Ebay
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia
I bought a mini pickup from England and it arrived better than expected except it needed a new battery.
Also bought a jet boat and it was perfect it had only 25 hours on it.
Looking to buy another vette but can't decide on what year, any suggestions, I have an 84 that will soon have a 383 with superram.
I was thinking about a 58 vette, or a ZR-1, will probably go with the ZR-1.
Also bought a jet boat and it was perfect it had only 25 hours on it.
Looking to buy another vette but can't decide on what year, any suggestions, I have an 84 that will soon have a 383 with superram.
I was thinking about a 58 vette, or a ZR-1, will probably go with the ZR-1.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Wentzville MO
I was high bidder on my 68000 miles black/black 92 6 speed but never got to the reserve. The car was 150 miles away and I contacted the owner who met me half way in a small town. He was a state trooper retired after a high speed chase crash made it impossible for him to get in and out of a Corvette. It had been under a car cover for three years and driven little in that time. I drove it, bickered over the price, split the difference and drove it home. I gave $10K for it two years ago and drive it to and from work nearly every day. The seats had covers since new so they are perfect. The top had never been off and being an older guy he said he never spun the tires. I got 30 mpg on the first road trip and love this car. Normal stuff like brakes, tires, battery, alternator, That said, I'd drive it before buying. My version of "excellent condition" is much different than everyone elses.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Originally Posted by *89x2*
no, I would never buy a vehicle "sight unseen" 
I've owned over 100 cars. Worked for a dealer and I bought and sold cars on my own. Its easy to get burned even if you personally inspect the cars. The seller has has a long time to get to know the car.
Theres something wrong with all of them. Sometimes its a major repair sometimes its a maintenace issue.
In my opinion e-bay is a worst case sceniro. You can't inspect or drive the car. Both a mistake, you have to take the sellers word for it and he has an objective.
What amazes me is that there are some many who give away thier money so easily. But even more than that they got a good deal.
The last Corvette that I bought I drove it for 3 days before buying it.
Whenever I buy a car if if Im not sure of it I have it towed home so I can inspect throughly but I take it on the road.
If you're going to buy, have the car inspected by a third party. Its cheap insurnace and a good bargaining point.
Guys who are mechanics who buy a cheap car and put $1000. in parts and $2000.00 in labor tend to discount thier labor. $3000.00 is still $3000.
Buyer beware.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Originally Posted by jabez
Bought my 92 off of Ebay from a guy in Arizona (I live in Calif). Had 54,000k miles for 8500.00
As soon as the driver dropped it off I took it to get smogged and registered at DMV. On way home stopped at a Wheel Works got new brakes and tires. About a year later the Opti went out so I had that and Water pump replaced.
Car has performed better than I thought it would and I'm very happy with it. When I bought my C6 I was going to trade it in but it drives so well i couldn't do it.
As soon as the driver dropped it off I took it to get smogged and registered at DMV. On way home stopped at a Wheel Works got new brakes and tires. About a year later the Opti went out so I had that and Water pump replaced.
Car has performed better than I thought it would and I'm very happy with it. When I bought my C6 I was going to trade it in but it drives so well i couldn't do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Bought mine on eBay from a Toyota dealer 
in NJ for $7200.All I saw were the pics he posted.Had it shipped to Ohio and it was a little rougher than the pics showed(they always are).I needed a lot of little things fixed but I redid the fuel system,ignition system(including opti) tires.Mine had 154k on it and now it runs like new.If you don't wrench(like Corvette Kid said) it is a crap shoot.If it is in N.E. Ohio I will go look at it for you( I have done it before for another member and that 54K car was junk) 
in NJ for $7200.All I saw were the pics he posted.Had it shipped to Ohio and it was a little rougher than the pics showed(they always are).I needed a lot of little things fixed but I redid the fuel system,ignition system(including opti) tires.Mine had 154k on it and now it runs like new.If you don't wrench(like Corvette Kid said) it is a crap shoot.If it is in N.E. Ohio I will go look at it for you( I have done it before for another member and that 54K car was junk)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach Florida
Originally Posted by itsabigblock
Anybody buy a car on ebay sight unseen/ what was your experiance? Would you do it again? 
