is it safe to buy from ebay?

Question

seen a nice car, but is it safe, how do u pay?

Answer 1

Car? The shipping will be expensive.

If you buy from users that have lots of feedback, it can be good for you. But let's say that you buy a car. Did this eBay user sell cars before? Do they sell other cars? Can you CALL them? You have to be careful when it comes to Large Sums of money.

Actually, they might not SELL to you, unless you have lots of feedback. BUY some cheap stuff, so you can get some feedback. For the cheap stuff, get PAYPAL. For this CAR, consider the payment options like your Credit Card or Cashier's check or even Western Union. I would not use PayPal for a high priced item... THEY ARE NOT A BANK and do not provide real protection. I know people that PayPal DID NOT HELP, when the seller stiffed them.

Good luck

Answer 2

It is safe to buy of eBay, they have a dispute site already set up if you buy something that has been misrepresented, but best advice about buying anything from anywhere is go and look at the thing first, pictures can be deceiving and not show how good/bad the car really looks also if you go and look first, then go home and think about it then it gives you chance to consider how much you are willing to pay for the car, then set yourself a price and don't bid above it, there are plenty of cars about so don't think that this 1 is the only 1 you can buy, when paying it's best to pay cash on collection because you actually receive what you are buying as you pay, and when you go and pick up the car and if it's not as described then you can walk away, and the worst thing the seller can do is leave negative feedback, but if you pay by paypal or cheque then the car is yours and you'll have to take the person to task about the car and may have to accept it as it is.

Answer 3

Lets talk stats here: i've completed nearly 100 ebay transactions and only once have I had to chase an item that did not arrive. Even then it did arrive eventually. I would strongly advise paying by paypal for smaller items as they will insure you if what you buy doesnt arrive.
As for buying cars: A friend bought a Mazda off ebay and its fantastic! He met the bloke halfway, had a test drive, looked over the car and the service history and then paid cash.
One tip - make sure you know everything about then item you want to know - how old is it - what condition is it in - does it ever stop working? etc etc. theres an option to let you email the seller so you can find out these things before you decide whether you want to meet and have a test drive.

Answer 4

Yes it's safe. But I would suggest buying from someone who has had a history of buying and selling on Ebay and has received enough feedback. You want to stick with people who have had a lot of positive feedback.

Since you're looking at a car, ask the seller a lot questions. How willing are they to answer your questions, how quickly do they respond, etc. And get feedback from your friends and family about the car, also.

Paypal is the best way to pay.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Yes it is safe. if you follw these rules.
1. VIEW THE CAR FIRST before bidding, and make sure it is as described. If you dont know much about cars take somone who does with you.
2. Pay Cash on collection and get a recipt. DO NOT USE PAYPAL FOR CARS or goods that have to be collected as you are not covered by their rules. Just use paypal for items that have to be posted.
3. Make sure the car has all the documents MOT V5 etc (Never buy a car without a V5)

Have fun

Answer 6

On the whole it is safe. You have to make sure you follow simple rules as you would with purchasing anything. Don't pass the goods on (if selling) till you recieve monies. If buying you have to take a small chance as you have to pay before you recieve the goods. If you use Paypal (free to setup an account) then it is as safe as it gets. You transfer the funds to the sellers account when they have received the monies they send you the goods. Paypal acts as a buffer and can help to resolve any disputes. I have both brought and sold through ebay (including a car) and to date have had no problems.
All I can say is just be sensible. Good Luck

Answer 7

I've never had any problems buying from ebay. But you need to research the sellers. I make it a rule not to buy from a seller unless they've been active for at least 1 year and have at least a 97% approval rating. And I read the negative comments to see if they are legitimate or just buyer gripes that aren't valid.

However, I would not buy a car off ebay unless I could see it and test drive it first. I would also want it examined by a mechanic.

Answer 8

I use it all the time, it is safe, but you will come across bogus sellers so be aware of the possible consequences if you send money.

If you are looking at a car I would suggest that you have a chance to see t before handing over the cash. At least that way if they are a fake seller you wont lose out on any money. Never pay any large amounts of cash to anyone unless you can be 100% certain they are genuine.

Answer 9

I purchased a car from ebay I thought the seller feedback was awesome and we did it threw paypal but I found out a week later when the car was suppose 2 be delievered that it was all a fake I called ebay and they said he must had made everything up there were even ebay email address involved and they said that they couldnt do anything for me. On the other hand my bf bought a car but he went a picked it up and everything was great. Just be careful cuz I lost 5,000 dollars from ebay

Answer 10

Yes, always pay cash on collection, then if the car is not as advertised you have the right to walk away or ask them to cut the price. My partner has brought a few cars for himself and friends on eBay. I have also sold a few. At the moment I have a few to go on 1 being a FTO, also a Rover 45 Club and a Toyota.
We pay cash on collection, I have paid once through pay pal. I have once paid by bankers draft and we (the buyer & myself) took it to the bank to check the the bankers cheque was not a fake.
If you pay by personal cheque then you will not be able to take the car until the cheque has been cashed.