Would You Purchase a Vehicle . . .

[Objective Danny]

. . . off e-bay?

I'm in the market for a used car. I saw one I fancied on line at a local dealer ship. I went to look at it and got the old line from the salesman, "We just sold that one this morning but I'm sure we have something else you might me interested in."

I didn't believe him but since I was there I test drove another vehicle. I liked the way it handled and it had low mileage. I told the saleman I'd think it over and get back with him in a few days. He said 'they' told him if you didn't purchase the vehicle it would be sent to the auction the next day. I said forget it! I'm feed-up with these games.

I've purchased several items off e-bay. I have a purchase rule of $25 or less. Thus far I haven't been ripped off. I checked out some of the vehicles for sale. There are some good buys. But needless to say I leery of sending $12k to someone in Connecticut for a vehicle I have never test drove.

Has anyone purchased a vehicle from them?

 

[DiabloTS]

You probably shouldn't do it. I just wouldn't take the risk.

 

[Swinging Simian]

No way man. Even if the car was only for a couple of hundred. Had a buddy buy a used car back in college who didn't even check out the engine. Few days later found out that the engine mounts were giving out. Figured it would still be safe, but a week later suffered headaches. Found out it was carbon monoxide poisoning coming in thru the vents. Always always check out the car or have someone who knows about cars check it for you.

 

[10sfreak]

This is a little bit different, but a buddy of mine bought a car sight-unseen from Carmax a few years ago. We live in Georgia, and he bought the car from a dealership in Florida without ever even seeing the car. But, it was through a national dealership, so it's not quite the same thing. Btw, everything turned out just fine with the car.

 

[Boja]

I have bought a few things from e-Bay, but nothing over $100 and I double check to see that the product is legit.

With that said, personally I would not buy an automobile from e-Bay. There are just too many variables and uncertainties that can go wrong.

 

[Objective Danny]

You probably shouldn't do it. I just wouldn't take the risk.

I'm leaning in that direction. Too much can go wrong. Let's say I get the vehicle and its in good condition, but I can't get it registered in my name because there's a problem with the title. One would have to chase the owner down via email to get it straighten out.

If the owner chose not to reply I'd be outta luck unless I travel cross country to look him/her up. I don't want to jump through that hoop. Guess I'll keep dealing with the double-talking salesmen in my city.

 

[jj300]

you have to be carful who you purchase from. there are many legitimate dealers who do huge business on **** and are trustworthy. Many people buy cars on **** as well.

I have two rules if you want to buy a car.

1) Choose a buyer in which you can drive to and test drive the car
2) research the seller (type in the name on google and see what comes up)

If i was in nj, i would not buy a car from ca, and vice versa. If it is a dealer always ask for a carfax report or obtain it and ask for them to pay for it

 

[edberg505]

I bought one off e_bay and am quite pleased with it. I actually bought it in Florida and drove it back to New Mexico. And it's still running like a dream!

 

[TENNIS_IS_FUN]

. . . off e-bay?

I'm in the market for a used car. I saw one I fancied on line at a local dealer ship. I went to look at it and got the old line from the salesman, "We just sold that one this morning but I'm sure we have something else you might me interested in."

I didn't believe him but since I was there I test drove another vehicle. I liked the way it handled and it had low mileage. I told the saleman I'd think it over and get back with him in a few days. He said 'they' told him if you didn't purchase the vehicle it would be sent to the auction the next day. I said forget it! I'm feed-up with these games.

I've purchased several items off e-bay. I have a purchase rule of $25 or less. Thus far I haven't been ripped off. I checked out some of the vehicles for sale. There are some good buys. But needless to say I leery of sending $12k to someone in Connecticut for a vehicle I have never test drove.

Has anyone purchased a vehicle from them?

Funny, i just saw one of those real-life court drama things on TV the other day. The plaintiff, who bought a used 93' Camry from the defendant on eXbXaXy, claimed that the car stopped in the middle of the freeway, almost causing her an accident with a car speeding 90 mph......then again, why would you buy a 93 camry at all? And if so, why eXbXaXy? I like you 25 and under rule...anything more is just way to risky to spend online, where you have no information (except those untrusty feedbacks) regarding the seller.

 

[OrangeOne]

. . . off e-bay?

I'm in the market for a used car. I saw one I fancied on line at a local dealer ship. I went to look at it and got the old line from the salesman, "We just sold that one this morning but I'm sure we have something else you might me interested in."

I too hate that game. I went to a dealer the other week based on a vehicle I saw advertised, it wasn't there, so I left the dealer, full stop. It's BS advertising and it shouldn't be encouraged.

