Crazy Seller. Beware. Anyone know him?

Okay I've been lurking around for a long time and have finally joined. Hurray! I've never owned anything exotic but I'm ready to finally buy my first Ferrari. I like the 360, 355, 348 and the 328. My favorite is the 360, but I love the 328 just because it's such a classic Ferrari, to me, it defines Ferrari. I've been looking around and called this one dealer, if you could call it that, in CT. Boy was I in for a surprisingly rude awakening for the day...

I saw this site online, http://www.forzamotorsports.com, and they had a bunch of Ferraris for sale, and I liked their white 328 they had listed. I always thought I'd only buy a red Ferrari, but the white 328 struck me as looking very beautiful, and I've never seen a white 328 before. Hmmm, could this be my first Ferrari, sure I figured, I'd buy it. They were only asking $43k. That's not chicken feed, but it's certainly not a bank-breaker either.

I emailed the seller, with a nice long email about my scenario, and how I'm excited about buying my first Ferrari, and how their selection looked great, and that I lived nearby, and blah blah blah, how wonderful it all is.

No answer.

This was about a week ago.

I emailed again, asking for the VIN, because during the week I had joined CarFax at the suggestion of a close friend, who is also a mechanic. Since this is afterall the used market, CarFax was revealing to me details that ruled out many 328's, except this place in CT. So, I emailed him asking for the VIN's of all his cars, especially that cherry looking white Ferrari.

No answer.

While waiting for a reply, I had intensified my Ferrari hunt, and came to the realization that there are just very few selections out there of the older Ferraris (I'm new to the world of Ferraris, and I know you all probably know this too), so I thought how long this hunt could go on. And I thought to myself, man, if this car (his white 328) turns out to be a winner, I'm buying it ASAP. And at the worse case scenario, I'd sell it and move on to buy a 355 or a 360. Actually, I plan on buying a 355 or a 360 too, but let me stick to the point about this seller and his 328.

Today I emailed the seller once again, with a relatively long email. I was excited, so I couldn't help spill my enthusiasm into my email. 'Oh your site looks great, I can't wait to own a Ferrari, maybe I can stop by, your spam filters may have deleted my previous messages, but no problem, I'm very interested in your car, oh and by the way, may I have the VIN just to start the ball rolling'... I'm paraphrasing, but I wrote something just like that, and was very, very pleasant and seemingly a very solid lead for this seller.

His reply, this one's easy to quote: "No"

No? No what? No I cannot have the VIN? I couldn't believe, 1. My fairly lengthy email was matched with one word. 2. The seller said no. Was this guy looking to sell Ferraris? I even thought perhaps the reply came from the son, or a child of the owner. It was so curt and un salesman-like, to say no, and nothing else. There was no attempt at all to explain anything, and no attempt made to ask anything of me. All I got was, No!

I emailed again explaining I need the VIN so I can just check the cars out, and hopefully he would understand where I am coming from, as the potential buyer.

His next reply, which was quite timely I will say that, was, and I quote:

"If you are real call me on the phone, otherwise you are a scammer trying to set up a phony auction."

Wow! Okay, I just figured the guy recently had some horrible experience, so I took that with some salt and understood 'his' perspective. Of course, why he could' write his explanation more gently, and why he didn't bother to give a remotely warm impression, was troubling. That is, I knew I was in for a freakshow before I called him.

I called the number on that website, and he answered immediately.

"Hi, I'm the guy that was emailing about the VIN, because I really like your 328 and...." I was cutoff before I could finish my first sentence.

"You're a f-ing scammer. You want the VIN so you can set up a phony auction. F you. F you. F you."

I could not believe how stupidly this man was acting, and how he completely jumped to a ridiculous conclusion so quickly. He didn't even bother to feel me out, or to let me speak even. I was definitely a f-ing scam artist according to this guy. And he determined all that without letting me say as much as a full sentence.

