I know that sort of stuff goes on at eBay all the time but I've rarely gotten burned. I should have known better this time. The description was vague so I shouldn't have been super-surprised by the large amount of missing parts. - BUT - topping it off by breaking so many of the pieces when they stuffed it into the box really pissed me off.
I hear what you're saying about junk car parts. I've given stuff away for free that were nicer than what some guys sell. I always have to shake my head in disbelief when I see the condition of parts at swap meets. Most people never expend the effort to clean stuff up.