I didn't believe him but since I was there I test drove another vehicle. I liked the way it handled and it had low mileage. I told the saleman I'd think it over and get back with him in a few days. He said 'they' told him if you didn't purchase the vehicle it would be sent to the auction the next day. I said forget it! I'm feed-up with these games.

Another think I agree with, another game, another pathetic thing dealers do. "We'll give you this warranty if you only buy it NOW and not tomorrow, blah-blah....".

I've purchased several items off e-bay. I have a purchase rule of $25 or less. Thus far I haven't been ripped off. I checked out some of the vehicles for sale. There are some good buys. But needless to say I leery of sending $12k to someone in Connecticut for a vehicle I have never test drove.

Has anyone purchased a vehicle from them?

I'm not sure anyone's positive or negative experiences would be enough to base your decision on.

I'll go over $25, but not for something with moving parts unless I can see it working first, test it, whatever. Eg. I'd buy a memory card for $200 by post (if I was sure from the reputation of the seller that it wasn't fake) but not a camera for $200 if you see where I'm heading.

I'd never, ever, ever buy a car without test-driving it first. Sometimes people aren't even trying to rip you off deliberately, they just don't know what's wrong with their car...

 

[Deuce]

Anyone who is even giving minute consideration to purchasing a used automobile over the internet without seeing it, testing it, etc. should have their driver's licence removed immediately.

There should be a minimum I.Q. score to be able to acquire a driver's licence.

 

[CanadianChic]

Still taking the bus Deuce?? Ha! I'm kidding - please do not attack me! I just find it humourous how you have such a bluntly-stated opinion on just about every topic.

 

[edberg505]

I'd never, ever, ever buy a car without test-driving it first. Sometimes people aren't even trying to rip you off deliberately, they just don't know what's wrong with their car...

Actually, if one were to contact an independent mechanic in the city of the seller and have him look at it and test drive it; that may be the way to go. Well, at least that's what I did.

 

[Objective Danny]

There should be a minimum I.Q. score to be able to acquire a driver's licence.

The word is license.

Besides, we are engaged in an intelligent discourse don't flame the thread.

Actually, if one were to contact an independent mechanic in the city of the seller and have him look at it and test drive it; that may be the way to go. Well, at least that's what I did.

This is an excellent option one that is well worth the investment. I'll keep it in mind.

 

[Deuce]

The word is license.

Besides, we are engaged in an intelligent discourse don't flame the thread.

The word is spelled LICENCE where I'm from.
Perhaps you could learn some about other parts of the world.
Nice try, though.

It's not possible to have "intelligent discourse" over such an asinine question as you posed. The issue is black and white. It's like asking "Would it be a good idea to blindfold myself and run across a busy highway?"

There was no 'flame' in my post - just an honest opinion - an opinion that was the same as all the other opinions in this thread - just minus the pretty dressing.

It's not polite to get sore at people who are trying to save you 12 grand, Danny.

Actually, if one were to contact an independent mechanic in the city of the seller and have him look at it and test drive it; that may be the way to go. Well, at least that's what I did.

This is a terrible idea, as well - because, if the mechanic is unknown to you, then you have no idea about his honesty. Maybe he knows the people who are selling the car. Maybe he can be bought off by those selling the car. Maybe he's an incompetent mechanic, etc..., etc...

Bottom line here is that it is more than inadvisable to do things such as this blind.

 

[edberg505]

This is a terrible idea, as well - because, if the mechanic is unknown to you, then you have no idea about his honesty. Maybe he knows the people who are selling the car. Maybe he can be bought off by those selling the car. Maybe he's an incompetent mechanic, etc..., etc...

Well, maybe you think it is a bad idea, but I have an awesome car in my garage that I drove over 2000 miles cross country that says otherwise.

 

[CanadianChic]

The word is license.

Besides, we are engaged in an intelligent discourse don't flame the thread.

I'm sorry but this just makes me laugh - Deuce is correct in the spelling (at least the Canadian spelling) of licence. Not that it matters to the discussion, but it is a little ironic.

 

[LuckyR]

Has anyone purchased a vehicle from them?

Yes, and no. I found my car on E Bay, but did the purchase directly with the seller (a dealer). I would not do the purchase through E Bay and I wouldn't buy any car except a certified used car from a dealer with the warranty advantages that implies.

Tons of the cars on that site (the majority, I'd say) are from dealers not individuals since it is a convenient way to contact serious purchasers.

