we both know and thats that.

Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 08:47 AM

QUOTE(Unobtanium-inc @ Dec 3 2020, 08:38 AM)

QUOTE(914nb @ Dec 3 2020, 05:52 AM)

QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 3 2020, 07:48 AM)

I sold my '70 1.7 car to Nathan when he posted a WTB project car. I said it's very much a project, needs a ton of rust repair and will be missing a lot of parts. I explained that it had major hell hole rot, sent him pics and suggested he buy my new, restoration design suspension console because it was one of the big parts needed for a big rust repair job. I told him no bumpers, interior, dash, ect and sold him the car for $1.500.

We sent back and forth dozens of emails and pics but I constantly warned Nathan that this was a project car that needed work. I could make way more money parting it out but I felt a sub $40K mile car should be put back on the road. I like the car and was a bit sentimental since it was similar to the first one I owned. I also referred Nathan to my past posts on the car to show what it used to have. None of those posts were altered and they document the major hell hole rust and suspension console concern.

Nathan pleaded with me for extra parts so independent of the $1,500 sale price, I gave him seats, dash, front and rear bumpers, rear valance, interior door parts, steering wheel and a bunch of other small items. All FREE. The wheels where an old pair of steel wheels just to make it a roller for the transport company.

I got run around by his transport company, leaving work to race home, only to be told the pickup was a false alarm. a couple more similar calls until it was finally picked up.

Lately, I had tried to help him get replacement fuel injectors since he said the old ones were leaking. I made contact with the guy who was selling NOS for $50 each, offered to buy them for Nathan and ship to the UK for $30 but he declined.

This morning, he threatened me with legal action. I wished him the best but I'm not going to be part of the crazy.

I told my wife, no good deed goes unpunished.

If only that were the case mark! But obviously your not going to publicly shame yourself i guess.

I wont show you up posting pictures and messages but we both know and thats that.

That's not how this works. You don't get to publicly shame a respected member here with no proof. If you got ripped off, show us. Talking about it isn't enough, not if you want to be taken seriously. In today's digital age it is easy to prove everything you're saying though emails, texts, and pictures. People do get ripped off on cars not being as described, parts swapped, these are all real problems, I've seen it all happen but if you call someone out, be prepared to back it up, or don't throw the grenade.

Posted by: tpines Dec 3 2020, 08:48 AM

I am sorry to hear this but as previously stated this is Christmas time and life is too short. I'll pray that you both will be able to work this out compassionately towards each other.

Clark

Posted by: Unobtanium-inc Dec 3 2020, 08:53 AM

QUOTE(914nb @ Dec 3 2020, 06:47 AM)

QUOTE(Unobtanium-inc @ Dec 3 2020, 08:38 AM)

QUOTE(914nb @ Dec 3 2020, 05:52 AM)

QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 3 2020, 07:48 AM)

I sold my '70 1.7 car to Nathan when he posted a WTB project car. I said it's very much a project, needs a ton of rust repair and will be missing a lot of parts. I explained that it had major hell hole rot, sent him pics and suggested he buy my new, restoration design suspension console because it was one of the big parts needed for a big rust repair job. I told him no bumpers, interior, dash, ect and sold him the car for $1.500.

We sent back and forth dozens of emails and pics but I constantly warned Nathan that this was a project car that needed work. I could make way more money parting it out but I felt a sub $40K mile car should be put back on the road. I like the car and was a bit sentimental since it was similar to the first one I owned. I also referred Nathan to my past posts on the car to show what it used to have. None of those posts were altered and they document the major hell hole rust and suspension console concern.

Nathan pleaded with me for extra parts so independent of the $1,500 sale price, I gave him seats, dash, front and rear bumpers, rear valance, interior door parts, steering wheel and a bunch of other small items. All FREE. The wheels where an old pair of steel wheels just to make it a roller for the transport company.

I got run around by his transport company, leaving work to race home, only to be told the pickup was a false alarm. a couple more similar calls until it was finally picked up.

Lately, I had tried to help him get replacement fuel injectors since he said the old ones were leaking. I made contact with the guy who was selling NOS for $50 each, offered to buy them for Nathan and ship to the UK for $30 but he declined.

