dodgy ebay car?

[TheGrandBore]

My youngest brother has won a car on eBay, I wont link it for privacy but its way too cheap (£2500 when they are going for £4500+).

Last night he wanted a lift so after work we took one of my first drives in months to see the car.

It wasn't described as mint but there are a lot of worrying signs for me, it wouldn't start, stalled twice on a short test drive and this was explained that it has been sat during the lockdown. The biggest problem for me is that the logbook is in someone else's name.

I spent the hour home telling him that its a mistake, but he genuinely thinks he has found a bargain and already left a £500 Paypal deposit.

For the sake of sanity, I don't think I am being overcautious but if he reads it on here he may see sense.

[maz8062]

Has he carried out an HPI check on the car? If that is fine, the eBay account is legit and has OK feedback and the logbook is present and valid, I can't see what the issue is. The mechanical condition is a different issue.

[Jamescrs]

Has he queried why the logbook is in someone elses name? It sounds to me like the seller may be a drive way trader masquerading as a private seller to avoid obligations.

Sounds like he should have a proper inspection done before parting with anymore money although the seller may say you bid to buy it and tell your brother to sod off losing his deposit or pay the money.

[TheGrandBore]

My opinion is that he shouldn't have bid without looking. Unless you know what you are doing, eBay isn't the best place to buy a car,

But now, he should write it off and not waste more money.