Ebay purchasing....
Author
Discussion

Taff107

Original Poster:

568 posts

178 months

Monday 28th April 2014
quotequote all
Chaps, For the first time I am contemplating putting in a bid on a vehicle on Ebay however, I am pretty nervous about bidding on a vehicle I have never even seen. As I am unable to access Ebay and find out for myself, can anyone brief me as to what is acceptable to refuse purchase if it turns out to be a bit ropey, or quite frankly, offer any advice on the whole process??

Dr Interceptor

8,183 posts

225 months

Monday 28th April 2014
quotequote all
Taff107 said:
Chaps, For the first time I am contemplating putting in a bid on a vehicle on Ebay however, I am pretty nervous about bidding on a vehicle I have never even seen. As I am unable to access Ebay and find out for myself, can anyone brief me as to what is acceptable to refuse purchase if it turns out to be a bit ropey, or quite frankly, offer any advice on the whole process??
As described.

If it's not as described, then you can walk away. If the car is 100% as described, you are bound to buy it.

I.e. If it's described as good condition, and you turn up to find a sodding great rot hole in the side of it, you can walk away.

2pad

292 posts

180 months

Monday 28th April 2014
quotequote all
Don't buy a car on EBay, especially unsighted.

Dr Interceptor

8,183 posts

225 months

Monday 28th April 2014
quotequote all
2pad said:
Don't buy a car on EBay, especially unsighted.
Why? Plenty do it.

Providing the seller has made an accurate advert with good photos, and declared any faults, I don't see what the problem is.

Shaoxter

4,596 posts

153 months

Monday 28th April 2014
quotequote all
Get in touch with the seller as you would in any other sale.

Ask him to list all the faults and issues and if the car isn't as described then you can walk away (and advert will probably be relisted "due to timewaster" afterwards).

2pad

292 posts

180 months

Monday 28th April 2014
quotequote all
Dr Interceptor said:
Why? Plenty do it.

Providing the seller has made an accurate advert with good photos, and declared any faults, I don't see what the problem is.
Because if you are using eBay for the first time and nervous about the process, dependant on the value of the car you are likely exposing yourself financial risk if it doesn't work out.

twing

5,789 posts

160 months

Monday 28th April 2014
quotequote all
Looking forward to next week's "I bought a car on Ebay" thread

R_U_LOCAL

2,708 posts

237 months

Monday 28th April 2014
quotequote all
Dr Interceptor said:
2pad said:
Don't buy a car on EBay, especially unsighted.
Why? Plenty do it.
Plenty do do it and it amazes me every time!

I've sold five cars on ebay over the last few years and every one has been bought unseen.

One bloke even flew up from Luton to Manchester to buy a Clio unseen!

I always make a point of putting loads of photographs on the ad, and a comprehensive description, including all known faults and issues. I'm also happy to take phone calls and email questions and I'll always be completely honest.

If you turn up and find issues that haven't been disclosed in the ad, you're perfectly entitled to walk away, so there's not really much risk for buyers. If you're asked for a deposit, make sure you only pay it through PayPal as this can be recovered through ebay if there is a problem. Balance doesn't have to be by PayPal and most sellers prefer cash as it keeps the fees down.

I really see ebay as just another advertising medium for used cars. Just because you've won an auction doesn't mean you've actually bought the car. You've only bought it once you've handed over your hard-earned.

egor110

17,675 posts

232 months

Monday 28th April 2014
quotequote all
R_U_LOCAL said:
Dr Interceptor said:
2pad said:
Don't buy a car on EBay, especially unsighted.
Why? Plenty do it.
Plenty do do it and it amazes me every time!

I've sold five cars on ebay over the last few years and every one has been bought unseen.

One bloke even flew up from Luton to Manchester to buy a Clio unseen!

I always make a point of putting loads of photographs on the ad, and a comprehensive description, including all known faults and issues. I'm also happy to take phone calls and email questions and I'll always be completely honest.

If you turn up and find issues that haven't been disclosed in the ad, you're perfectly entitled to walk away, so there's not really much risk for buyers. If you're asked for a deposit, make sure you only pay it through PayPal as this can be recovered through ebay if there is a problem. Balance doesn't have to be by PayPal and most sellers prefer cash as it keeps the fees down.

I really see ebay as just another advertising medium for used cars. Just because you've won an auction doesn't mean you've actually bought the car. You've only bought it once you've handed over your hard-earned.
Yep , i bought a jeep grand cherokee unseen.

It was cheap enough for me to take a punt, i got the train from somerset to carlisle picked the jeep up at the station and drove home.

It wasn't immaculate however for the price i was happy enough, i think as a buyer you have to be realistic about what to expect for what you've spent. Oh and get a return train ticket so if it is really st you can just turn round and catch the next train home.

matt12023

485 posts

225 months

Monday 28th April 2014
quotequote all
I bought two vehicles unseen off ebay week before last. I draw an opinion from the advert, way it's written what it says etc. Then I'll give them a ring and ask any vehicle things I need clarifying and I find you can get the measure of the person selling. If it all seems good I'll bid.

I've bought quite a few of my vehicles off ebay and had no bothers yet