Anyone have any opinion regarding these services? Recommendations? Warnings?
I don't like the idea of shelling out a finder's fee, but as I am constrained by an embarrassing lack of technical expertise, I might consider it when the time comes.
It would be a good thing if you found someone who actually knew what they were really looking at. Most car finders "specialize" in many makes and models and therefore don't really know the nuances of the Mustang that make or break the value. Countless times I have taken my time to go see a Mustang that was supposedly cherry only to be hugely disappointed. I'm not talking about nit-picky things, but major misrepresentation either through ignorance or dishonesty.
Just recently I drove down to Phoenix to see a '67 Shelby clone described on eBay as "never wrecked or rusted, all-original sheet metal" and "declared by a Shelby expert to be the best clone he's ever seen". This car was being marketed by a dealer who was supposedly a car expert. The car had fairly obviously been hit in the right quarter and cheaply repaired, had almost all of the floor pans sloppily replaced (ugly patch panel seams everywhere), etc. The only Shelby parts were the body/exterior parts -- not a single Shelby interior part (just a black standard interior). The list went on and on. I ran away as fast as I could.
Still, the car had this glowing "expert" representation on eBay and sold to some poor sucker for close to 30k.
Anyway, if you do decide to use a finder, find one who claims to specialize in Mustangs, and get lots of references. Find out what they'll furnish you with after they see the car. I used to provide this service (and still do from time to time) and here's what you want to receive:
- Lots of detailed digital photos, especially of the undercarriage. This area is what makes or breaks the value of the car.
- A point-by-point accounting of all of the features and options the car is equipped with.
- Detailed descriptions of the cosmetic, physical, and working condition of the engine/drivetrain, suspension, steering, interior, electrical, paint/body, trim, etc. You want detailed descriptions, not "runs good" or "paint is shiny" or some crap like that.
- Confirmation of clear title, door tag info, and VIN.
- Driving report.
Any good finder will have a pre-made form they use every time. Ask to see this in advance.
In essence, get enough info to make the judgment yourself. Still get the finder's opinion as well as the facts, but the facts are what tell the story.
Good luck! If you happen to find a car in AZ drop me a line & I'll help you out.