Buying a used car on Ebay...risk,advantage,disadvantage ?

I've bought 2 cars on eBay. My Prius and one of collector cars. The Prius was perfect and dirt cheap. Flew out and drove it back. The collectors car had unreported damage. After I flew out with tens of thousands of dollars in cash I wasn't just going to fly back so we made a deal and took a few grand off the price. Drove it back no issues.

 

I had a friend buy a Gen II Prius on eBay. She and her husband were satisfied with the discussions that she had with the seller on the phone, flew out, test drove the car and was satisfied that everything was as advertised.

She has had no regrets with the eBay purchase. She is still driving it today.

 

And keep in mind there are online services that do nothing but inspect cars over the internet. Thanks to eBay, Cars.com, Autotrader, all that stuff people are buying cars sight unseen moreso than ever. I believe eBay even used to advertise local mechanics that did this, local to the seller.

Yes it costs you $100 to $300 dollars, but this is a car. Just like you shouldn't buy a house without an inspection, you shouldn't buy a car without an inspection.

Having said that, I have never gotten an inspection for any of my vehicles. But everyone my mother or sister has bought, even from local dealerships, have had independent inspections.

If you look long and hard at the pictures you can usually spot things if there are anything. There were over 100 high resolution images in the ad I bought my Prius from. The collectors car only had 3 images, but the fact that it was what it was, was why I bought it!

 

Nothing like kicking the tires and test driving the vehicle before you hand the cash over. I've test driven nice looking cars only to find out it drove loose or lacked power or the front end clunked on the tight turns. Finding a private seller that's owned the car outright and show that they've cared for the car like their manicured home means a lot. Their are too many available used Prius autos in town for me to consider going out of state.

Ask me to look for a specific hard to find collectable car....then I might consider eBay.....

 

I recently purchased a 2010 + 2011 Prius from the same seller on eBay.Chalev,so rebuildibles in Charlotte NC.THEY are honest and had better prices than others on eBay. Even though they were as is, they reimbursed me the cost of a defective cooling fan on the 2010. It,so a scary idea to spend so much with someone you don't,then know, but in this case it worked out well. Hope this helps.Good luck.

 

Never spend any money on ebay that you're not prepared to lose.

As others have said, you need to have a car checked out before you buy. Also, be careful if the price is too good.

 

All the cars I bought on Ebay were from the State of Oregon Surplus Property Agency, they have no incentive to lie* as they don't get to keep the money. (and they have a large selection of odd vehicles, from meter maid trikes to helicopters)
eBay

Lots of big black and white cars for teens to learn in

*Actual description today: "This ole' beauty has some dust on it from lack of recent use. Agency reports that this vehicle is non operational at this time. What they know for sure is that it has bad fuel, needs brakes (parking brake is fine) and has a bad starter. It probably has some leaks and is going to need some TLC. The body has some dents and scratches too. This vehicle has scratches, scuffs & dings throughout consistent with an actively used fleet vehicle. Interior is in fair condition for it's age, although there are some tears and stains.
Vehicle has a 5-digit odometer, so mileage may not be actual. Tires are in poor condition and will need replaced. Windows have rock chips and scratches.
This vehicle will need to hauled away. Customer is responsible for arranging all aspects of removal and transportation."

 

As long as the seller posts the True VIN number to run a Carfax on the car.
Just to make sure it's not a flood car, or wrecked car, etc!!

 

If I can't test drive it, I ain't buying it.... Why risk a purchase based on someone else's description.

 

Best of luck to you with your new car.