Does anybody have any thoughts or experience on buying a car from eBay? It sounds a little ridiculous to me. The thought never crossed my mind until last night when I was up all night searching for a new ride haha

 

i would only buy a car that I can actually see, test drive, be able to check out the service records and be able to take it either a dealer or trusted mechannic

 

^Yep, a piece of furnature or a solid auto part (like a new wheel) is one thing, but a car needs to be test driven first.

 

x3, I don't think I could do it.

 

I'd have to test drive it so when i looked up ebay, i only searched within 300 miles from my location. That's how I located my current car but we ended up making transaction in private rather than going to ebay b/c he would have to pay 'fee'. it worked out well.

 

I would have to actually see and drive the car before I bought it. I just don't trust Ebay, or everyone that sells there for cars.

 

I bought the Elise through an EBAY add.
But there was more to it then me just bidding and winning.

 

It's like any other transaction. Do your research, make sure you know what you're buying and you'll be OK..

Good Luck!

 

EBay is pretty much buy at your own risk when it comes to the private sellers (but I believe it's that way regardless with those owners).

The dealerships however, can be another thing if you can get them to send you any additional info on the car. Depending on the dealer, some may also be a bit more accommodating if you're actually traveling a good distance to them. I've had 1 buddy get $500 off his purchase after the dealer learned he came all the way from Tx. to NorCal to pick up his car (though the dealer only did that because that's about what he spent with gas & hotel).

 

I have bought 2 site unseen. Bought another 3 listed locally that I tested including my current car.
You HAVE to know your stuff on the car though.

 

We bought out 2004 Lexus LX470 off of ebay in 2007 I believe. We were so excited, but when we went to go get it, we were disappointed - the pictures did not tell the whole story. There was a loose engine body panel, some ripped up leather on the 3rd row, etc.

End all - the dealer repaired the leather, and a big scratch we didnt see and then drove it to us free of charge. We got a good deal. However, that being said, my parents are not into buying another car off of ebay - it was a long process which can go both ways. Do research and take your time and I think you can do good.

 

That's how I sold mine, and the buyer purchased an AWESOME car.

 

I would say unless you can check the car out personally I wouldn't even bother with it personally, try autotrader.com I have had great success with that website even when dealing with dealerships, bought my CL off of autotrader for 13k with 55k miles back in 2006 and got my Mom's a 2001 MDX with 110k for 5500 even though it was a little beat up I detailed it myself and it looks like new, but unless you can see the car in person I wouldn't even try it, but granted that is my personal opinion.

 

I would have to see car in person, test drive it, and give it a thorough look over.

I might consider one from eBay if the eBay ad was extremely detailed and had a lot (I mean a lot) of pics to show its true condition and was sold by a dealer.

 

There are plenty of good used cars at your local dealer. Why screw around with ebay and craigslist? I really can't understand the people that find used cars online that are out of state. They buy it sight unseen and hope that what shows up on the delivery truck is what they expected.

 

I have purchased cars from ebay and would do it again. If you are looking for an auto camry / accord then there is no reason to look very hard, but if you are looking for manual cars or rare cars ebay is the way to go.

I feel fairly comfortable because I am mechanically inclined and know what to look for. Obviously we can all be fooled but pay attention to the details and if you find something wrong that wasn't disclosed then they shouldn't have any issues letting you go without any fees / etc. Worst case find a local dealer to inspect the car for you for a couple hundred.

Best of luck! and enjoy the search.