Ebay car buying issue

Happy_bunny

Bought a car from eBay - Seen numerous pictures and chatted at length to dealer - Car described as 'excellent' - 'superb' - 'better than new!' Used the buy it now option.

Paid a £300 deposit by bank transfer with balance payable on arrival - Appears on ebay as private seller but boasts of selling cars for 20 odd years.

Car arrives being towed behind another car and its a shocker, damaged, filthy dirty inside with several parts broken - None of this shown on pictures or in discussion.

Obviously wasn't going to complete the sale due to the condition and frankly, lies I had been told - explained it wasn't as described I'd be expecting my deposit back which he told me 'wasn't going to happen'.

Where do I honestly stand? It's not something I usually do and wouldn't have done had it been described as it was! I don't have any paperwork, was all done over the phone and a couple of texts and the guys details on the bank transfer & eBay.

I'm so angry - with myself for being taken in and feeling like I've been scammed! Its a big chunk of savings hard earned to buy a replacement for my current car

tacpot12

I think you will have to sue him for the money if you want it back. The court costs and recovery fees might well come to nearly £300 though, so I would write it off to experience. Next time go and see the car, and drive it before you hand over any money.

I would keep a copy of the advert/photos/texts in case he tries to make you complete on the sale. If he does, ask if you can go to see the car again and take photos of the damage/condition.

walwyn1978

So are you currently down £300 or the full amount?

You could try getting the bank involved and say it's not as described and do a chargeback? Obviously he can disputes this, but it's a start.

19lottie82

“You could try getting the bank involved and say it's not as described and do a chargeback? “

Bank won’t get involved as the OP paid with a bank transfer, not a credit card.

OP, you have two choices here.

1 - Forget about it and take it on the chin.

2 - send a letter before action and then small claims court.

walwyn1978

Good point well made - didn't spot that. Ignore my advice OP - 19lottie82 has your options spelled out.

Happy_bunny

send a letter before action and then small claims court.

How do I get postal details from eBay which I can post to - I Imagine simply emailing him through eBay message is not good enough?!

theonlywayisup

Happy_bunny wrote: »

How do I get postal details from eBay which I can post to - I Imagine simply emailing him through eBay message is not good enough?!

In theory you cannot. You could try to open a returns case and hope that ebay systems fail and give you his address......they shouldn't, but ebay isn't an exact science.

Other than that you will have to find name/address of seller with some research on what you purchased/he had for sale.

worried_jim

Have you got a link to the original listing?

Happy_bunny

theonlywayisup wrote: »

In theory you cannot. You could try to open a returns case and hope that ebay systems fail and give you his address......they shouldn't, but ebay isn't an exact science.

Other than that you will have to find name/address of seller with some research on what you purchased/he had for sale.

So I CAN'T open a claim in the small claims as I'd need his details?!

Seems he can walk away without issue? :mad:

Happy_bunny

worried_jim wrote: »

Have you got a link to the original listing?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-09-RENAULT-KANGOO-EXPRESSION-DCI-86-MPV-5-SEATER-1-5-TURBO-DIESEL-NEW-SHAPE/253721862963?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

sham63

Do you have the evidence regarding the condition?
If not, it is just his word against yours.
You would probably need an independent inspection report to win in court.

Unfortunately, I think you should probably just write the £300 off given that it was paid by bank transfer.