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Has anyone on here done it? I once bought a 1981 Mini from a police office in London. That was in 2005, and only cost me a few hundred quid, so not exactly a big risk. Is there any buyer protection - considering the type of vehicles I will be looking at run to, say, £3000?
If you say 'avoid', I will. But if you say, 'it's no worse than autotrader, or one of those small used car lots as long as you ask the right questions', then I will continue to search.
So please, STW, let me have your insight!
I bought a car on ebay earlier in the year, I basically considered it the same an ad in the newspaper or autotrader.
Asked seller a few questions via eBay messenger, went to see it, once happy with it handed over the cash.
I doubt there's any protection over any other private car sale.
I think every vehicle I've ever owned was found on ebay.
Ebay is just a shop window. You still have to visit the car and evaluate the car and the seller like you would with any other purchase. There's nothing inherently evil about the platform. There's plenty of shady sellers woth dodgy products but also mostly decent ordinary people trying to make an honest sale. Just search for what you want and use your loaf.
Most of the cars are there are on classified adds, no better or worse than any other platform. Do what shark said, have a look and decide as you would a car advertised anywhere else
I wouldn't bid on one in the auction format unseen though
It's fine, done it loads.
I've always gone and picked up the car or bike myself and paid for it once I've seen it. Normally give them a small deposit beforehand though, especially if I've made a lower offer than they're asking for.
Don't think I'd do one of the delivery things though unless from a decent sized dealer.
Most of the cars are there are on classified adds, no better or worse than any other platform.
Exactly. It is not like you can be ripped off and they don't sent the item, raise some dodgy Paypal claim or anything.
Just the same as buying car from local paper, Autotrader etc,. you have little protection once you have handed your cash other to a private sold as seen seller.
I prefer autotrader only because they can have more photos, most on eBay are 12pics.
If they take pics of the wheels and a car has Chinese ditch finders then I dimiss it immediately.
eBay is where I find most of my cars. Good use of the MOT history and a bit of photo analysis means you can find some real hidden gems that are poorly advertised.
I've done three buy it nows, all turned out better than i could have hoped. I always look at the feedback it gives you a feel for the transaction.