Mustang Owners Club Australia Forum

Technical & General Discussion Area => Importing Cars & Parts - General Freight => Topic started by: JoeyJoe on October 21, 2011, 07:17:32 am

Title: MotorMentor
Post by: JoeyJoe on October 21, 2011, 07:17:32 am
Just thought i would let you all, and anyone considering importing a mustang to NOT use Michael Burke - Aka Motormentor..

He does sell some cars via ebay under the above handle, or can sell them direct to you..

Michael will appear genuine when you first speak to him, but as soon as a car is selected, and payment made, he is very hard to get a hold of.. I am not saying that you won't receive you car, but it suddenly becomes a painful process.

He includes free shipping when you pay for a car.. Not that anything is free.. prices for cars are overinflated to cover this 'free' shipping.. and he uses the cheapest shipping method available, and crams as many cars as he can into a container..

Cars are also not delivered in anywhere near the condition that they are described.. He does not personally inspect the cars himself.. just takes the words of the advertiser.. And you know how trustworthy they are!!

Just thought i would let you all know in case you are considering wasting you money with him..

If you want to know more - send me a U2U

Title: MotorMentor
Post by: ponyride on October 21, 2011, 10:37:57 am
Yes, he's definitely one to avoid and he's been discussed on here before. I've personally seen the rusty junk that he sends unsuspecting customers who take him at his word.
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: ponyride on October 21, 2011, 03:49:38 pm
Quote from: T-CODE KID link=topic=16085.msg160940#msg160940
just reading his ads make me sick with the BS & jargon & repeat photos & BS description................

a typical SCAMMER

IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO TRUE,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,then it is

 


Too right. In years gone by he would've been tarred & feathered and run out of town.
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: peterp on October 21, 2011, 06:07:23 pm
His terms and conditions were enough to deter anyone.

In short he wasn't responsible for anything nor did he ever see any cars that he sold.

I tried to bring members attention to the fact that his claims didn't stack up and recieved a lot of abuse from him and his supporters at the time.

http://www.mustang.org.au/forum/viewthread.php?tid=13452#pid138768

and here http://www.mustang.org.au/forum/viewthread.php?tid=13438

peterp
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: Envy 68 on October 21, 2011, 07:53:59 pm
Quote from: peterp link=topic=16085.msg160958#msg160958
His terms and conditions were enough to deter anyone.

In short he wasn't responsible for anything nor did he ever see any cars that he sold.

I tried to bring members attention to the fact that his claims didn't stack up and recieved a lot of abuse from him and his supporters at the time.

http://www.mustang.org.au/forum/viewthread.php?tid=13452#pid138768

and here http://www.mustang.org.au/forum/viewthread.php?tid=13438

peterp


Hey there peterp, How come when I click onto the links in your quote, I am told I am not allowed to veiw that forum? :shrug:
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: CPU on October 21, 2011, 08:11:52 pm
The threads Peter spoke of were in the Administration trash can for safe keeping.  They are now back in the general population for viewing only.  They are closed threads.

:hi:
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: Shermatt on October 21, 2011, 09:32:48 pm
Someone called me about them the other day

Are they still in Business??

Matt


Title: MotorMentor
Post by: mwizz on October 21, 2011, 10:09:05 pm
Sounds like we need a rogues gallery
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: Rock65 on October 22, 2011, 12:21:31 pm
Quote from: mwizz link=topic=16085.msg160989#msg160989
Sounds like we need a rogues gallery
 I'll second that,got a few to add myself.........
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: 66Scotty on October 26, 2011, 08:18:48 pm
Hi all.

Well it`s about time my mourning process ceased and I let everyone on this forum who warned me about MotorMentor know that my purchase through Mike was not the greatest experience of my life. If you look through all those old posts you`ll notice that I was sticking up for Mike up until the end.

He doesn`t check the cars himself. He gets them through other sellers. Mine arrived with the floor pans fully rusted. It would of cost a bomb to fix.

 Luckily I found a guy who was after a 67 Mustang Fastback and paid a very reasonable price for my rust heap to blunt the pain. Mike did compensate me to the tune of $2,500 for repairs but I was in no situation to carry them out.

I`ve been in contact with another guy who has been stung with a rusted car from Mike so I can speak with authority on this issue. But I have also spoken to a guy however who had a car from MM which was OK so it is just the luck of the draw I suppose.