This morning, he threatened me with legal action. I wished him the best but I'm not going to be part of the crazy.

I told my wife, no good deed goes unpunished.

If only that were the case mark! But obviously your not going to publicly shame yourself i guess.

I wont show you up posting pictures and messages but we both know and thats that.

That's not how this works. You don't get to publicly shame a respected member here with no proof. If you got ripped off, show us. Talking about it isn't enough, not if you want to be taken seriously. In today's digital age it is easy to prove everything you're saying though emails, texts, and pictures. People do get ripped off on cars not being as described, parts swapped, these are all real problems, I've seen it all happen but if you call someone out, be prepared to back it up, or don't throw the grenade.

Iv already posted a picture

Posted by: Rusty Dec 3 2020, 09:48 AM

With all respect to my esteemed colleague, I'm going to open this back up. However, I acknowledge and share Zach's concerns. He's not an asshole - he correctly sees huge red flags here.

We treat people with courtesy and respect, even during disagreements. If a member chooses to be rude, he is courting a time-out. There will be no warnings.

Please play nice and let my day be a boring one.

Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 10:06 AM

Im happy for it to be closed,

It wont matter how much proof I were to provide it wont get rectified, I asked and he declined.

Im happy for people to judge me , iv spoke the truth so I can hold my head high.

I value everyone's opinion but you also need to mine because no matter what there will always be my side to marks story.


Hope you all Enjoy your day.

Posted by: mepstein Dec 3 2020, 10:28 AM

“Oh and the last thing he had to say?

LOL, have a good life!”

Yep, after you threatened me with legal action, I figured it was a better response than what I wanted to write.

Yes, many parts are different from the old pictures of the car because that’s what we agreed to. Accusing me of switching out injectors for leaky ones, lol. Because good used 1.7 injectors are worth so much money that I offered to help you buy the nos ones and send them to you. Like many parts of the car, the dash, seats, etc is different than what was in the old pictures. I threw in a core dash and seats even though and after we agreed that the cars interior would be stripped. I figured driver parts would be better than nothing. Same with the bumpers, valance and many other parts. They were specifically not part of the deal but your many emails, some explaining your condition, made me think it would be helpful to at least have core or driver quality parts to work with. You didn’t mind accepting all the parts for free.

I asked a couple members what they paid for their project cars, took the lowest price and then took half of that. $1,500. This is a numbers matching, sub 40 thousand mile car with good title. So if we are going to bring up your physical condition as a disadvantage to negotiations, I would say they disadvantaged me because I have empathy for your situation and always gave you the benefit. Same with car pickup that you hired. I made multiple trips back to my house from work for pickups that never happened and let it go.

I stand by the transaction I did with you as being upfront, above board and as agreed by both parties. I’ve done thousands of transactions on this and other sites and have never had one disagreement over a transaction. So yes, have a nice life.

Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 10:39 AM

The pictures i have to compare against are from after I bought the car but like I said previously I gave you a chance to correct your wrong doings and you declined.

I have nothing else to say to you, your aware of what you removed and swapped out after I paid exactly what you asked for.

Shipping was past and present motorcars, a very reputable business who said you messed them about with collection, 3 attempts to collect the car and pictures provided all times- contact jack lazinsk and ask yourself- i paid twice due to this but never questioned mark.

If anyone wants to talk about this please message me and I will show you as much or as little as you like....

Fact is, I was lied to and taken advantage of because as I believe my location.

Like I said if anyone wants to chat, please feel free to message me iv nothing to hide.

All the best,

Nathan

Posted by: ddire333 Dec 3 2020, 10:40 AM

New on the forum so don't know either member, I have bought several low value cars sight unseen over the years, most had additional issues the sellers didn't fully cover, some major some not so. Have come to realize the seller is not always looking as deep or at the same things I am, plus they want to sell. If I choose to purchase without viewing or inspection I just have suck it up, and for the prices I'm talking about it was worth a punt even if all I got was a parts car.

I have been looking for 914 project cars for a while now and seen nothing reasonable solid for under $5000 so at $1,500 I would be expecting lots to do no mater what.

