Topic: Using "stock" photos in Ads RANT

[2latecrew]

Why would anyone do this especially a private AD. Its one thing to have no photo which is annoying but some stock photos are very difficult to tell from a real photo depending on the background.

This was the photo of the Astra they were asking 12K OBO. I was ready to jump all over it:


Looks like a silver XR 5 door with sunroof and 17 inch rims ..the background looks reasonable for a picture taken where the car is located (in the fall)

When I questioned them about what options it had like heated seats suspension etc they said it didn't have them or a sunroof. That's when I got suspicious. This is the actual car:

Looks like a Base XE to me.

This really teeded me off. If you have pictures of the car why not post them in the first place. Imagine how pissed I'd have been if I drove 4 hours to buy that car only to found out it was worth thousands less than what I thought they were selling. I know that if its too good to be true it usually is but if you decide you want to use a stock photo either reveal it or say not as pictured or list the model etc.

Rant over.

[rrocket]

My favorite from ads is the term "mint condition".  For me, mint means as new, or as close to new as possible.

Yet, I've looked at some many cars that were called "mint" that had tears in the interior, rust, dents, scratches, cracked windshields, etc..

[2latecrew]

My favorite from ads is the term "mint condition".  For me, mint means as new, or as close to new as possible.

Yet, I've looked at some many cars that were called "mint" that had tears in the interior, rust, dents, scratches, cracked windshields, etc..

A quote from the Ad

Fully loaded, virtually brand new

Last I check fully loaded didn't mean a base model with not a single option.The car in the picture is "fully loaded" XR,sunroof rims. A car with hubcaps is not fully loaded.

[rrocket]

+100.

"Loaded" is another one I see.


Maybe they meant a fully loaded BASE model? (that is to say every option avail. on a base model?) 

[CanuckG35]

+100.

"Loaded" is another one I see.


Maybe they meant a fully loaded BASE model? (that is to say every option avail. on a base model?) 

It would appear in these cases that the owner is "loaded", not the vehicle.   

[Snowman]

The one I like is "too many new parts to list"

[airbalancer]

My favorite from ads is the term "mint condition".  For me, mint means as new, or as close to new as possible.

Yet, I've looked at some many cars that were called "mint" that had tears in the interior, rust, dents, scratches, cracked windshields, etc..

maybe they writing about After eights mints

[5 Wheel Drive]

I find that very dishonest.  If you're selling a car, use pictures of the actual car being sold.  I've seen a few dealer on autotrader do that.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I cannot view either photo, but since I had a fully optioned Astra XR 5dr (plus some accessories) I'm familiar with the car and know exactly what you mean.

Was just talking with a co-worker last week that when people claim their car is 'loaded', not to take them at their word.

An ad like you describe sure is deceiving, and often if there's a stock image I'll skip right over it unless extremely well written.

[safristi]

...don't ya just hate it when the pic is of a Maserati,and when ya show up it's a Cavalier...............ON HORSEBACK................hate it when that happens.........................so now I have 3 horses and Guys in Jodhpurs...........

[Cord]

I just consider stock photos in a private ad to be a sign of a scam. Not many excuses these days not to be able to come up with a photo.

[Careener]

+100.

"Loaded" is another one I see.


Maybe they meant a fully loaded BASE model? (that is to say every option avail. on a base model?) 

My all time favorite is "Won't last long".. rofl