Ebay Motors?

Question

I found a car on craigslist, but the seller wants to sell it through ebay motors. the car is in idaho. should i trust the seller or look for a new car?

Answer 1

I have bought several cars from E-bay, and a few (boats also) I found on craigslist. I have only had one problem from an E-bay seller and that was with a bad title. It took a bit to get that resolved.

I have also sold on E-bay and offered to return the selling price if the buyer isn't happy. They would have to pay for the listing fees though.

Buying this way is tricky. If the car you found is a "one of a kind" or a classic, it may be worthwhile. If it is a "regular car" (for lack of a better description) you should be able to find one close enough where you can go see it, test drive it, smell it and so forth.

The reason the guy wants to sell through E-bay is probably due to E-bay's buyer and seller protection plans. If you buy through E-bay, then welch out on the deal, and have used pay-pal, or another E-bay type payment, they can come looking for you. It is kind of a "sellers protection plan">

Were I you, I believe I would keep looking.

Answer 2

never buy a car that you have not seen and inspected no matter where you buy. why would you pay money for what may be a junker or could have been in a flood.

Answer 3

Tough question.  If the seller is specifying the only means of payment he'll accept I would avoid it, especially if you have offered alternative means you trust. Surely this isn't the only car you can find to meet you're requirements.