Very poor 914 project cars would make £3-4 k in the UK, so there is a simple out if your not wanting to fix up.

Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 10:47 AM

QUOTE(ddire333 @ Dec 3 2020, 10:40 AM)

Posted by: aggiezig Dec 3 2020, 10:55 AM

I'll throw my $.02 out there as I have personally bought way too many old cars in my short time on this planet. When you buy any car, but especially an old car, and especially an old Porsche, you have to accept from the get-go that you are opening a can of worms. At best, these cars are 44 years old now. There are going to be broken and or missing parts. There is going to be rust (especially on a 914). You don't buy one of these cars unless you have deep pockets or lots of free time to foot regular maintenance let alone deferred repairs.

I realize there are some accusations of misrepresentations here. All I can say is to make sure everything is in explicit detail in writing if you expect it to be included as a part of the sale. Additionally, you should always, always, always physically inspect the car or send someone to do this on your behalf. I realize you are not in the same geographic area. That being said, if you could not send someone to check out the car on your behalf, then you must understand that is a risk to the purchase.

Despite every party's best intention in a transaction, no one can read minds or remember the smallest minutia. In my personal experience, lawyers will make no one money but themselves in these situations (sorry if you are an attorney). I do not feel that a public shaming on this forum is going to accomplish your goals, OP. It sounds like you are the new owner of a car that needs a lot of work. So, instead, I would focus my efforts on the new task at hand or finding another owner to take over the project.

Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 10:58 AM

Yeah like I said it is what it is, the chance to correct was offered and declined.

Iv done what I said I would do, im on private messages if anyone wants me.

Thanks for those who have send me messages, its appreciated.


Thats me now, said my bit.


Nathan

Posted by: willieg Dec 3 2020, 10:59 AM

QUOTE(Rusty @ Dec 3 2020, 10:48 AM)

With all respect to my esteemed colleague, I'm going to open this back up. However, I acknowledge and share Zach's concerns. He's not an asshole - he correctly sees huge red flags here.

We treat people with courtesy and respect, even during disagreements. If a member chooses to be rude, he is courting a time-out. There will be no warnings.

Please play nice and let my day be a boring one.

Posted by: Unobtanium-inc Dec 3 2020, 11:15 AM

Again, you make allegations, cast aspersions, say you were ripped off, and the only proof you have shown this group is one grainy picture of a steering wheel. Did Mark send you the picture with the nice wheel, or did you find it and compare?
It's poor form to make pretty serious accusations about someone and then when called on it say, "Thats me now, said my bit."

If you were ripped off, show us. If you can't then Mark's story sure seems to hold up a lot better than yours.

Posted by: Amphicar770 Dec 3 2020, 11:29 AM

In looking at the two steering wheel pics they look the same to me other than one is brightly lit, the other dimly lit.

Leaky injectors? Yes, that happens when you start running engines that have sat idle for a decade. Sounds like he tried to make it right and you refused.

As others have noted, public forums are not the place to resolve private disputes.

Posted by: Mikey914 Dec 3 2020, 11:43 AM

There are 2 sides to every story. And each person sees and speaks the truth from the lens in which they view the "reality"


Its important to look at the lens you are using.

I can clearly see Marks lens that the tried to communicate the shortfalls of the project and if this was a face to face sale would more than likely say I'd take it back here's your money.

It's a $1500 roller with a motor and bonus parts.

The buyer can look at pictures and as most of us do try to fill in the blanks with what we think things should be. Often we are disappointed when reality hits. I too was victim to this. I felt the buyer was less than complete in describing the issues. Paid 1700 to have it trucked in. Total cost $3200. What I got was a rust bucket with a motor. Yes many salvageable parts. Did I get screwed? Looking back I'd have a pretty purchase done, but the price was so good it seemed like a deal.

The truth is always some where in between.

Did I wind up with about what I paid for, yes. Screaming deal no.


If Mark had a track record of complaints here I'd be skeptical about purchasing from him. My experience says otherwise, but having an open forum and dialog is important.


Best wishes to both of you.