I kept my cool, and in fact was amused with his absurdly over-reactive judgments and behavior, so I said to him, "Listen Sir, I am not a scammer, I am looking to perhaps buy your car, will you please calm down and talk to me"... I was cut off again, and then he just remained on the phone speaking with 2 friendly words, repeating them over and over. "F-you, f-you, f-you, f-you..."

Like I said, he was basically amusing he was such a freak, so I stayed on the line long enough for a tiny moment so I could talk. "Sir, I am not a scam artist, and if I was I wouldn't bother asking a guy like you, because there are many other Ferrari ads, and almost all of them reveal their VIN's.

All he kept repeating was f-you.

He hung up and I was left with a smile from ear to ear. I could not believe how crazy this guy was.

Does anyone have more information or any experience with this guy? If not, just call his number and ask for the VIN of any of his Ferraris he's selling. You're in for a real show of lunacy if you do. Do it! It's so sick it's borderline entertainment.

Oh well, it's too bad my first post is so negative, but that's what prompted me to finally join, I thought someone here would surely know of this crazy idiot seller. I didn't get his name, but the site is forzamotorsports.com.

Bye!

Paul

PS: Sorry this was so long, I think it's a good read though, and it's my first post too, so I wanted to make it substantive.

 

Peter Sweeney is the owner. Not exactly sure that is who you talked to on the phone. I have never heard one bad thing about Peter before. Ever. I called him out of the blue some years ago to look at a Maserati he had. He was polite, answered all my questions and invited me to take it for a drive.
I came up sat in the car and instantly decided it wasnt for me. He went to some trouble to bring it out of his warehouse before i showed up.
Anyways he suggested i take it for a spin anyways, which i did.
I have never bought a car from him, but have looked at another through him as well. Honestly to me, and i would say im pretty picky. Peter is the consumate professional.
Anyways fraud does seem to run rampant here especially on the internet, and maybe he was having a bad day. I know ive had my share.

 

...i have 2 cars on autotrader and the scam emails have far outnumbered genuine inquiries... i would be suprised if someone actually called me up tho.

i'd cut him a break. show up at his shop and i'm sure he would treat you "normally"

 

I am nijerian royaltee. I would like to purchase your motorcar.

Please ignore the fact that I cannot spell "Nigeria". Or "royalty"

 

Sorry for your first bad experience... might I suggest you speak to Nick at Wide World of Cars.

(giggle)

 

I don't know this dealer, but you might be helping him if you wrote him a succinct, non-inflammatory letter, describing exactly what happened. Frankly, I think that his behavior, as you've described it here, is bizzare. HOWEVER, i just noticed that you said: 'So, I emailed him asking for the VIN's of all his cars, especially that cherry looking white Ferrari." That might be a trigger, after all. VINS on ALL his cars? C'mon. On second thought, maybe you shouldn't write that letter...
Oh, and i owned a white 328 briefly. If that's what turns you on, i'm sure you can find another.

 

You have to accept responsibility for introducing yourself to Forza as someone who was not interested in buying his car(s). Someone who types long winded emails asking for specific information sets off all sorts of alarms with normal people. If you were selling your house and someone emailed you asking for a copy of your mortgage contract, what would your response be?

Peter Sweeney has been in business for a long time and I've not heard anything negative about him. I suggest you go to see him and his cars but if possible, don't bring up the emails. You are best to distance yourself from what obviously wasn't a good first impression. Chalk it up to experience. Best wishes on purchasing your first Ferrari.

Andy

 

Peter Sweeney, the owner of Forza, is absolutely the best in the business, bar none. I have bought multiple cars from him, including, most recently, my 365BB, #18265, and he has sold cars to several of my friends. All have been better than represented, and fairly priced. I have known Peter for going on ten years, and this is the first complaint I have ever, EVER heard. I can't say what happened, but I have to believe that you have done something to set him off, or that there is another side to the story. I doubt you could find another fchatter with a single bad word to say about Peter.

