we've all done it-i went all the way to glasgow to see a "mint"crystal blue sapphire cosworth.when i got there it had no id tag on it,no oil feed to the turbo,it had a puncture which the guy couldnt get the wheel nuts off to change,strut tops were hanging out,all 4 doors were rusty.

when i got out of the car he said"there she is mate,isnt she stunning for the year?only thing is you will have sort out the flat tyre yourself as i cant be arsed changing it as ive snapped my wheelbrace trying".

it would have been easier to just turn around and leave it,but felt after going all that way,had to question its condition-"well mate i dont know much about cars and only bought it a week ago,but a lad i know said it was mint,so thats what i told you"...........

turn around and walk away jay said the voice in my head-so i did.

also went to look at a restored rs2000 mk2 in glasgow(?),"ive spent 2 years restoring this car to its former glory,but im getting married so need the cash"
got there and in this poxy little garage was this light blue rs2000 and next to it was a big(empty)tub of filler,a cheap mig welder,and god knows how many tins of aerosol paint------"i did it all myself-what do you think"he said proudly-"this is my first restoration,once the wedding is out of the way im going to do another".he had welded 100's of 2inch squares everywhere,sills bulkhead floors a-posts.
my answer was-"you told me you had spent thousands on restoring it-i didnt think it was on welding wire,filler and aerosols."he gave me a look and said"well if you dont want it ill sell it to someone else then"

too right mate....

the world is full of them,but travelling over 200 miles is a killer!as said paul,at least it was only round the corner.