Since over 90% of eBayMotors’ bidders never bought a car over the Internet before, I feel obligated to post these general guidelines to make the on-line auto-shopping experience as safe as possible for you.   Regardless of who you buy from, I hope these tips will help you make a wise choice and assure a smooth transaction. 
 
1) Know your seller
 
* Check seller’s Feedback Rating – beware of “artificial” rating, gained thru buying cheap items.
* When in doubt, make e-mail or phone contact before bidding.
* Check seller’s previous auctions to review past transactions.  
* Check seller’s length of time with eBay – beware of “here-today, gone-tomorrow” sellers.
* It’s OK to ask questions.  Remember that no response or poor response means hopeless run-around later.
* Watch out for “No-Reserve” vehicles.  They might be worthless to the seller, since they’re not protecting their investment.  Don’t get stuck with someone else’s junk.
 
 
2) Know the car
 
* Check the CARFAX-History(or Autocheck) for accidents, mileage and number of owners.  Sellers should have that report available for viewing free of charge.
* Research the vehicle features, options and specs – never rely solely on what the ad says.  Often times, people are quick to buy a car that is “loaded with options” when in reality they’re getting the standard stuff, with little or no added features at all.  Don’t pay extra for "leather seats” for example, if it the car comes with leather standard at base price!
* Check reputable publications(Edmunds,KBB,NADA) for pricing info.  After-all, you go thru all this to save money, not overpay.
* Check if title is ready and leans are released – I constantly hear of people waiting months to get title after buying a car – bad.
* Check for any warranties or guarantees.  If none are offered – an inspection is a good idea (at least personally view the car before paying).
* Check if your seller knows the car.  There is a growing number of “ad-agencies” who list cars without driving or even seeing them.
* Is the car privately or dealer owned?  If dealer, double check step 1).
* Don’t hesitate to ask for specific pictures to be taken – you have the right to see what you’re bidding on.
 
 
3) Read description carefully
 
* Check if the car was inspected - if yes, see what was tested and criteria used.  Ad should contain imperfections found instead of bragging about otherwise obvious facts like “no dents”, “radio works” or “transmission shifts fine”.
* Look for hidden fees and questionable disclaimers in the ad – A funny one I often see on the bottom is: “description does not reflect actual vehicle condition" - what is the point of reading it then? 
* Don’t take hype-phrases literally.  For example:  “Always garaged”, “Never seen snow”, “100% original paint” - Such slogans can never be completely proven on a brand-new vehicle, let alone a used one.
* Beware of high deposit amounts.  They are non-refundable and if the car is junk, you lose that amount.
* Save and print description (with pictures, if possible) to compare with actual vehicle.  It is your only “weapon” in case of discrepancies. 
* Remember that mileage is relative – a properly maintained 100k vehicle is worth more than a neglected 30k vehicle of the same kind.  Also check for possible rollback on amazing low-mile cars.
 
 
4) Be prepared
 
* Do you have the money? It’s easy to get caught-up in bidding - Be financially prepared to back your bid.  Although most sellers don’t pursue dead-beat bidders, there are now legal firms specializing in suing for breach of e-contracts.
* If bidding over $15,000, eBay requires you to provide a credit-card number – don’t get caught last minute fumbling thru your wallet.
* The car won’t come to you.  Decide if you want it shipped or pick-it-up.  
   a. Ship when: 
       i. Car is relatively far away
      ii. Cost of flying, your time and fuel is greater than shipping
     iii. You know what to expect and have confidence in seller
   b. Pick-up when:
      i. Car is relatively close
     ii. You have lots of spare time for flying/driving
    iii. You are not sure what to expect and have low confidence in seller
* Know your state’s registration requirements and fees.  Some states require safety and/or smog inspections.  Be sure the car is ready – if not, have it tested before bidding.  Some states like CA will not even allow certain vehicles in – Check this before bidding.
* If you plan to drive the car home, please buy or transfer insurance – Safety first!
 
 
5) Delivery
 
* Regardless if you pick-up or ship, “taking delivery” takes place when you pay the money and sign your purchase order.  With a used-car you want to get any and all questions answered before taking delivery.  It may be difficult(or impossible) to obtain anything later. 
* Again, watch for “doc. fees” or “handling fees” added to the bid-price. It’s just a fast way for dealers to make $.  If shipping to Canada or Europe, please check for export requirements and duty fees.
* Feedback – It is eBay’s only and highly effective measuring tool for both buyers and sellers.  Feedback can greatly impact a seller’s reputation and everybody wants a lot of positives.  In case of car-sales, it is important to evaluate your entire buying experience before leaving feedback.  It is imperative that feedbacks be left for all completed transactions to give other potential buyers an idea of who they are dealing with.

Have a pleasant buying experience!

 
Copyright © 2002 J&J Marketing Solutions, Inc.   Bridgeview, IL  (708)-458-8344
 
 

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