All I can say is I WILL NEVER BUY A CAR SIGHT UNSEEN EVER AGAIN!!  A good lesson for my teenage kids as well.

I`m still looking for my dream machine, but the next time I`ll be flying over there to inspect it big time.

Looking forward to your replies.:rub:
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: m67gl on October 26, 2011, 08:36:36 pm
hey Scotty67, what model car are you after, I may be selling mine in the near future.  Well I told the boss I will advertise it :smile01:
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: mwizz on October 26, 2011, 10:43:30 pm
Sorry to hear that 67Scotty. I hope you find a nice one.
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: boss69hogg on October 27, 2011, 07:13:24 am
Have seen MotorMentors ads on eBay. Always thought they were too cheap.

I got burnt buying a car from the US on eBay a few years ago. By the time the cars arrive, your 90 day window to leave feedback has expired so u can't leave negative feedback to warn others - and eBay weren't interested.
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: JoeyJoe on February 01, 2012, 06:34:02 pm
Just thought I would keep all potential buyers up to date, and let you know that Motormentor has changed his username on ebay to:    californiamusclecars

Perhaps this is his way of trying to hide from all the bad press, and to try and con some more unsuspecting people!!

:nono: Once again - steer clear of Michael Burke - aka californiamusclecars :nono:
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: StephenSLR on February 02, 2012, 12:54:23 pm
Quote from: T-CODE KID link=topic=16085.msg161534#msg161534
looks like his been busy buying pepper spray  to keep his burnt buyer enemies away......i wonder why?


lol, can you import that stuff into Aus.?

s
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: 66 Hertz on February 02, 2012, 01:16:52 pm
Sorry to hear that 67Scotty, unfortunatley you know the old sayings...........

BUY CHEAP ...BUY TWICE.
or.
GOOD THINGS AREN'T CHEAP & CHEAP THINGS AREN'T GOOD.

:thumb: hopefully you will find the right car & this will become a distant memory, maybe other's will learn from this so it won't be all for nothing!
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: 66Scotty on February 05, 2012, 07:19:30 pm
Quote from: JoeyJoe link=topic=16085.msg169943#msg169943
Just thought I would keep all potential buyers up to date, and let you know that Motormentor has changed his username on ebay to:    californiamusclecars

Perhaps this is his way of trying to hide from all the bad press, and to try and con some more unsuspecting people!!

:nono: Once again - steer clear of Michael Burke - aka californiamusclecars :nono:


After giving him a serve after I found he`d changed his ID I got this reply.

Hi Scott,  

Kindly, I understand and accept your anger and disrespect.    You and others have put their confidence and trust in me to deliver and, in some cases, yes, I have failed and for that I am sorry and I've made this very clear. You may know 6 or more guys that I have failed in not insisting on independent third party inspection ( even though I have advised it )

( No he didn`t. I have emails from him saying that he had personally driven and inspected the car ),

however you don't know the other couple of hundred over 10 years whom I have succeeded.    
If I wanted to rip you and others off mate, you would have never received anything.    
It was, is never my intention to broker anything less than good and yours among other are no exception.
At times, I too can be misled and we all understand well that sellers are liars. I'm not and nor have I ever been the seller; I am the broker. And just like you, I too rely solely on the integrity ( or lack thereof ) of the owner and this is the very reason why in every single case, I recommend and encourage an independent third party inspection. Any 40+ year old metal and machinery especially from this era is bound to have issue; the question is to which degree. While this doesn't obviate my responsibility to you, your confidence and your trust, it does assume some of the responsibility to you to perform your own due diligence regardless of my think.    
In any case, we have both failed and the only winner in a situation like this is the jerk who sold it to us.    
I'm sorry the trouble and wish you good.      

kindly,    Mike


Here is an email from me and his response

Dated 25th Oct 2010

Dear motormentor,  Hey, thanks for your quick reply.  Just a couple of other questions.   Have you personally driven the car?

His reply dated 25th Oct 2010

Hey Scott,   Yes, we've personally seen/driven this car and it is very  accurate to description you can count on that and yes, it looks  that good- caveat - it's a 40 year old car and as such, it will
have your expected idiosyncrasies and natural wear to be sure
- what you won't expect is any major surprises or issues of
any significant concern.


