This follows my earlier note today. Here's an article I just found on this illegal sales tactic called curbstoning, done by unlicensed car dealers called curbstoners selling cars at the curbstone(what else?!!), and all the bad stuff it includes:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Business/story?id=1951156&page=1
Tried reaching this guy whose phone number was on car-for-sale sign. He calls back from blocked number. Problem is he seems to be a "curb-stoner", which is an unlicensed car seller in California selling more than several cars in a year. California has strict rules about car dealers, especially used car dealers. So, he parks different cars in Woodland Hill at the intersection of Victory and Valley Circle Boulevard. First it was a Pontiac G6, then it was a Cadillac Seville STS, this week it is a Lexus ES350 (actually, that car has been parked for now almost 2 weeks, in blatant violation of the 72 hour parking rule in Los Angeles). When you call him, he says he is selling the cars for his "uncle". Right.
Next step: California Professions Licensing Board.
UPDATE. California is cracking down on curbstoners, because most of these cars are being "flipped", which is unlicensed sellers buying dirt cheap cars from auction, police seizures, insurance collision claims, salvaged and rebuilt etc, and selling them on the side of road (at the curbstone) for a couple of thousand dollars. Many are unsafe with no legitimate repairs made, just some shiny new paint, if even that is done. The person selling will NEVER be the same person on registration/title. THIS IS A HUGE RED FLAG!!! Targeted buyers are the people least able to afford to lose their money on a bad and/or unsafe deal. Seller says they will send title "tomorrow". Tomorrow never comes. Google "curbstoner" to learn more about this potential nightmare. Buyers find out that there serious problems with cars, or titles have liens, faulty engines/drivetrains, patched up collision work, or way overdue registrations. These scammers also frequently use Craigslist for their dirty work. A current listing for the Firebird is provided below.
For the cars parked at Valley Circle Blvd/Victory Boulevard in Woodland Hills by the same curbstoner, here is information on them. Hopefully, this posting will save someone from being ripped off.
(1) 1996 (1997?) Pontiac Firebird convertible (black paint, black top), CA license plate 3UGH990,
VIN: 2G2FS32K9V2201202
Craigslist listing: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/5207952878.html
(2) 1996 Ford Windstar minivan (color: beige), CA license plate 3PXR120, VIN: 2FMDA5149TBA49340
Location: southwest corner of intersection of Valley Circle Boulevard and Victory Boulevard, next to the Chevron station (24336 Victory Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA 91367). This is in the west San Fernando Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles.
I am happy someone noticed this problem. I pass by that intersection everyday and see a growing junkyard. Where are the local councilmen who cover this area? It might sound uppity of me, but this is a very affluent area and the intersection is midway between Hidden Hills and Bell Canyon along Valley Circle Boulevard, and is no place for an illegal used car lot/junk yard. The cars sitting there are all 1990's vintage. Wonder who the seller(s) are targeting?. Local councilman I believe is Bob Blumenthal--someone please call him (or maybe I will).
This follows my earlier note today. Here's an article I just found on this illegal sales tactic called curbstoning, done by unlicensed car dealers called curbstoners selling cars at the curbstone(what else?!!), and all the bad stuff it includes:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Business/story?id=1951156&page=1