Buying cars on ebay??

Question

tell me about your experiences with it?! is it a smooth process?!

Answer 1

I had an excellent experience buying a car on eBay. The process was very smooth. After the auction ended, I gave the dealer a down-payment by credit card over the phone and picked up the car 2 days later using a cashier's check. The car looked even better than in the auction pictures and it ran great, as it still does today (this was 4 years ago).

As with any substantial purchase, you have to be careful of who you are dealing with. Always get a Carfax report and go over it carefully. If the seller is an individual, try to avoid those with low or excessively negative feedback, especially if they have not sold a car before. I decided to bid only on cars offered by dealerships with at least 10 transactions and no more than 1 or 2 negative or neutral comments.

If the car you are trying to buy or win is located close enough, ask to make an appointment to see it before the auction ends or you hit the "buy it now" button. Ask questions if you have any. If there is a contact number, ask the questions directly, rather than online.

When done right, you can come away with a great deal on a great car.  

Answer 2

It can be a smooth process.

The disadvantage is that you're essentially buying a car sight unseen.  In this instance you're better off buying from dealers v. private parties.  Dealers have a reputation to uphold.

I bought a used car a couple of years ago on eBay.  Make sure the title is clean.  The purchase went well; but it wasn't one of my better ones.  NO FAULT to the fellow who sold me.  It was me.  The car was near the end of it's life.  We've still got it...but we've put more money into it than I wanted to.

There are better options for you.  Your local used car lot (now...the stories about used car lots curdle your blood).  Most are very reputable and are eager to oversome the bad rap they've had over the years.  Try some of these guys.  ONLY deal with those dealerships that will alllow you to take it your mechanic prior to purchase (9 in 10 will).  The titles are also clean.  I don't know what your price range is but don't buy any "moonwalkers."  These are cars of any make that have over 150,000 miles on them.

Good Luck