would you buy a car on ebay without viewing it?

Question

I'm after a specific car but the only ones I can find that are within my budget tend to be on ebay, and far away from where I live.
As such, viewing them would probably mean at least a 400 mile round trip, then the same again if I won.
Would you just take a chance if the photo's looked ok, description states cars is good, seller had lots of positive feedback, and the value was, say, £5000, and bid without viewing?

I wonder if some people are answering without really taking much thought to the question. If I were closer, then of course I would view the car. The ones I have seen are willing to allow any inspection including AA and RAC. Also with regard to "cut & shut", those that I have seen are willing to provide registration details for doing a HPI check.
Please think carefully before answering and don't just "shoot me down" for asking what some people think may be a daft question, but I think is quite reasonable.

Answer 1

The key to buying or selling a vehicle on E-Bay is communication! You want to ask questions, and see as many pictures as possible! You also want to check the sellers feedback!

I have sold many cars on E Bay. I take pride in feedback that says the the car was as good or better than described! There are others out there that will try to hide flaws!

If you have a friend or relative in the area, you can have them check out the vehicle. You might also check with the seller to see if they are willing to take the car to a shop that you choose (in their area, at your expense) to be checked over before you bid! Some sellers will be williing to do so.

If you are worried, and the car you want is hard to find, it may be a good idea to make the trip!

Answer 2

OK Ive done this many times, ask as many questions as you can and ask for close up photo's to be sent to you. Always get a HPI check if the seller wont give you the reg or Vin No. what are they trying to hide. Bid what you are prepared to pay no more, to many people view eBay as a sport and want to win no matter what. Print off the details/ photo's etc and take them with you if the car is not as described make a note of whats wrong and WALK AWAY don't be frightened of negative feedback as you can reply to this and it will appear in your profile also you can do the same back, hope this helps P.S don't forget to ask about the engine/gearbox/brakes/tyres and suspension its easy to valet a car and make it look like a million dollars when in reality its f*****

Answer 3

You would have to ask the seller a lot more questions, and ask for them to send you more photos of the car, the interior etc.. via email, read their terms and conditions to. Do they have a no returns policy, if they do, what is it? Is the car marked sold as seen, read the advertisement carefully. Ask seller lots of questions, the cars history, rust, are the tyres at the recommended legal requirements.
If you win the auction does the seller want cash or paypal. If cash ask the seller if you can view it properly before you hand over the cash. And if its not as advertised you don't have to pay. Same thing with paypal.

I personally would not buy the car until I have viewed it. but I can understand your problem, 400 miles is a long wy to travel.
but at the end of the day, the risk is yours. Good luck.

Don't the AA do checks on cars for people? Not sure if they do it in situations like this though, worth a try though ay? The worse they can say is NO.

Answer 4

If you can't afford to lose, don't play the game.
I have bought cars off e-bay sight unseen, I was not disappointed.
But I was looking for old cars to restore and finding one in my price range is hard.
But also I know that traveling 400 miles to either get a car (or look at it) costs money. Maybe you should consider adding that amount of money to what you are willing to pay and buy closer to home.

Answer 5

NO way.

If i buy a car online, i will see it in person. if its too far away, then i would look for something that is closer. If i cant find anything closer, then i would travel to see the car. I dont want to pay a lot for a for something that I thought i would get, but it turns out they shipped me a pile of junk. Its easier to mislead or lie to a person online than face to face with the object next to you.

Answer 6

The ONLY way I would buy a car on eBay from a long distance seller is for several things to happen first.

1 - Several conversations with the buyer.
2 - Lots more pictures.
3 - Fully refundable deposit guaranteed.
4 - The right to refuse. If I win the auction I have the right to accept or reject the car based on my physical inspection of the car.

Answer 7

YES!!!! I would and I have. I have gotten 1 pickup and 1 work van for bidding on Ebay just watch and do not send a lot of money with out going to see. Most sellers are selling a used
item and are giving all the details the best they can. look at the
pics. and make sure if it is not as was told you walk away
but if it is you will own it

Answer 8

you can get a mechanic to check it out if hte seller allows. if they want the money before they ship the car, thats a big warnign sign. there are scams to steal mony using money holding services other than excrow. i've boght 2 cars in the past few years, and i wouldnt buy a car from a private selller without first checking it out. 5000 pounds is quite a bit of money, so i would go look at it. (maybe think of it as a vacation?)

Answer 9

If it was a bargain, the person had lots of good feedback & lots of info & pics of the car then I may consider it.
If you did see the car first, would you even know what to look for?
If it isn't what you want, then you can always sell it back on ebay!

Oh, and pay with a cheque not through paypal !

Answer 10

I have to admit I would be very wary of any transaction like this but I am quite cautious. If I really wanted the car then I would inspect it.