 

[10sfreak]

I'm sorry but this just makes me laugh - Deuce is correct in the spelling (at least the Canadian spelling) of licence. Not that it matters to the discussion, but it is a little ironic.

Sorry CC, but the correct way, that is, the American way, of spelling it is license. You Canadians really do need to get your act together!:grin:

 

[CanadianChic]

Actually, my misinformed friend, the correct way would be the British (or Canadian) way as this was and still is the original spelling before the Americans jumped off their boats onto the new land.

 

[10sfreak]

Actually, my misinformed friend, the correct way would be the British (or Canadian) way as this was and still is the original spelling before the Americans jumped off their boats onto the new land.

Canadians? Americans? What are you talking about? We're "colonials"!!:grin:

 

[armand]

If it's good enough for Timothy Dalton, it's good enough for me.

Back to the Topic: I wouldn't find a car online. However, I would try to find a wife online...

 

[CanadianChic]

Are you not American? There are many differences between American and Canadian spelling - we still follow the British style (at least some of us do) while you Yanks have gotten a little sloppy over the years. lol.

 

[10sfreak]

Are you not American? There are many differences between American and Canadian spelling - we still follow the British style (at least some of us do) while you Yanks have gotten a little sloppy over the years. lol.

Yes I'm American. I thought you would get my little joke about being referred to as "Colonials" by the British. I know that the British STILL misspell a lot of their words! Words like colour, for instance. Just trying to add some levity to the discussion, as it looked like it could have been heading toward another flame war. Peace!

Btw, I know that by "Yanks" you meant Americans, but we Southerners HATE being called a "Yank"!!! LOL!

 

[CanadianChic]

I know, and I saw the bait with the Colonial comment but chose to swim away. I spell all my words with the "ou" but am rare in doing so here.

Definately Peace!!

I figured you'd counter on the Yanks.

 

[Objective Danny]

Yes, and no. I found my car on E Bay, but did the purchase directly with the seller (a dealer). I would not do the purchase through E Bay and I wouldn't buy any car except a certified used car from a dealer with the warranty advantages that implies.

--------------------------------------------

When I surfed e-bay I saw the vehicles in question but I was hesitate to bid. I'm going to have to do something. Yesterday I went to another local dealer. Prior to going I called and inquired about a vehicle. I was told it was on the lot and it was immaculate.

When I got there later that evening the vehicle was gone. Someone just got the funds together and picked it up. Of course they attempted to sell me something else. I left!

Thanks for the information, I'll keep it in mind.

 

[tarheels2323]

You should go to autotrader.com and search for a vehicle there. I got a great price on a great car (my first car), but had to drive about three hours to get it. All in all, it was an amazing deal. This way, you can actually go to the car, test drive it, and then make a decision. The site has both public and private sellers.

 

[jhhachamp]

I would not buy a car off e-bay, but my friend did and has had a good experience. He got a 94 Beamer for around $7,000 I think. It had like 100,000 miles and he has put over 45,000 miles on it in the last few years and has had no problems.

 

[LuckyR]

Yes, and no. I found my car on E Bay, but did the purchase directly with the seller (a dealer). I would not do the purchase through E Bay and I wouldn't buy any car except a certified used car from a dealer with the warranty advantages that implies.

--------------------------------------------

When I surfed e-bay I saw the vehicles in question but I was hesitate to bid. I'm going to have to do something. Yesterday I went to another local dealer. Prior to going I called and inquired about a vehicle. I was told it was on the lot and it was immaculate.

When I got there later that evening the vehicle was gone. Someone just got the funds together and picked it up. Of course they attempted to sell me something else. I left!

Thanks for the information, I'll keep it in mind.

Good luck. Your hesitation was warranted.

BTW, what are you in the market for?

 

[Tchocky]

I wouldn't buy anything off of e_bay. Most of the stuff that is sold on that site is either stolen or counterfeit but it doesn't seem like they really care. They're making money hand over fist.

 

[heartman]

Beauty, eh?

 

[Objective Danny]

Good luck. Your hesitation was warranted.

BTW, what are you in the market for?

A used Nissan Maxima, preferrably black. If I found the right deal on a Volvo or a Toyota I'd settle for one.

You should go to autotrader.com and search for a vehicle there. I got a great price on a great car (my first car), but had to drive about three hours to get it. All in all, it was an amazing deal. This way, you can actually go to

I've been there. They have some good vehicles just haven't found what I'm looking for.
Thanks.

 

[edberg505]

A used Nissan Maxima, preferrably black. If I found the right deal on a Volvo or a Toyota I'd settle for one..

That's exactly what I bought. I'll post a picture of it when I get a chance.

