Selling a cheap car via Ebay

[VEX]

So, I am selling our old family workhourse car - 2010 Renault Grand Scenic.

Set it all up on EBay, fully and honest details and 12 photos on a 5 day auction but instantly got multiple 'how much for it now mate' and whilst I want it gone i dont want to get stung.

One guy has offered an acceptable and realistic figure and offering PayPal or Bank Transfer.

Could this be genuine and how do I protect myself from a con.

V.

[anonymous-user]

First of all, having recently sold a car on eBay you have my sympathy with the sort of people you are no doubt having to deal with. Secondly, do not accept paypal as I believe if the seller complains to eBay about anything to do with the car afterwards there is a good chance they will get their money refunded.

Oh, and as you have the car listed as an auction there is a high chance the winning bidder will simply not even contact you, or make all the right noises and pull out at the last minute due to "unforeseen circumstances" In my experience the only way to sell a car is via a classified advert that stays live until the buyer is driving away and you have the money in your hand.

Selling via auction or buy it now just encourages timewasters to get 30 seconds of excitement and then back out with no loss or investment on their part as it is all anonymous.

And finally Kudos for the picture of the tyres, four different brands including a Chinese one with a comedy "SPORTLIFE" name and even a snow tyre. You have literally got the full house of shed tyres! As a serial eBay shed buyer I salute you!

[cedrichn]

If he is honest, you can tell him to come to see the car and transfer the money by bank transfer in front of the car (or cash ?). Then, you cancel the auction. Nothing to worry in that case.

Obviously, if he ask you to cancel the auction before, or refuse to show up in person, then that might be a bad sign...

Edited by cedrichn on Friday 28th February 12:06

Edited by cedrichn on Friday 28th February 12:07

[croissant]

Good luck trying to communicate with them. I noticed recently when selling a car on ebay that ebay blocked me being able to send my phone number or email address, and all communication had to go through their messaging system. Any hint of doing a deal outside of the auction and you'll be charged.

I'd just leave it listed and tell anyone that makes an offer that you'll be letting the auction run and and encourage them to place a bid.

It's never let me down and I've always got what I wanted by listing at 99p with no reserve

[VEX]

Joey Deacon said:

First of all, having recently sold a car on eBay you have my sympathy with the sort of people you are no doubt having to deal with. Secondly, do not accept paypal as I believe if the seller complains to eBay about anything to do with the car afterwards there is a good chance they will get their money refunded.

Oh, and as you have the car listed as an auction there is a high chance the winning bidder will simply not even contact you, or make all the right noises and pull out at the last minute due to "unforeseen circumstances" In my experience the only way to sell a car is via a classified advert that stays live until the buyer is driving away and you have the money in your hand.

Selling via auction or buy it now just encourages timewasters to get 30 seconds of excitement and then back out with no loss or investment on their part as it is all anonymous.

And finally Kudos for the picture of the tyres, four different brands including a Chinese one with a comedy "SPORTLIFE" name and even a snow tyre. You have literally got the full house of shed tyres! As a serial eBay shed buyer I salute you!

Ive sold one before (the one before this) and actually got a good result.

Tyres are all good tread, two winter/snow's on the front and standard on the rear, but I accept they are all different and cheap!

As it is only 5 days, I think I just leave it to run and take it from there,

[Sargeant Orange]

Having sold one last week via Ebay (a 15 year old car for £2k), here's what I did:

Classified for £19.99
Factual description of the car, so no opinions offered whatsoever on condition or performance
As many photos as you can upload
Didn't respond to anyone who wasn't prepared to view the car first
Cash or bank transfer only

Advertised on Thursday and sold Sunday morning. Out of 20+ messages about it I only replied to the two who wanted to come and view it first.

[Jamescrs]

Sold a few cheap cars via eBay and never had an issue with it to be honest, back in my younger days I even took payment via paypal but now being older and wiser I would say never do that, it turned out fine for me but I would never do it again.
I also sold a car to a guy who paid via bank transfer sight unseen and sent a recovery driver to collect it, another big no no generally speaking but I did speak to him on the phone and I was happy he was genuine and I ensured cleared funds before releasing the car, again it was fine.

Both cars were under £1500 in value

[VEX]

Thanks James.