Buying a car off eBay...

[GoodOldBakes]

..without seeing it or test driving it first.

Anyone done it? Anyone know if you're still covered by eBay or PayPal protection? It's just that I've got my eye on a couple but they're both based around the south coast area and I'm naturally wary of chucking a grand or so at a potentially dead tin box.

 

[96terrano]

..without seeing it or test driving it first.

Anyone done it? Anyone know if you're still covered by eBay or PayPal protection? It's just that I've got my eye on a couple but they're both based around the south coast area and I'm naturally wary of chucking a grand or so at a potentially dead tin box.

i think if you pay him straight away without viewing the car it's your own fault and you should of known better, as your tied into a agreement, however, if its cash on collection and the car doesn't measure up, you don't need to pay as you ain't tied into the eBay/Paypal agreement :thumb2

 

[briggie]

speaking from experience ....... don't pay cash , use paypal ....... and even them some categories ( including motors ) are NOT COVERED by e bays buyer protection programme .

 

[GoodOldBakes]

Isn't there something in eBay terms and conditions that say that once you've agreed to buy, you can't pull out of the deal? I know you could just walk away after driving it around if you think it's a bag of spanners but equally, the seller could refuse to hand over the keys until you've paid up.

 

[Fez_uk]

I believe cars/vehicles are not covered by the same protection as other ebay stuff.

If you get there and you feel it's not as described in the ebay ad you can walk away. Don't worry about him giving you a non paying marker on your account, Ring ebay and say it was not as described and they will remove it.

Briggie, whats your reason to say pay with paypal for a vehicle?

I personally would not!

 

[cncfabs]

Isn't there something in eBay terms and conditions that say that once you've agreed to buy, you can't pull out of the deal? I know you could just walk away after driving it around if you think it's a bag of spanners but equally, the seller could refuse to hand over the keys until you've paid up.

Its supposed to be legally binding contract but in reality you cant force someone to buy an item they dont want currently about half the people i sell to on ebay dont even make contact let alone pay for the item.Most people dont accept paypal for cars as collected items arent covered by seller protection.

 

[briggie]

I believe cars/vehicles are not covered by the same protection as other ebay stuff.

If you get there and you feel it's not as described in the ebay ad you can walk away. Don't worry about him giving you a non paying marker on your account, Ring ebay and say it was not as described and they will remove it.

Briggie, whats your reason to say pay with paypal for a vehicle?

I personally would not!

you have no recourse at all paying cash fez , but with paypal you could say the car isn't as advertised and then possibly open a dispute I guess :nenau

 

[Fez_uk]

you have no recourse at all paying cash fez , but with paypal you could say the car isn't as advertised and then possibly open a dispute I guess :nenau

But your buying the car as seen on the day, not for when you get back home and you find it's not what you wanted.

 

[briggie]

true

 

[Fez_uk]

If your selling anything on ebay and it's collection always accept cash.

 

[jonela]

I have done this and it worked out fine ,I got a great motor. If you see one you like ring them up and discus the car with them , if it sounds good offer to pay £100 deposit to secure it by pay pal, then arrange to pay the rest when you pick it up. if it is not as described you can try to get your deposit back through pay pal or if it is a dealer you are buying from and it is not as described then you are entitled to your deposit back under the distance selling rules of the fair trade act.

 

[clivvy]

ive done it, no problems at all. I asked the guy all the questions I needed to satisfy myself, and when I turned up to pay for it pick it up, he made sure I took it for a test drive first to make sure I was happy. I was, and it was a fourtrak for £550 so I didn't expect much but it was ok.

I have even sold cars on ebay, and again people turn up, have a look pay and go away - no problems at all - I had good comms though and that's what is important.

Ebay don't give you protection as such when it comes to second hand car deals like this. If you pay cash, then thats better because you have the right, whether they like it or not, to ensure it is as described, and if the description is limited or none existent, then you have reasonable assumption that as a vehicle it is in good condition, safe to drive and fits its purpose. End of the day, its all about common sense. Don't put yourself into a position at the time of picking the car up where you have to argue or back out - ask all relevant questions first and if you don't get answers, don't buy, simple.

I think with cars, as a buyer, you have to use some sense, and be responsible and assume nothing.

 

[GoodOldBakes]

Thanks for all the advice so far guys. :thumb2

 

[AD Ent]

My advice is be prepared to walk away. That means being able to get home if its a heap. Don't do what my mate did and get on a train for 3hrs for clapped out kangoo at night, 1 way ticket. Then spend more on engine oil than diesel getting it home. Make sure you know what the common problems are with that particular vehicle and how to check for other stuff. Particularly head gaskets.
I've bought and sold plenty of motors on eBay. My view is dont trust em.

 

[AD Ent]

The problem is if you go all that way your gonna buy it. Ive done it myself when I should have known better.

 

[Lincs Mav]

Bought my Maverick off ebay unseen only because i really wanted one. Travelled a 350 mile round trip i wasnt coming hoe without it.

Cheers Gav

 

[AD Ent]

I've also 'won' a few vehicles and seller won't respond to emails. Probably because it didn't make the price they wanted. Drives you insane ebay

 

[clivvy]

I've also 'won' a few vehicles and seller won't respond to emails. Probably because it didn't make the price they wanted. Drives you insane ebay

yeah me too. I have also won a car THEN found out details to the contrary with regards the advert, and I backed out despite much procrastinating form the seller and demands for money blah blah. Just tell them they are getting nowt and that's for lying, report to ebay and block them. :thumbs

 

[arcascomp]

Got mine from ebay too, think I did ok, but I had a mate I trust check it out for me as he was in Manchester for work at the time.

If you can get someone who knows a bit about the type of vehicle have a nosy first then you'd probably feel better about it.

It all depends on how much your spending too of course - most 4x4's weigh in for a reasonable amount as scrap so if it's cheap enough, the risk level is lower.

 

[Peasgood1]

Done it a few times. Current Mav was off ebay bought unseen.
Had it 2-3 years and certainly had my monies worth.
One Terrano was a bit scabbier than I was expecting but still not disappointed overall.

Wouldn't particularly recommend buying unseen but I've had 3 cars that way and all worked out fine.