Car Transport Nightmares: Burnt Cars and Stolen Typhoons

The Orange SVT Lightning Nightmare

• 💡 A customer in Maine purchased a bright orange SVT Lightning for $167,000, arranged for enclosed transport from California.
• ⚠️ The transport truck caught fire at a truck stop service area, resulting in the complete destruction of the car.
• ✅ Fortunately, the transport company's insurance paid out quickly, and the customer eventually purchased a second, blue SVT Lightning and drove it home from San Diego to Maine.

The Stolen GMC Typhoon Saga

• 🎯 A 1994 GMC Typhoon was sold to a buyer in Texas, with transport arranged through a company found on Central Dispatch.
• 🤯 After two to three weeks with no contact, the car was reported stolen, only for the driver to call back claiming he was holding the cars hostage due to non-payment from his employer.
• ⏳ The vehicles were stored, and the owner of the transport company was unaware of their location.
• 🗓️ Over a year later, the red Typhoon reappeared at the seller's shop, having been reported stolen and its insurance paid out.
• 💰 The seller was able to repurchase the car from the insurance company for a significantly reduced price and then sold it to the original customer for a substantial profit.

Lessons in Car Transport

• ⚠️ It is crucial to research transport companies and not rely solely on brokers.
• 📌 Always ensure your own insurance is in place before shipping a vehicle, rather than depending on the transporter's insurance.
• 🔍 In-person inspections, like those offered by Lemon Squad, are invaluable for negotiating deals and avoiding transport-related issues.