Posted by: 914nb Dec 3 2020, 12:01 PM

QUOTE(Unobtanium-inc @ Dec 3 2020, 11:15 AM)

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Dec 3 2020, 12:17 PM

QUOTE(ddire333 @ Dec 3 2020, 08:40 AM)

Posted by: GregAmy Dec 3 2020, 12:18 PM

QUOTE(914nb @ Dec 3 2020, 01:01 PM)

Posted by: mepstein Dec 3 2020, 12:31 PM

Nathan - Post every email, every pic. Please.
Post the many emails of you apologizing for me having to deal with your inept shipping company. I found the thread on my phone but I want to let you “prove your point”. Also, it just reminds me how much time I wasted answering your endless questions and apologies. So yes, please post the evidence, but unlike what you posted so far, post it all, not just the self serving one liners.

I’ll post my fuel injector test kit that lets me find the leaky injectors to replace good ones. Oh, wait a minute, I don’t have such a thing because that car was my last four cylinder car and I gave away all my spares a year ago for free to another member here.

And no, even if it is super unusual to have all four injectors go bad, I’ve never seen it after sending over 200 for servicing, I’m not going to warrantee them. This car was sold as a project car, needing a lot of work, missing lots of pieces and hadn’t run for over a year.

And anybody who would like to talk to me about their concerns is welcome to. I’ve been at a couple dozen 914 events, personally met hundreds of members here and been a pretty open book since joining 10 years ago. Ive posted my work and home location and I’m pretty easy to catch up with. I also know lots of people on pelican and earlySReg and sold cars, engines and tens of thousands in parts every year on those sites. Do a search for mepstein in the classifieds of those sites as well as world. Look for complaints. I’ve been to events in California as well so I’m not just hiding away here on the easy coast. Please feel free to reach out to me....
or the guy who just joined and is spewing out crap behind a keyboard, 3000 miles away.

Posted by: rhodyguy Dec 3 2020, 12:31 PM

I look forward to seeing this thread on the front page for the next few months.

Poster, exactly, EXACTLY, how many 914s did you look at, in person, before SETTLING on the one you bought?

Posted by: 914werke Dec 3 2020, 12:47 PM

Posted by: mrholland2 Dec 3 2020, 12:47 PM

This message edited because it failed to maintain courtesy and politeness.

Posted by: mepstein Dec 3 2020, 12:49 PM

QUOTE(rhodyguy @ Dec 3 2020, 01:31 PM)

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Dec 3 2020, 12:52 PM

This thread…

…ain't good for anybody.

Posted by: Ansbacher Dec 3 2020, 12:53 PM

Long-distance transactions are just that- long and distant. Things get lost in translation. Maybe it was the language difference

Ansbacher

Posted by: bretth Dec 3 2020, 01:16 PM

I will vouch for Mepstein even though I don't think I have done any transactions with him personally. I have seen him give parts to members for free on 914world simply because he had what someone was looking for.

Posted by: mlindner Dec 3 2020, 01:41 PM

I vote for pulling this thread, let it be handled off-line if possible. Mark L.

Posted by: rhodyguy Dec 3 2020, 02:13 PM

I 2nd that motion. Or we can a stop commenting and it will be on pg 3 in no time flat. Out.

Posted by: Unobtanium-inc Dec 3 2020, 02:51 PM

QUOTE(914nb @ Dec 3 2020, 08:39 AM)

Posted by: TJB/914 Dec 3 2020, 03:08 PM

My opinion:

If contacted by 914nb I personally would not do business with him after reading his complaints. His issues with Mark should have been private & not on this forum.

I have done business with Mark and satisified with Mark's descriptions and fair pricing. Always trusted and satisified.

Tom, long time member.

Posted by: frostyf Dec 3 2020, 03:53 PM

I would add, that I'm from the UK but currently residing in the US for a few years. Whilst I've only bought a couple of items from Mark he's always sent me parts as described and at what I thought was a good price. He even allowed me to jump ahead of him in the queue to buy an elusive fuch 2.0l spare wheel. Most importantly to me, whenever I've been stuck with something or needed a bit of guidance, despite never meeting him in person he has always offered me emailed guidance and advice which has been accurate and honest.

