Is it wise to buy a car on ebay without seeing it first

anewman

aztec21 wrote: »

I wouldn't worry about it. Most listings have lots of photos so you know exactly what you are getting. Also if you turn up to collect the car you do not have to pay it if it turns out it was not as described.

You bid to buy, not to look. That's how ebay works. You can't go into a house auction and bid on something you haven't viewed then back out if you don't like it. Always best to look before bidding - unless bidding is at such a price you don't mind if it's knackered or if you only want it for parts.

anewman

hartcjhart wrote: »

Check the sellers feedback for Items SOLD not purchased

And it is always handy if some of those items are large value items, or cars.

aztec21

anewman wrote: »

You bid to buy, not to look. That's how ebay works. You can't go into a house auction and bid on something you haven't viewed then back out if you don't like it. Always best to look before bidding - unless bidding is at such a price you don't mind if it's knackered or if you only want it for parts.

I bid to buy but if I turned up to collect a vehicle and it had lots of faults that weren't mentioned I just wouldn't pay.

Keith

aztec21 wrote: »

I bid to buy but if I turned up to collect a vehicle and it had lots of faults that weren't mentioned I just wouldn't pay.

Me too, I've bidded on 2 cars which were not as described - **both perfect**, one had a massive ding in the rear quarter and the 2nd was covered inside with a weird white substance what the hell it was I've no idea!

I told both buyers that I'd not be proceeding with the sale and drove home, shame one cost me a tank of fuel (£50) to find out it was a shitter.

I've also bought a motorbike blindly which was as described along with a few cars.

dj0586

Thanks guys. great advice.

Another question if i may. I have had my eye on a car, which has no bids on it at 1300, i went to have al look at it today and offered 1300 cash to which he said no, im looking more at 2k. If the auction ends and i win it at say 1450, does he have to sell at that price. There is no reserve on the auction.

TIA

aztec21

dj0586 wrote: »

Thanks guys. great advice.

Another question if i may. I have had my eye on a car, which has no bids on it at 1300, i went to have al look at it today and offered 1300 cash to which he said no, im looking more at 2k. If the auction ends and i win it at say 1450, does he have to sell at that price. There is no reserve on the auction.

TIA

In theory he has to sell it at the price the auction closes at (if the reserve has been met) but if you have previously made a higher offer he may try to squeeze the extra cash out of you.

spaceman5

i brought a car from ebay unseen, nearly 3 years ago now, a p reg vectra, unseen, did ask seller a lot of questions, and also had a look at feedback, he had 100% at the time, and what swung it for me, he was based in lake district, i am in somerset, and he delivered it to me, luckily it was the best car i have ever brought, always starts first time(touch wood), only had the usual to do to it, i,e exhaust, brakes etc, we still drive it now, still going strong, even went through it`s mot the other week, cost me £5 for a light bulb, that was it, so we got no complaints, maybe we got lucky, i dont know, i dont know if we would do it again, but there are certainly some good sellers on there, like other people say though, check feedback, ask seller lots of questions, and if possible go and look at the car before you bid, HTH Dave.

saintjanet

I would never consider buying any vehicle i had not seen,i once did off a good friend who lived miles away,it turned out to be a load of cr-p.I asked questions the seller gave answers,had no idea and thought the car was great!!

jeannieblue

Can't see the difference whatever way you buy a car, as long as you check it out.

Like previously said, if you don;t like it for whatever reason when you see it, don't pay the money, simple.

I've known people buy on ebay and its been ok. I've also known, and we still have the 'said' vehicle with us, that have bought it because it was cheap, and it has turned into a nightmare from hell. But it could've been bought anywhere.

Its common sense, get it checked over before you hand the money over, and fingers crossed there aren't any hidden problems. Like a faulty ECU or worse.

jonathon

i have brought 3 cars off ebay sight unseen if i wasnt happy with the car when i went to collect them i would just walk away.
the last one i knew was a cat d and it has been a great car