Don't know what happened, but think you may be barking up the wrong tree....

Alex Leventhal
Dino #10704
365BB #18265
400i #049773

 

I don't know any of the people involved but i have to say bad day or not, it doesn't give anyone the right to insult someone over the phone. They are in the business of selling cars and shouldn't treat a potential customer that way. If he didn't believe him fine, ask the buyer to provide proof that they want to buy or invite them to see the car. If it's a scam i doubt they guy would show up. I think the gentleman handled it wrong and should apologise.

 

Don't know Sweeny but only heard good things about him. First of all.. if you live by the dealer, go check out the car in person. Why are you asking for a VIN without seeing/driving the car! You seem to missing a couple of steps before you start checking out the car on car fax. Every car you think you want, you are going to call and ask for the VIN without seeing the car? I can see if its some rare car, out of state and before you go to see it, you might as well check the Vin before making the trip. This is not the case. Also your all "over the place" on what you want. 328, 348, 355 and 360. Different prices and different different cars. I think that you rubbed the guy the wrong way. If you want a car, and the dealer is close by, do youself a favor and go there and introduce youself. Maybe in person the dealer will like you and get what you want, or what you think you want (I don't think you know). Lots of scammers out there. Good Luck.

 

Gary,

You do not understand the point at all. Why would I ask for the VIN? Hmm, gee, why would I ask for the VIN? Think about that some more.

And all this seller had to say was I don't give out the vins, [IN A SOME KIND OF A FRIENDLY WAY] unless you're here in person. He didn't have to be a total nutcase and call me a scammer, and tell me to f myself over and over.

There are ways a smart and pleasant person would handle his own suspicion, and there are ways a freak, retard handles the same situation. One handles it correct, while the retard burns a bridge for no reason.

And Gary, the guy is 'relatively' close, but still miles and miles away. And he is also out of state, but of course to you that's not the case for me. And why are you defending this guy? Unless you know him, and have experience with him, I don't need your input just so you can write something. Oh, and I am 'all over the place', yeah, I called the guy and said hey I want maybe one of each. Yeah Gary, that's what I said. He only has 308's and 328's anyways, and when I called, that's all he knew I was interested in, his 328, so all your points are all moot.

Also to Greg, I went to WideWorld once and they were nice I guess, but I didn't need anything they had at the time. Why, do they also have an *****? Who's Nick?

 

I bought my 308 from Peter at forza a couple of years ago. He treated me
very respectfully even though I was a first time buyer with a lot of dumb
questions. He even met me at an odd hour on a weekend to pick the car
up as I was driving a truck and trailer a long way to pick it up. Offered
a refund of the deposit if the car did not meet my expectations (already
had a ppi done by Bill Pollard). I wouldn't hesitate to buy another car
from Peter if he had what I wanted. This doesn't sound like the same
guy.

 

But, you asked him for VINs for ALL his cars, right? Doesn't that seem odd to you?

 

I have met Pete also, actually he was the first dealer I looked for a ferrari at. He is a really nice upfront guy, so something is wrong somewhere. I couldn't possible imagine him acting like that even if he was pissed off. BTW if you ever do wind up buying from him make sure you have the car checked out by Bill Pollard at Sport Auto across the way, he is the absolute best.

 

Pauly...

While I believe you are sincere in your quest, you have to understand the exotic car biz isnt one which requires the "house" to necessarily woo customers. You must also appreciate that these guys get stroked countless times on a daily basis. Dsnt excuse his behavoir, but you might want to change up your approach. VINS are absolutely important, however probably not something Id open the conversation with. Refine your budget and model interest and I promise you these guys will take you seriously... or at least seriously enough to find a car to make you happy. Just remember that due diligence and PPI's are key in the successful purchase of a used exotic automobile.

I sarcastically mentioned Nick because he was the subject of a simliar thread a month or two ago...

