Bobs Motor Works

Wasted my money and time, then disappeared.
While searching for a car, I stumbled upon a listing by Bob's Motor Works.
I reached out to Bob, explaining I was in the market, and was ready to begin the sale immediately- An ideal customer.
Bob explained that this was "His own car". My first request was for the CarFax report, which took multiple calls and emails from me to produce.
The CarFax report did not indicate that he had used this car, as it had just been sold at a large auction. The first red flag.
After several more attempts at speaking with him, he reluctantly agreed to have it inspected by a mechanic who I had payed, and to hold the car for me during the inspection.
However, he insisted that I would have to wait two weeks before it could be inspected. Red flag number two. When the day of the inspection finally arrived, I eagerly anticipated getting my report.
What I didn't anticipate, was a call from my mechanic informing me Bob had already sold the car. Immediately following this, I attempted to contact Bob.
With several more calls, texts and emails, Bob vaguely explained that he was sick, and out of state seeking treatment. Red flag number three.
After pressing him, he attempted to tell me there was mechanical issues with the car; a completely different story than what he had told the mechanic.
I have now attempted to speak to Bob for several weeks, and as of tonight, have given up.
Bob was consistently slow to respond requiring several reminders, and appeared bothered by my inquiries at every stage in the process.
Despite the fact that I was willing and eager to pay the full asking price, I felt more like the salesman than the customer.
I consider myself a fair, patient, and timely negotiator. Bob broke every single promise he made, often outright lying to me.
I am now out $250 for a vehicle inspection, and several wasted months of negotiating with an unwilling, dishonest, and frankly unworthy mechanic.