Sports Car Company in San Diego

another boxer owner and i made the trek up to see them in la jolla. when we got there we scratched our heads asking where were the cars? the car we were expecting to see was in chicago or other. we were a bit stumped as to why we were allowed to make the trip. i would have expected profuse apologies from the them but that was not to be. i am not sure what to think of them.

that is my only experience so weight it accordingly.

pcb

 

He is a wholesaler who has been in San Diego a long time and enjoys a good reputation. He has bought and sold numerous Fcars.

 

I bought a 360 from SCC/Jim Lyons several years ago by long distance and after considerable research. The transaction went smoothly, I felt well and fairly treated in all regards, and I would not hesitate for an instant to buy another car from him. I think it's useful to realize Lyons is a high volume low drag international broker of very long standing and with a strong reputation among sophisticated buyers. He will answer questions when he has the information but he will not do your homework for you and he will not suggest questions or issues he feels you should already be aware of. Just keep in mind that most of us are small potatoes to him --- only buying a single car, and a cheap one at that ;-)

 

Seems as though his new M.O. is to relist unsaleable cars with new wheels.......

 

That's my take, as well. He's not the guy to go to if you want to spend an hour talking about the history of a car. He's all about moving inventory.

I haven't bought from him, but looked at a black 328 he had back in 2005. The car was pretty average, and Jim didn't hype it. Just said it was available at a low price. A few weeks later, I was at Ferrari of Denver and they had that car on their lot, cleaned up.

 

you can always copy and paste his name in the search box, there is plenty of feedback about him and his operation.

 

Like any of these guys, trust but verify.

 

Here's an interesting thread, not too far from ferraripete's experience.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=225813&page=2

 

There isn't a more honest guy in the biz.

 

There are. But Jim is a good guy!

 

The process has to flow and fall into place. If you're fighting it then it is best to try something else. I think some of these guy's play hard to get to get you to some how want it more. Not sure if that's the game here but you've probably made a wise choice to find a situation that works better for you. From what I can tell(couple of stories played back) this guy is a little take it or leave it.

Try to buy directly from the owner. Post what you're looking for and you'll be surprised the leads that will come out of the woodwork.

 

Someone told you in advance you could see a car that was not at the location? I doubt it.

 

Well, I've had a terrible experience involving the purchase of an F355 Spider! The vehicle was purchased in January and after no Title was received by JULY! despite repeated demands for the Title I filed a complaint with DMV and have filed a lawsuit against Lyons as no Title has yet been produced. California law requires title delivery within 30 days which Lyons has failed to do. After speaking with people in the business, such as Ferrari specialists in the restoration and sales end of the business, they confirm Lyons has some shady dealings. I've received no title yet and DMV confirms that Lyon's stories are just that: Lies. Beware! Ask to see the Title BEFORE YOU PAY FOR THE CAR!

Moreover, Lyon's Sports Care Company is NOT a member of the BBB and probably for good reason! They have a -C rating (C minus).

 

Even better ask for a copy of front and back. Good luck getting it sorted out. Lyons > Lieons

 

The previous owner of this 355 told me that he disclosed his $72,000 accident to Lyons, yet Sports Car Company describes the car as "showstopping condition inside and out...". There is no reference what-so-ever to the accident on Lyon's internet sales description. If this information is accurate (I'm told that its on the carfax), I believe that good sales practice would necessitate disclosure of such a material event.

http://www.sportscarcompany.com/detail-1998-ferrari-f355-spider-used-5980657.html

Tim

 

Try running a "pink" slip through the copier. It is an interesting result.

Jay

 

Well I bought a car from SCC/Jim Lyons along with many other people scattered around the country (see my earlier post above). Based on my direct personal experience as well as the tone and tenor of your ranting, it appears there may be another side to this story.

Obviously buying a used 355 from a high-end independent broker like Lyons is a lot different than buying a new Camry from an ordinary dealer. In the former instance it is trivially obvious that a personal hands-on inspection, a very thorough professional inspection and confirmation of clear title must precede signing anything or transferring any money. If you had done any one of those things (much less all 3 as you should have), your postings on this and other forums make it clear you would (and should) have stopped the proceedings immediately.

Therefore, we can only conclude that you foolishly abdicated your responsibilities in the transaction and now regret your multiple failures. Further, you seem to be hoping to force Jim Lyons into bearing the consequences of your foolishness. Jim Lyons is not perfect but you haven't explained yet why *your* inadequacies are somehow his responsibility.

 

From what I know of this buyer, Excelsior, he has been around the Ferrari marque for quite some time. Whether or not he did a proper inspection is really irrelevant.
The facts are the money was sent to the Sports Car Company and no title was delivered.
If the car is a pristine (like nearly all cars they sell are advertised as, but we wont get into that, unless of course you wanted to) or a salvage car, the title needs to be delivered.
It really is quite simple, not sure of your interest in the matter.

 

You are not correct. A buyer may have a responsibility to verify a vehicle's condition and people can debate all day long about what is "nice paint".

However, the LAW REQUIRES a seller to provide a buyer with a title. That's the way in which lawful ownership is conveyed. This is an obligation impoosed by the State. It is fundamental. A dealer who fails to provide title within the number of days prescribed by the applicable statute has violated the law. Period.

Lyons advertises numerous vehicles for sale. Fact of the matter is his dealership in La Jolla consists of space for two vehicles. Reminds me of a guy selling vehicles some years ago and "allegedly" failing to deliver titles. Rick Black.

 

WOW! Just wait until Lyons is reduced to selling Camrys... How are you going to spin it then?

 

The law is the law. Period. I've dealt with Lyons a couple of times. Aside from a less-than-savory physical presentation, which is, of course, neither here nor there, I got the feeling that the guy is nothing more than a used car salesman albeit for much higher end cars; I wouldn't buy a car from him for the simple fact that I don't particuarly like him. Whether or not he conducts his business in an ethical manner...well...

 

True story.

I have a friend who bought a Mondial cab from SCC ..... he looked at it on their showroom, top down, windows down.

Writes the check.

Starts driving it around.

Takes the car to the golf course a week later.

Starts raining.

He goes out to the parking lot to put the top up and roll up the windows, only to find out, one of the windows doesn't come up at all, left rear.
Looks down in the hole, and realizes there's no glass, completely missing.

Calls up SPC, tells them the story.

Their answer "well, there was glass in it when we sold it to you"

 

I'll leave that to you meanwhile I'll request a scanned copy. Shows everything perfectly.