Cars on eBay - Buying Tips - Avoid Problems
eBay Motors is a huge source of good used cars, at good prices – if you know how it works and how to avoid problems and scams. Following are some important tips for successfully buying cars on eBay.
eBay Car Buying Tips
Check the seller - Look at the seller's feedback rating, how many feedbacks he has received, how long he has been a member, and read comments from other buyers. Some sellers are professional dealers. Some are people who make a full-time or part-time living buying and selling cars and usually have a dealer's license in their state. Others are simply individuals who are selling a car for the first time on eBay, which means he has no feedback but is nevertheless trustworthy.
Check the car - Read the description thoroughly and if you have questions or concerns, contact the buyer. Do not be afraid to ask questions and ask for more information. Check the vehicle's history report, which tells you whether the car has been wrecked, flooded, and where it might have come from — but it does not tell you the car's actual condition. Although eBay offers links to Carfax ($29.99 for a report) and AutoCheck ($9.99), you can often get a seller to buy and give you a report. eBay also offers a professional inspection service ($99) which is a good investment anytime you buy a used car, especially at long-distance.
Check title status - Does the seller have the car's title? Is the car still being financed -- title shows a lein? Is the title a salvage title (car has been previously wrecked or flooded)? How will you receive the title? Is the seller's name the name on the title?
Check the price - Check the value of the car using a pricing guide such as Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) or NADA Guides (www.nadaguides.com) to make sure the seller isn't asking too much or that you don't get overly exciting in the auction bidding and bid too much. Use your own judgement as to how much you are willing to pay. Remember, if you have the winning bid, you are legally obligated to buy.
Buy 'no reserve' - Watch for "no reserve" car listings. These are usually from sellers who are desperate to sell and have little time to sell. They'll take whatever price they can get. Bargains are very possible, but remember that other potential buyers are looking for – and bidding on – these cars too.
Buy local, if possible - If at all possible try to find a car within easy driving distance of your location. Doing so allows you to see the car, inspect it, drive it, and talk directly with the seller. However, if you find your car in a distant city, and you can't travel there, make sure you take advantage of all the buyer protection features that eBay offers, such as inspection service, escrow payment service, vehicle history reports, and shipping service.
How to pay - Never pay using wire services such as Western Union. Use an escrow service such as Escrow.com or pay with PayPal, credit card, other safe method. Dealer's often can arrange financing or you can use one of the financing services recommended by eBay. You can also pre-arrange your own financing at your local bank or credit union.
After the sale - Make sure the vehicle is the same as the one listed on eBay. Check the VIN. Make sure it's in the advertised condtion with the right equipment. Check the mileage. Check the title. Take the title to your state DMV office and have the title, registration, and tag issued in your name. Depending on your state, you might have to pay sales tax.
Examples of cars on Ebay right now
Click here for a sample list of the thousands of cars that listed right now in eBay. Narrow down your search by price, mileage, make, model, year, and more.
Summary
Buying a car online on eBay is a great way to shop and buy but somewhat more risky than buying locally the old fashion way. However, if you understand how it works and take some precautions, it is no more risky than any other method. And you have the opportunity to get a great bargain.