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76737

Ultimately I wish you luck... the quest shld be as enjoyable as ownership itself.

 

I have known Peter Sweeney for 14+ years. He is a rarity in this business. Very honest, truly professional and extremely well-versed in all things Ferrari.

 

Oh, dude, let's not rekindle that thread.... But I'll be sure to share with y'all my upcoming 5 year major service experience at WWoC.

 

Dealt with Peter in June of this year and he was top-notch.
Called on a few 308s he had for sale (not one in particular) and he gave me all sorts of honest info. on several of them - including vins on two of them (OVER THE PHONE)
Ran carfaxes and set up apptm'ts for the following week.
Met him up there and discussed cars at length even though I had my 18 month old son with me and couldn't take any cars for test drives.
I would've bought one of his cars as he came across as extremely trustworthy, but a great deal came along which I went after. I still check his inventory every few weeks and will undoubtedly be back to visit.

Just my experience.

SG

 

Gary, Ok, let's try to be friends All I was saying was that my first post and you ran in with nothing to say, but opposing... Okay, let's shake and move on.

 

No way! Everything you said makes 'sense' but the guy literally FREAKED OUT on me and there's no excusing that in any way. Did you read the part where I said, I did not even get to finish as much as a sentence? Did you read that?

The guy burnt a bridge that's for sure. And my budget? I can afford what I want, and truthfully, I'm getting a 360, well, probably. I may also pick up a 328 for nostalgia too. But do you understand I didn't get to say anything to this guy. He just answered the phone and said, well, read my post again.

BTW: I went to a lambo dealer recently while I was staying in Jersey for business, and they were very nice there. I also was indeed at WideWorld and also a place in Los Angeles (I forgot the name) and they were all nice and professional to me. So I don't understand you telling me, in essence, that I should get used to being treated like dirt. No way! I'm used to being treated very kindly everywhere I shop. I'm the kinda guy that's in a 3-piece on Sunday on my couch. I'm very conservative to say the least. So I always look very serious and I'm always treated very well. This guy was my first terrible experience. And he lost out, because people have being telling me that that white 328 has been sitting at his place now for ages now. Gee, I can only wonder why.

Ok, let's all just close the topic. But please stop excusing his freakshow behavior, because he didn't let me even say anything.

Oh, and if I am a scammer, I could just as easily the VIN's of every other Ferrari ad already out there on eBay, cars.com, autotrader that post them publically. They all list VIN's. So I don't understand why the guy is treated the VIN like it's his personal social security number.

End of my POV. Ok, see you guys later.

I'll post pics when I get my 360.

 

I was interested in buying his car, what are you talking about saying I should accept responsibility otherwise. Yeah, I called and said, "Hi, I have no interest in your cars, may I have the VIN please". How did you come up with such a silly thought?

How did you score on the analogy section of the SAT test? The VIN is useful for checking to see if the car has any problems that would prevent me from wasting any further time looking into purchasing it. It's vital information and a first test, like the first round a car must pass. A mortgage contract, is that the same? No, it's not.

"Long-winded emails". Are you kidding? Being friendly and introducing myself. If that's alarming to someone, then that someone is crazy. It wasn't that long anyways. Oh sure, I went on and on about my life and the world today... The email was totally friendly and to the point.

I don't mean to be rude, but you missed my point completely. Ok, thanks for posting anyways. I appreciate your points, they are just all wrong.

Ok, well I won't be posting for a while here, because today I go to San Fran for a week on business.

Bye guys

 

I think I just found my new siggy

 

If i was a salesman and heard that, i would'nt take you too seriously. FWIW

 

Is it me or does Pauly sound like the disgruntled potential customer in the WWoC thread?

If the dealer is a flake or you don't hit it off and you're not commited, move along. If a dealer screws you, then I'm interested. In order deal in or own an italian exotic, you have to be a flake. If you just want a great car without the quirks, buy a Toyota.

Art S.