I’ll start by saying I accept some…
I’ll start by saying I accept some responsibility here. I couldn’t make up my mind about purchasing the Land Rover and did mess the seller around a bit, which ultimately cost me my deposit. That part is on me. However, I feel it’s important to share my experience. The vehicle in question was a red 1992 Defender that, on the surface, looked very nice. There were a few red flags though: It had 300,000 miles on the clock. I was assured that the engine and gearbox had been replaced, but no proof or documentation could be provided to back this up. It was advertised as a “Heritage Limited Edition” model, despite the fact that those weren’t produced until 1999. After doing some research and speaking to a few people locally, I was advised to steer clear. I was told his vehicles tend to be overpriced and mostly cosmetic restorations, which may explain why they appear to sit for sale for quite some time — especially in a market where Defenders and classic land rovers are currently in high demand. When I decided not to proceed, the seller became abusive and unpleasant. While I fully admit I was indecisive and accept losing my deposit, there was no need for bullying tactics or rude behaviour. At the end of the day, I was spending my savings and needed to be completely confident in my decision. I don’t think that’s unreasonable.
By Philip P.