The description doesn't match up with my experience with Mark who remains at the top of the list of individuals who've gone beyond the pale to help me out!

Posted by: get off my lawn Dec 3 2020, 05:59 PM

Not cool at all ,you should have gotten a completely rust free perfect concours show car for $1500!




Yeah I'm pretty much 100% believing Mark on this one. Gonna designate 914nb down as a giant red flag, danger do not approach ever.

Posted by: MM1 Dec 3 2020, 07:19 PM

Just for reference @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=24569 - I jumped in with no knowledge a few years ago and bought a '73 basketcase "roller" . . .ruined the rear bearings "rolling" it because I didn't know better.

The drivetrain was literally in boxes and what I thought was a solid hellhole was years of mud and leaves masquerading in the darkly lit garage.

Paid nearly $4k for a beat up old highly chipped original paint money pit. Over 2 years later - despite a necessary and crushing frugality, I have spent more than you did just for a portion of the used parts that Mark gave you for free. . .all inside a 914 project with a title.

Wish I were that lucky . . .even if you spent 1500+ pounds to ship it, your ahead of me, mate.

Now here's the community "reference" . . . I have learned more from Mark and most "Teeners here in 2 years of slightly obsessed attention, than I would have in countless hours of expensive trial and error. I have had the honor and pleasure of meeting and driving with a number of members here, and I can honestly say my life is richer because of them and 914 World . . .period.

Yours could have been too - and perhaps it still can, if you focus on recovering from your unfortunate illness and searching your soul (not your mind and emotions as I too often do) for the center . . .the middle way . . .the truth.

If you honestly do so, and make amends, as we all should, you'll be able to travel on the journey to having, apparently, one of the few 914's in the British Isles.

Have I felt burned on a few deals - whether that was the actual unbiased truth or not? Of course - who hasn't - but jurisprudence demands that facts be presented so that impartial, rational entities may attempt to discover said truth - without, as far as humanly possible, succumbing to human emotion.

As an impartial observer, I do not see sufficient evidence - presented in this argument - to call into question the benefit of doubt that is afforded to the members of this forum - and humanity as a whole - who have proven their integrity over years of service to their fellow enthusiasts.

We are here for learning, sharing, camaraderie and a pleasurable escape from the troughs and tragedies of our daily lives . . .try, now, Sir, to do the same - "bury the hatchet" . . .you (and we) shall all be happier for it.

Posted by: Amphicar770 Dec 3 2020, 07:32 PM

If buying any vehicle unseen, it is always wise to have a 3rd party evaluate on your behalf. There are plenty of people here, and on other forums willing to do so at no cost. I did so on my 914 and there were no surprises or misunderstanding. While mine cost a lot more than you paid, and that was several years ago, within a few months I had to replace all 4 injectors. Old stuff is old stuff and even NOS parts deteriorate with age.

Posted by: rmital Dec 4 2020, 04:02 PM

QUOTE(bretth @ Dec 3 2020, 02:16 PM)

Posted by: 76-914 Dec 4 2020, 06:02 PM

Hey Mark, I feel for you buddy. I've been in the service business since '79. Dealing with screwballs is a part of dealing with the public. I haven't met this character but I do know him through years of dealing with the public. They are few and far between, thank goodness. Take comfort in knowing you are not the first or last person he will "dump" on. I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't his MO. It's obvious to all here that he he prefers taking the "low road". His "Thunder" consists of unfounded accusations and martyrdom with accents of hypochondria. If I were you I wouldn't honor any of his accusations with a reply. Nor do you need to defend your integrity. This is the first negative comment about you that I've heard in your 10+ years here. Continue your journey on the High Road my friend. You'd be lost elsewhere. Kent

Posted by: PanelBilly Dec 4 2020, 07:22 PM

This is an excellent example of they way we approach a situation that we are unhappy with. Its easy to take the position of victim and solicit support from peers to verify your belief that "it was done to you". The more mature perspective would be to take personal responsibility for the results and recognize how your decisions effected the outcome.

