Ebay 205's and the whole vin-swapping deal... Options

[3WayStunna]

Right now there is a 205 on ebay for sale in California. To be frank, im not trying to incite a debate on legalities but instead would like to know, who would jump the gun and try to buy this thing?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyota-Celi...c#ht_506wt_1165

Its vin-swapped, the real deal, and supposedly clean as a whistle....Personally i wouldnt but it, but im sure some of you on this site would.

[Box]

If I had the money I would. If he was able to pull the wool over California's DMV, I'd have no trouble at all with Alabama's. The only problem would be getting it insured at what it's worth. Running basic coverage wouldn't matter though. A difference in running basic coverage for a $2,500 car versus a $12,500+ car though...

This post has been edited by Box: May 14, 2012 - 7:56 PM

[richee3]

Prove to me that it's real and not a clone and I'd go for it. Could be a replica or have a DIY AWD job in which case I'm not interested. The pictures might prove it but I can't see them all right now, regrettably.

[Box]

From the few pics it looks legit. It's RHD too.

[lagos]

I think the biggest problem would be IF the car was ever totaled, the insurance co would deny the claim because they would find out the vin was wrong.
Other than that, you can take the plates off any celica of the same color, put them on a gt4, and daily drive it without any issues. Its not like cops pull people over and verify their vin matches.

[smkr3w]

I think it'd pass here in my town and state, but knowing the truth would ruin it for me somewhat

according to the ebay free autocheck it is an 1.8 ST and has an accident on record in 2007

This post has been edited by smkr3w: May 14, 2012 - 10:19 PM

[3WayStunna]

The seller provides a pic of the frame stamp for those that cant see....Anywho you all make some really good points....now makes me wonder even more, as it seems like many wouldn't mind the idea of a Vin-swapped celica, how many would put down for something like this...Well that might of been answered already but anywho all good points.....So who is bidding next?

[mkernz22]

Well I know that the police in some states have this new thing on the computer that when it reads the license plate, it tells them when the vehicle was inspected and some numbers along with it that correlate between the two. But that's just in states that require inspection stickers.

[kurt95gt]

Id love to have a true gt-4 but idk if id be ok with a vin swapped car
Theres alot to lose if you do get caught an the vin swap make me wonder how legal like the car was brought state side.
But then again maybe ive just watched too many movies

[Box]

Only thing to lose, in Alabama and other non-inspection states, is if the car is stolen or totaled. If you don't mind running it with basic coverage, nothing to worry about.

[celi_wabbit]

This guy was just on Alltrac.net and trying to fool the members there and got caught. He tried to present himself a buyer and was actually the seller. This car is illegal ans has a usdm celica st (not GT) VIN. He swap the vin to the JDM GT-four, this is illegal. I would be very careful on purchasing this, do your homework!!!

[playr158]

If any cop even saw this....vin swapping is a federal crime with jail time associated.

[jcbass7]

If any cop even saw this....vin swapping is a federal crime with jail time associated.

I second that, I wouldn't go near that thing..

[kurt95gt]

If he dropped the price it would be a great car to rip everything out of to swap to a legal celica frame tho witch i would be all for

[jordisonjr]

Waht would happen if you bought it, got caught, and said you bought it like that?
Could they still charge you even though you bought it and didn't know it was vin swapped?
Just played the stupid card.

[kurt95gt]

Yep illegal is illegal weather you did it or not

[playr158]

Waht would happen if you bought it, got caught, and said you bought it like that?
Could they still charge you even though you bought it and didn't know it was vin swapped?
Just played the stupid card.

still guilty, and they still take your car and still crush it.

[Box]

Shame the guy just didn't do it right, and get a proper title for it to begin with.

[jordisonjr]

Damn thats rough.
Car looks absolutely mint too, what a waste.

[richee3]

I live in a part of the country that absolutely does not care. I could drive around in a real 205 and insure it full coverage and never have any issues. I'd have to have a scrap Celica for title issues, but the worst case scenario would be if a cop pulled me over and he felt stupid for walking to the wrong side of the car. I'd be in for some tickets since he'd be taking his embarrassment out on me but they never check VINs here, no inspections, no anything. Even if I wrecked the car and let the insurance company have it, the only thing they care about is picking up a wrecked Celica. They don't care how many wheels get power, what engine is in it, etc. So if I had the cash, I wouldn't hesitate to pick that car up but I'm in a fortunate situation to be able to drive it around without worries.

[Box]

They don't care here in Alabama either. Vehicle inspection is a foreign concept around here.

[SonnyWood]

AT 65,000 in an ST205 a slight suspension knock is $1000+ and that's just parts. That mileage is just about right for the fig 8s and control arms to go. Usually one side just after the other.

Control arms are usually $340 and fig 8s are around $150. Shipping and tax around $100. It adds up fast but damn nice car to drive, I would do it again.

[celi_wabbit]

They don't care here in Alabama either. Vehicle inspection is a foreign concept around here.

Inspections is different from cop stopping you and noticing that your car is illegally registered.

[Box]

I personally wouldn't take the chance(Murphy is relentless), unless he had the original VIN and title so I could legally register it. That and be prepared to have an expensive track car if not.

[stephen_lee]

can probably remove ALL vin numbers and register it as an "assembled vehicle" at least in TX you can

[Hanyo]

You can buy a "declared value " insurance. Basically you buy a policy declaring the value of your car. This is how old classic cars are insured where they are one of a kind and can not be valued.

The main problem you will face is smog. Every time u get a smog check the shop will freak out and possible report you to the DMV.

I just want the body panels. I would swap out the floor pan and convert to awd.

[Box]

Or live in one of the many wonderful states that wouldn't know a smog test if it bit them in the ass.