Nothing much more needs to be said, Hey!!
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: Tones67 on March 09, 2012, 08:39:57 pm
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: mwizz on March 09, 2012, 08:45:29 pm
If you havn't paid anything yet it is a good thing and you may want to reconsider based on the experiences of others here
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: soc123_au on March 09, 2012, 09:31:32 pm
Quote from: Tones67 link=topic=16085.msg173297#msg173297
my first post & guess what, I'm buying a car off Mike. Interesting reading and very confusing at the same time. End of the day its up to the buyer to do his homework. I have his agreement and have suggested some changes as in some cases its contradicting. ie delivery of title is when payment is made & then later on says delivery of title is upon possession of vehicle. No payments made yet, but I tried to pay for an inspection which he will organise but paying to his nominated bank wont work. I also understand that he doesnt want to tell me who the seller is as he doesnt want to lose the deal, but I would be very comfortable in hearing from the seller to see if in fact MM is acting on his behalf. Thats the conundrum !!!
.

Run away while you still can. The bloke has proven to be a liar.

Or go ahead with the deal & in about 3 months we can enjoy reading your thread about how you have been shafted.:sarcasm:

There is better places to pick up a car.
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: Tones67 on March 09, 2012, 10:36:47 pm
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: 66Scotty on March 09, 2012, 10:46:14 pm
Don`t do it Tony. I`ve been in contact with five other guys in Oz who have bought dud cars in the last 12 months from him. If he is organising the inspection then it isn`t very independent is it!!

You have been warned......................
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: ponyride on March 09, 2012, 11:04:05 pm
I'm in full agreement with Scott. I have seen first hand what Motor Mentor delivers and the man simply can't be trusted. You'd have to be nuts to buy a car off him with all the information at your disposal and the "difficulties" you're already experiencing.

There are millions of Mustangs (literally) look further afield and be a little patient you'll be rewarded if you're careful.
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: soc123_au on March 09, 2012, 11:16:21 pm
What car are you after tones? model, body style & your budget. A lot of us here might be able to steer you towards a good thing. Dont fall into the same trap as hundreds of others. Not just with the clown you are dealing with, but also the rest of his mates from the same circus.

Title: MotorMentor
Post by: Pinto Pete on March 09, 2012, 11:37:44 pm
nah.. get the car I love new threads especially sob storys......
seriously though avoid this bloke like the plague, he only sells heartache and misery. post what you are looking for in a thread on here and I think you'll be suprised by the help you'll receive.....:thumb:
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: Tones67 on March 10, 2012, 01:11:48 am
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: ponyride on March 10, 2012, 01:47:54 am
Quote from: Tones67 link=topic=16085.msg173326#msg173326
thanks for all the advice, though all negative.


You're right, it's all a bit heavy, it's only a car for God's sake! You're entitled to be happy and make your own decisions. You should buy the car, your'e OK dealing with Mike so I say go for it.  :drink:
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: StephenSLR on March 10, 2012, 06:52:45 am
Quote from: Tones67 link=topic=16085.msg173326#msg173326
thanks for all the advice, though all negative.

Im after 67 convertible 4 20k

Landed in Aus. or 20k purchase price in the USA?

This one in Fresno is a little out of your budget at 24k but you'll have add $ to ship it here and you may be able to bargain it down some.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/2883053559.html (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/2883053559.html)

Also ... get it inspected!

s

Title: MotorMentor
Post by: soc123_au on March 10, 2012, 09:00:00 am
Quote from: Tones67 link=topic=16085.msg173326#msg173326
thanks for all the advice, though all negative.

Im after 67 convertible 4 20k


Are you expecting a project, 10 footer or a nice car?

At 20k you are unlikely to get a good one.

Sorry to be one of the negative ones, but you came here for advise so it is advise you shall have. We have seen it all before. We could sugar coat it all & be really positive & tell you what you want to hear. BUT that would sort of defeat the purpose of good advise.
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: Tones67 on March 10, 2012, 12:17:27 pm
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: Cage on March 10, 2012, 04:34:05 pm
Why has Tones deleted all his posts? They have all been quoted in other posts anyway and there was nothing bad that I could see. What's up Tones67?
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: 66 Hertz on March 10, 2012, 06:16:18 pm
Tones some of us have been here a while & have all heard many horror stories about Mike.......everyone here is trying to save you from the same misfortune................:thumb:
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: mwizz on March 10, 2012, 06:22:22 pm
Maybe he is in a bit too far and dosn't like what he is reading
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: ponyride on March 10, 2012, 07:09:00 pm
I suspect I know why he's deleted them. 67 Scotty knows the rogue (MM) pretty well by now and I reckon he'll know why. No loss, as long as the thread is kept for the next poor soul needing to check up on him. A leopard doesn't change his spots.
Title: MotorMentor
Post by: Tones67 on May 25, 2012, 01:09:26 pm

