Help - my Vehicross was stolen

[transio]

You know, it's also possible that he got into an accident, and decided to just park it in a lot and walk away. Also possible he got lucky and is in a nearby motel room with your VX parked out front! In any case, is the VX insured against theft?

Just be thankful he didn't kill someone with it while test driving it, becauese you would be responsbile!

** WORD TO THE WISE **

If someone is interested in buying your car, do not let them test drive it! Even if their intentions are good, you assume civil liability for any damage they might accidentally cause during the test - including personal injury or death! Why would you put your financial future at risk in the hands of someone you don't know?!

My own tale goes like this: I had an S2000 that I loaned to a coworker so he could take a girl to lunch (he drove a minivan). The roads were wet, and they took a corner too fast, lost control, spun out, and hit a lightpole which fell on top of the car and hit his head. With that, I had significant damage to the car, a broken lightpole, and his medical bills to pay - totaling more than $20,000. Fortunately, my insurance covered it, but I'm still paying elevated rates because of it.

[tiggergreen]

Everything was done through e-mail. I have sent e-mails to his aol account, but so far I have received no replies (and I even requested a read-receipt). I suspect that his intentions are to paint it so that it won't be obvious that it was mine. He could also use license plates from another vehicle (swap them between two cars). As long as he has it out of sight during the next two months or so, he could be home free. And no, the car is not covered for theft - I was only carrying liability insurance as I own it free and clear. So if I do not get it back, I lose everything.

On the bright side of things, I'm thinking this could make for a very interesting screen play...

Brent

[transio]

I was only carrying liability insurance as I own it free and clear. So if I do not get it back, I lose everything.

This is a valuable lesson to learn. Insurance is for protection. If you're not insured by a 3rd party against theft, you should do everything you can on your own to insure against it. That means "the club", a good alarm, lojack, or whatever. It also means careful supervision of unknown parties around your vehicle and secure placement of your vehicle's title. Otherwise, you're taking the risk of a complete loss.

[Anita]

Even IF he does paint it, he would also have to change out your upholstery. That is a dead giveaway.

[tiggergreen]

Yes, the purple upholstery would be hard to miss - but why wouldn't he just paint that as well??? Anita - that is so cool that you get to see Stan Lee. I'm heading to Comic Con on Saturday with a friend.

In any case, this guy is obviously going to get an ulcer from worrying every time he attempts to go anywhere in this vehicle. I still have to wonder what he was thinking. He looked like a professional white-collar worker. I told him I needed the money for my wife's delivery - which was the ONLY reason I was thinking of selling it.

Also, the police got on my case about not keeping his license or his other car as collateral during the test drive. But I was alone with four kids... But, yes, I hope you can all learn something from my experience - I have provided the perfect example of what not to do :O)

Anyhoo, I am not too terribly upset about this - this may be a bump in the road, but in the long run, I will come out on top - I will get it back or I will buy another VX. I can also use this is a tax write-off this year...

Brent

[V-Twin hiCROSS]

Brent,
You are taking this much better than I would. I would not get a nights rest until I had kicked the **** out of that clown. Let us know of any updates to the saga. It is actually pretty interesting. Good luck.

[Anita]

Yes, the purple upholstery would be hard to miss - but why wouldn't he just paint that as well???
Brent

As I recall, you also added another row of seats in the back for your kids, so you did modify it uniquely.

[Moncha]

Ten36VX, I had to delete your post due to a violation in the site's rules. Even though the info you posted in your last post was public info.. I won't allow it to be posted here, no matter how much I (we) hate the guy. If you want to post your own info that's fine but not someone elses. Disclose what you want to Brent but do not make it public here..

[transio]

He looked like a professional white-collar worker.

Description: 6'0, 220, Brown Hair, Blue eyes

No one knows what it's like to be the bad man behind blue eyes.

[WyrreJ]

If someone is interested in buying your car, do not let them test drive it!

You won't sell many cars that way. You do need to be in the passenger's seat though.

As for getting info on the guy, assuming the DL information is right, there are a lot of questionable sources that can get you way more info than what is officially available through NCIC. Smart use of google should turn up all kinds of services - here's one: datatrace The cops need a warrant for those kind of searches (unless you can figure out a way to claim auto-theft is terrorism), but as an ordinary citizen it is still enough of a grey area that these companies are mostly out in the open if you know where to look.

At the very least it would be kinda cathartic to call him on his cell and scare him. Might even make him swerve off the road if you got him at the right time.

[newthings]

My screenplay is close --
An old guy (Write about what you know), gets hit in a gang crossfire in an LA courtroom while waiting to be paneled for a jury. Wounded but recovering, he is pretty mad at the system. He discovers a like minded group of oldsters who are doleing out justice. A Star Chamber of men and women to which our high speed society pays little attention. Conflict, pride, sacrifice, self recrimination, and betryal, are used to examine our justice system and the role of elders in our society. A platform to tell many stories.
A work in progress.
Roy

[bliptrip]

Sorry to hear about your VX. I live in San Diego and do a LOT of driving, so I'll definitely keep a lookout for it. With only about 4 or 5 full-time Vehicrosses living in San Diego County, it won't be hard to miss. I'll also pass on the info to any other VXers I see.

-Phil

[tiggergreen]

I really appreciate all of the offers of help and the information that I have received - you guys really are the best. I'm also in for the "Cleaners" gang - can we put Hilary Clinton on the list???

Brent

[JAFO]

Count me in I got a lot of vacation time accured and I love San Diego!

[WyrreJ]

My screenplay is close --
An old guy ... discovers a like minded group of oldsters who are doleing out justice.

Grumpy Old Vigilantes?