Just my observation. Never could remember is it effect or affect....

Posted by: Unobtanium-inc Dec 4 2020, 07:26 PM

QUOTE(76-914 @ Dec 4 2020, 04:02 PM)

Posted by: Coondog Dec 4 2020, 08:04 PM

Sorry this does not pass the smell test. You buy a 914 fixer upper for $1,500 dollars and expect it to be something other then a POS which is all your going to get at that price. Seems he threw in a extra $1,500 of parts to make you happy.

Plus who in the Fuch buys a POS 914 for $1,500 and ships it halfway around the world.....

Posted by: tvdinnerbythepool Dec 4 2020, 08:44 PM

My 914 is on the road today largely due to parts (some free) from Mark.
I will gladly do business with him again.

Posted by: TonyA Dec 4 2020, 08:51 PM

Buying stuff site unseen is always a gamble but I would take that gamble with Mark any day.

Posted by: MM1 Dec 4 2020, 08:51 PM

QUOTE(Unobtanium-inc @ Dec 4 2020, 08:26 PM)

QUOTE(76-914 @ Dec 4 2020, 04:02 PM)

Hey Mark, I feel for you buddy. I've been in the service business since '79. Dealing with screwballs is a part of dealing with the public. I haven't met this character but I do know him through years of dealing with the public. They are few and far between, thank goodness. Take comfort in knowing you are not the first or last person he will "dump" on. I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't his MO. It's obvious to all here that he he prefers taking the "low road". His "Thunder" consists of unfounded accusations and martyrdom with accents of hypochondria. If I were you I wouldn't honor any of his accusations with a reply. Nor do you need to defend your integrity. This is the first negative comment about you that I've heard in your 10+ years here. Continue your journey on the High Road my friend. You'd be lost elsewhere. Kent

It's been my experience there are a few more screwballs in the UK then elsewhere, and I've sold cars all over the world. My favorite was a 70S I sold to a guy, I said it was "rust free". He got the car, took a grinder to the whole underside, found 3 dime sized rust spots behind the way bar mount and said I sold him a rusty pile, and he wanted half his money back! I offered him a couple thousand dollars which I said would more than cover the small spots. He said his mechanic said the car should be cut up for spares. This was the car. Some people are just cray-cray!
Cut it up for spares! You can't make this stuff up!

Posted by: mepstein Dec 4 2020, 09:19 PM

Major hell hole rust as noted and definitely a project car but not what I’d call a POS, although I take no offense from Coondog since I saw his beautiful car in person and California guys aren’t exposed to the rust monster like we are.
I bought it with 36k miles a couple years ago and put about 3k on the car. Oem windshield is almost perfect. I really only sold it because I want my shop to have room to work on cars and not just store them.
These are some pics of the car waiting to be picked up by the transport company.


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Unobtanium-inc Dec 4 2020, 09:48 PM

QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 4 2020, 07:19 PM)

Posted by: Montreal914 Dec 4 2020, 09:51 PM

That is a lot of car for $1,500...

Posted by: bobboinski Dec 4 2020, 09:52 PM

QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 4 2020, 07:19 PM)

Posted by: Highland Dec 4 2020, 10:22 PM

I know stating the obvious, but I think it best to only look forward to what it takes for the restoration and not what you’ve already spent.
After all, we do this to make ourselves happy and not profit. I’ve gone through hard times with my 914 at which point my wife says “why are you even doing this if it upsets you?”.

I also agree $1500 is a deal I would take if I had any welding skills. Remember you can’t count transport into the price of the car; that’s on you.

Happy Holidays everyone

Posted by: ConeDodger Dec 4 2020, 11:32 PM

QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 3 2020, 03:49 PM)

QUOTE(rhodyguy @ Dec 3 2020, 01:31 PM)

I look forward to seeing this thread on the front page for the next few months.

Oh god. Let’s hope not. I’m already bored of it.

Posted by: Rusty Dec 5 2020, 06:21 AM

Good morning. I reopened with this thread with the expectation that folks would play nice. Most did. Three caught timeouts.

Gonna close it before more ugliness. Zach was right. I was wrong.