 

[LuckyR]

I wouldn't buy anything off of e_bay. Most of the stuff that is sold on that site is either stolen or counterfeit but it doesn't seem like they really care. They're making money hand over fist.

Why would a car (or anything else for that matter) on E Bay be more (or less) likely to be stolen or counterfeit than something in an ad in the Classifieds (those are in newspapers, for the Electronic Generation)?

 

[You cannot be serious !!!]

This was in the newpaper yesterday

A guy in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia sold his life on **** for AUD$7500. The winner gets his name, belongings, contacts, friends, relationships etc.

How's that for a bargain?

 

[jhhachamp]

This was in the newpaper yesterday

A guy in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia sold his life on **** for AUD$7500. The winner gets his name, belongings, contacts, friends, relationships etc.

How's that for a bargain?

It depends on who it is? If he is offering his life for sale, chances are all those things don't add up to much value.

 

[edberg505]

Well, as I said I would, I am posting pictures of my dirty car. I'll have to post some when it is nice and shiny. When I bought the car it had 89,000 miles 18 in rims, a tv screen, a kick ass radio and smoking sound system and it is a stick shift which was really hard to find. I really had no other alternative but to look on e_bay to get the kind of car I was looking for.

 

[edberg505]

Another picture from the side.

 

[Koz]

I'd buy a car off of E Bay but only if the seller knew their stuff, and was very very very very easy to communicate with. Too many sellers can't respond to a damn email; someone selling a car would have to answer emails same day and take phone calls. Really though, you have to educate yourself about the car you want; don't trust other people to give you a good deal or good vehicle.

 

[dowjones]

Would you buy a car at a garage sale? I wouldn't.

 

[zapvor]

The word is license.

Besides, we are engaged in an intelligent discourse don't flame the thread.




This is an excellent option one that is well worth the investment. I'll keep it in mind.

HAHAHAHHAHAA

 

[Objective Danny]

Well, as I said I would, I am posting pictures of my dirty car. I'll have to post some when it is nice and shiny. When I bought the car it had 89,000 miles 18 in rims, a tv screen, a kick ass radio and smoking sound system and it is a stick shift which was really hard to find. I really had no other alternative but to look on e_bay to get the kind of car I was looking for.

Thanks for the image. It is hard to find one that's manual. Does it have a sunroof? What kind of mileage do you get? . . . Did you detail it this week? lol

 

[edberg505]

Thanks for the image. It is hard to find one that's manual. Does it have a sunroof? What kind of mileage do you get? . . . Did you detail it this week? lol

I cleaned it. I'll post a picture later today.

 

[edberg505]

Got more pictures, here you go. Oh and it gets pretty darn good gas mileage and it does have a sunroof. I was actually kind of kicking myself after I bought this car because about 1 month later I saw an even better one go up on e_bay. But oh well, I love this one

 

[Objective Danny]

It's sharp!
You have a TV screen in the dash? ? ? What do you do cruise down the freeway at 85 watching CSI and OPRAH? lol

 

[edberg505]

It's sharp!
You have a TV screen in the dash? ? ? What do you do cruise down the freeway at 85 watching CSI and OPRAH? lol

Actually believe it or not, I have used that screen maybe once since I've had the car. I never use it. I have satellite radio so I listen to that alot.

 

[GRANITECHIEF]

Sharp Maxy. I am a nissan fan as well, now on my 3rd generation. 1st was a 79 blue king cab truck, then an 88 SE V6 blue king cab truck, now an 01 SE Pathfinder, which absolutely loves to chew up snowy roads. Good stuff~!

 

[mabuhay]

a better option of buying cars online is on craigslist.org. select your city or close by city and then do a search. on craigslist, you can ask the seller if you can test drive the car before you buy it. my friend just bought a truck from craigslist last month. i haven't bought a car yet but i did on some other stuff. i bought my guitar using craigslist.org. it was $200 online and only got it for $65. it's used for 8 months but no scratches at all and sounds pretty good. e b a y is good but if i can test the product before i buy it, i'll go with craigslist first

 

[edberg505]

Sharp Maxy. I am a nissan fan as well, now on my 3rd generation. 1st was a 79 blue king cab truck, then an 88 SE V6 blue king cab truck, now an 01 SE Pathfinder, which absolutely loves to chew up snowy roads. Good stuff~!

I think that's the only kind of car that I'll be driving from here on out. I love Maxima's. Oh, and to the OP when I went to pick up the car they gave me the 4 original tires that came with the car, how cool is that? This was just a great deal that I caught.