Buy a car on eBay?

[GreatLakesGramma]

Would you?

My son has made 2 trips out of state to pick up cars for someone who bought them on eBay. The first one was in one state, but it had had a lien on it in another state, and the seller did not have a lien release. He had to delay his return to wait for them to get the papers cleared so he could get temporary plates and return to Michigan with the car. Once here, the buyer was unable to get plates on it because there was no clear title. It was months before the young man was finally able to drive his car.

This past weekend, son flew out again to pick up a car for a friend. His business is busier now than it was the first time, but this vehicle was located near his out of state siblings, so he took the opportunity to spend some time with them at no cost to himself. Unfortunately, the car broke down only a few miles from the dealership his friend had bought it from. By that time, the dealership had closed, and he had a terrible time finding some place he could have the car towed to for repair, being after hours on Friday. He finally found a shop that would take it, and his brother went & picked him up & took him to his home.

The car is not fixed, and son told his friend he would have to pay for his return trip, as he must get back to take care of his own business. So his friend drove all day yesterday to go pick him up, then they drove all night to get back to friend's house. Today his friend is driving several hours to get him to the airport to pick up his car, and then he'll have 2 or 3 hours to drive home from there.

He did enjoy his visit with his siblings, and our youngest granddaughter cried when he said good-bye. But if I were him, I don't think I'd pick up any more cars someone bought on eBay. And for sure, I would never, ever buy a car I could not examine and test drive beforehand, on eBay or anywhere else.

[phkrause]

Would you?

My son has made 2 trips out of state to pick up cars for someone who bought them on eBay. The first one was in one state, but it had had a lien on it in another state, and the seller did not have a lien release. He had to delay his return to wait for them to get the papers cleared so he could get temporary plates and return to Michigan with the car. Once here, the buyer was unable to get plates on it because there was no clear title. It was months before the young man was finally able to drive his car.

This past weekend, son flew out again to pick up a car for a friend. His business is busier now than it was the first time, but this vehicle was located near his out of state siblings, so he took the opportunity to spend some time with them at no cost to himself. Unfortunately, the car broke down only a few miles from the dealership his friend had bought it from. By that time, the dealership had closed, and he had a terrible time finding some place he could have the car towed to for repair, being after hours on Friday. He finally found a shop that would take it, and his brother went & picked him up & took him to his home.

The car is not fixed, and son told his friend he would have to pay for his return trip, as he must get back to take care of his own business. So his friend drove all day yesterday to go pick him up, then they drove all night to get back to friend's house. Today his friend is driving several hours to get him to the airport to pick up his car, and then he'll have 2 or 3 hours to drive home from there.

He did enjoy his visit with his siblings, and our youngest granddaughter cried when he said good-bye. But if I were him, I don't think I'd pick up any more cars someone bought on eBay. And for sure, I would never, ever buy a car I could not examine and test drive beforehand, on eBay or anywhere else.

Not sure if I would, but I have a friend that did this and had no problem.

[Dottie]

Not me, for all the reasons you listed, and others.

[Bravus]

I would, but only if it was local and I could (at a minimum) inspect and drive it and (ideally) get a mechanic to check it over. A bargain that doesn't function or costs the same as you paid for it in repairs is not a bargain. In Australia (fewer states makes it easier) there's also a service where you can get a report on a vehicle - it costs $14-20 - that shows whether there are any finance commitments and whether it's been crashed in the past and so on.

Like anything, caveat emptor.

[olger]

I have purchased:

Caterpillar D3B bulldozer (eBay)

Mitsubishi Montero (eBay)

Diesel Suburban (eBay)

1977 Datsun 280 Z (eBay)

Ford F-350 crew cab pickup truck (eBay)

2004 Volkswagen Jetta (TDI) (Craigslist)

All good experiences. Did my homework first and got some good deals.

gcw

[Guest]

Now that's the way to shop!

I need that 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, how much you want for it?

I used to have a 1972 Datsun 240 Z. It had 3 Weber carbourators on it, and 3 little chrome air filters. It would fly.

This isn't it:

But this isn't either:

[olger]

The VW is like a family member

Nice Z !!

g

[Guest]

I see.

[olger]

AND...50 mpg. wooohoo

[olger]

[olger]

Oooops

[LifeHiscost]

And where would you be going that is important enough to go 25 miles/hour over the speed limit?

[Guest]

To the gas station maybe? Or to get a loaf of bread? How important does it need to be?

[Guest]

50 MPG?

[GreatLakesGramma]

Olger, did you buy vehicles that were close enough so you could check them first? That's the problem with the ones my son picked up, they were too far away for the buyer to see them first.

He isn't home yet, he stopped at a friend's house on the way back from the airport, and is removing viruses from his computer. The car is still in Virginia, being repaired by the dealer. Son's friend is going to have to have it shipped to him when it's done.

[Dottie]

I have a friend who took a photo of the speedometer while doing 110 in her boss's Escalade. She showed it to him, and yes, she still works for him.

She likes a little excitement in her life.

[olger]

I bought them with a right-of-refusal. Lots of pictures. Never saw them until I flew into town. Always talk to the seller on the phone - you can judge a lot by personal conversation.

Do your homework - ask questions.

[olger]

To the gas station maybe? Or to get a loaf of bread? How important does it need to be?

Twas driving through New Messico. Everbody there drives 90-100. Even little old ladies in Chrysler minivans and farmers in rusty pickups.

:)