Everone says they are scared to buy an auto on Ebay. Here is my simple plan.

Know what you are looking for in an auto. I always check Consumer Reports reliability ratings. I pay the $20 / year to access the web site. (Hint: Go to your local library, they probably have back issues of the magazines you can browse for free.)

Know how much it is worth. Try KBB, Edmunds, and Nada online. Write down all the blue book values for several year models that fit within your budget. Keep this handy when you bid.

Search for a model and sort by distance. I searched only within 100 miles of my zip code.

Look at the feedback of course. I would look for someone with 25+ and 100% feedback. You may want to read a few of their recent feedbacks, especially if they are a frequent auto dealer.

Get a history report. Carfax or something similar. Carfax is $20. You can do this after you win the auction. If the report is bad, back out. You don't have to complete the sale if they are selling a problem vehicle.

Go to you bank and get a check. I went to the bank to get my auto loan which was preapproved. I gave them the vehicle info and they gave me a check.

If possible, find a mechanic to inspect the vehicle. My vehicle was about an hour away. I took a relative who is a mechanic to the seller location. We took a test drive and everything was OK. I gave them the check and took it home. They mailed the title a couple of weeks later. If you need a mechanic, you may want to call a couple of shops near the seller location. See if they could do a little inspection or test drive for you on the cheap.