well im back. Had alot of thinking & investigating to do. Felt like I had to delete my posts as i had to try & burn MM. I noticed that he does jump on here and some might know him, either way dont care now. I found the seller, waited for him (62 year old retiree) to unlock his agreement with MM. Told him the story of lies by MM to both of us and dealt with him direct. Also got the car for around $9k less all up. Arranged my own shipping (thru a friend) including the never ending paperwork required, received the permit and its eta is 18 June. I do appreciate all the feedback i did receive especially StephenSLR. If you do your research and never give in you can find a bargain. I have been lucky that the seller was very forthcoming and at times too much by providing never ending info.


Title: MotorMentor
Post by: StephenSLR on May 25, 2012, 01:54:02 pm
Quote from: Tones67 link=topic=16085.msg180419#msg180419
I do appreciate all the feedback i did receive especially StephenSLR. If you do your research and never give in you can find a bargain.


Thanks.

The past few months have been a good time to buy with lots to choose from.

I can't stress enough to be patient, do the research, see what similar cars are fetching, etc.

Another thing to keep in mind, right now the AUD has sunk to below parity 0.97c, some say it'll go lower, others are saying our economy is good.  I can't predict how it'll perform but shifting by @ 3.5 cents can cost you $1,000 AUD on a 30k transaction.

If it's no rush it can be worth waiting a few weeks to see if it bounces back or holding off till it does.

s
Title: Re: MotorMentor
Post by: 66Scotty on September 18, 2012, 08:04:09 pm
Hi all.


looks like we`ve neutralised MotorMentor(or now known as) Californiamusclecars. He hasn`t sold a car since May2011. Check out his Ebay account.

http://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=californiamusclecars&ftab=AllFeedback (http://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=californiamusclecars&ftab=AllFeedback)

I did notice a few strange buys by him on his (Buyer/Seller) profile. He was buying 1000s of facebook likes. Weird!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: MotorMentor
Post by: Tones67 on October 05, 2012, 04:30:46 pm
Karma is a biatch !!!
Title: Re: MotorMentor
Post by: 6T7 on October 05, 2012, 06:33:25 pm
Looks like he's back at it again;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271070844981&ssPageName=ADME:B:FSEL:GB:1123 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271070844981&ssPageName=ADME:B:FSEL:GB:1123)

Though he is selling on the ebay UK site.. I guess he ran out of business here in Aus!  :hmm3grin:
Title: Re: MotorMentor
Post by: wildplum on October 05, 2012, 07:47:29 pm
Looks like he's back at it again;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271070844981&ssPageName=ADME:B:FSEL:GB:1123 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271070844981&ssPageName=ADME:B:FSEL:GB:1123)

Though he is selling on the ebay UK site.. I guess he ran out of business here in Aus!  :hmm3grin:



nope still going here

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1968-FORD-MUSTANG-GT-2-2-FASTBACK-390-S-CODE-4-SPEED-W-MARTI-FREE-SHIPPING-/271070844981?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item3f1d14d835 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1968-FORD-MUSTANG-GT-2-2-FASTBACK-390-S-CODE-4-SPEED-W-MARTI-FREE-SHIPPING-/271070844981?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item3f1d14d835)
Title: Re: MotorMentor
Post by: mwizz on October 05, 2012, 11:02:01 pm
Hopefully this and other threads will help anyone doing a search for him
Title: Re: MotorMentor
Post by: Pinto Pete on October 05, 2012, 11:05:42 pm
Hopefully this and other threads will help anyone doing a search for him
found him myself on e-bay last night good to see Im not alone.........
Title: Re: MotorMentor
Post by: 66Scotty on March 18, 2013, 08:10:34 pm
Well,Well,well..... Just noticed on his EBay site he is no longer a registered user. Good thing. Better keep an eye out though. He may pop up under a new name.

http://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=californiamusclecars&ftab=AllFeedback (http://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=californiamusclecars&ftab=AllFeedback)

Mike.

Motor Mentor.

California Muscle Cars...........