Paying for an ebay car

sevenhills

I have just bought a car on eBay, finally; just wondering about the best way to pay.
People complain about the costs associated with Paypal, is it worth it, as maybe you get extra protection?
I haven't done any checks around Car Finance, I am happy to pay first, then ask questions later.
I haven't seen the car, so I have taken a risk, the seller has 100% feedback

Smellyonion

It is certainly a risk and it seems as though you are aware of the risks. One should never buy an unseen vehicle unless new or near new, especially from a private seller. Paypal may offer some protection if there was some evidential lying in the description but outside of that - nothing.

a.turner

Seller is unlikely to take a PayPal payment. Cash or bank transfer is the way forward.

alan_d

Do you plan to go and collect the car, or arrange shipping?
If collect, i'd suggest you go, inspect it to confirm it matches the description, and then pay by BT or cash, and complete the paperwork as normal. I've done this a few times, no issues. Note it's considered rude to then try to knock down the price, unless there is an obvious defect that you were not previously aware of.
If the car does not match the description walk away and open an eBay dispute to cancel the purchase.

If arranging shipping, then whatever payment the seller will accept, but obviously no opportunity to view before parting with your money.

Generally i'd not expect / accept PayPal for a high value item like a car, because of the high fees.

sevenhills

I hope to collect it, its around 80 miles away. I guess I can phone my bank and pay that way, I don't normally use telephone banking, so I will need to phone them first.

foxy-stoat

sevenhills wrote: »

I have just bought a car on eBay, finally; just wondering about the best way to pay.
People complain about the costs associated with Paypal, is it worth it, as maybe you get extra protection?
I haven't done any checks around Car Finance, I am happy to pay first, then ask questions later.
I haven't seen the car, so I have taken a risk, the seller has 100% feedback

Nothing wrong with buying a car on ebay.
Do not pay for it via Paypal - no protection at all. Pay via online transfer by banking app or web, or take cash.
Do checks on the car BEFORE handing over money - HPI check.
Do view and test drive the car BEFORE handing over money as you would buying via Autotrader, Gumtree, Bloke down the pub etc.

alan_d

Yep, you should be able to arrange BT over phone, or from app/website if you have smartphone/online banking.

eDicky

Needless to say, don't accept their offer to deliver the car to you, as soon as you have sent the money to an account in Poland...

prowla

I've bought a couple of cars on ebay I've gone, checked over the car, had a test drive, paid cash.


I bought one over a hundred miles away and I drove there to check it out, made the deal and drove home, and then went back to collect it, using blahblahcar to get a lift there & share the petrol (I could've used public transport otherwise).



(Just like if it were in Auto Trader or other ads).

sevenhills

prowla wrote: »

I've bought a couple of cars on ebay I've gone, checked over the car, had a test drive, paid cash.

I have spoken to her, she wants cash; she is 72 I think she said, car tax is registered for disabled.
She sounded genuine, but maybe I can do some checks?

How much do banks allow you, I am with Nationwide, but no branch in my town.

tacpot12

If you want to do it via an ATM or in a branch without notice, the daily limit is generally £500. With notice the daily limit is £10,000.

See https://www.nationwide.co.uk/support/support-articles/manage-your-account/atm-and-branch-withdrawal-limits

I would think carefully about taking more than £500 in cash. You could be mugged for the money. I would get a friend or relative to drive me and leave the money somewhere in the car until you know the deal is going ahead and you are not forced to hand over the money.