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Originally Posted by redwing76
I've owned over 100 cars. Worked for a dealer and I bought and sold cars on my own. Its easy to get burned even if you personally inspect the cars. The seller has has a long time to get to know the car.
Theres something wrong with all of them. Sometimes its a major repair sometimes its a maintenace issue.
In my opinion e-bay is a worst case sceniro. You can't inspect or drive the car. Both a mistake, you have to take the sellers word for it and he has an objective.
What amazes me is that there are some many who give away thier money so easily. But even more than that they got a good deal.
The last Corvette that I bought I drove it for 3 days before buying it.
Whenever I buy a car if if Im not sure of it I have it towed home so I can inspect throughly but I take it on the road.
If you're going to buy, have the car inspected by a third party. Its cheap insurnace and a good bargaining point.
Guys who are mechanics who buy a cheap car and put $1000. in parts and $2000.00 in labor tend to discount thier labor. $3000.00 is still $3000.
Buyer beware.
I would never buy a car sight/driving unseen or undone. I fully understand that there are a few (or many) who can get great deals buying their cars over ebay. I also fully understand that I would NOT be one of them. Mine would be the ultimate, dog-of-dogs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Originally Posted by itsabigblock
Anybody buy a car on ebay sight unseen/ what was your experiance? Would you do it again?
96 Convrt, auto, triple blk, one owner, 22,356k miles, $10,000.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Lovettsville VA
got my 95 vert off ebay. the guy ended up living 10mi from my house and let me go see it before bidding. if you're buying sitght unseen, just make sure you or someone you know, knows what they are talking about with these cars. i don't need to tell you they are different from your normal car. educate yourself on what the problem areas are with the C4's and what breaks down when. if the person (car) you're bidding on doesn't answer to your liking, skip it and wait for the next C4 to go up for auction. the great thing about ebay is there will always be another to bid on.
good luck
good luck
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 9
From: Minneapolis MN
I bought my Cadillac off eBay. My experience was positive. I exchanged numorous emails with the seller and he agreed that once I got out there if I didn't like it I could back out of the deal. I was looking to buy an Alfa Romeo from a dealer in St. Louis, but the dealer was not responsive to my emails so I never bid. There are deals out there, but you have to know what you're doing. I see way too many people paying way too much for cars and other things on eBay, they get caught in the excitement of bidding. Know your maximum ahead of time and don't go over it. And don't buy from anyone with less than 99% positive feedback.
When it comes to Vettes, I never seriously considered eBay because there are too many Vettes available locally to have to resort to eBay.
When it comes to Vettes, I never seriously considered eBay because there are too many Vettes available locally to have to resort to eBay.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 658
Likes: 12
From: Clearwater Fl
Originally Posted by itsabigblock
sorry to hear of your lost did you buy another with the in money?
YEP !!!!! But this one was from a forum member in Georgia.
I felt much safer about this purchase,,,,,,,,, although,,, like I said,,, the EBAY CAR WAS better THEN DESCRIBED !!!!!
Its a crapshhot though,,, ya just never know !!!!!
I didnt send money either though,,,, all I really would have been out was a plane ticket if it was a POS.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 62
From: Columbia SC
I bought my 96 vert on ebay about a month ago. The experience was outstanding. I only had the pictures to go by, but the seller was very cooperative and took all of my 20 phone calls and e-mails to answere all my questions. Communications is the key to buying sight unseen.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
That's blind faith, I don't have it.
Several years ago, while looking for a Vette on Ebay I found a Vette that was priced right, looked great and was just three miles from me.
I jumped in the car, took a blank check with me and was very excited.
Got there and was so totally disappointed. Without getting into details, it was a POS.
Check out the Vette first (with a checklist). If you still love it, buy it.
Good luck.
Several years ago, while looking for a Vette on Ebay I found a Vette that was priced right, looked great and was just three miles from me.
I jumped in the car, took a blank check with me and was very excited.
Got there and was so totally disappointed. Without getting into details, it was a POS.
Check out the Vette first (with a checklist). If you still love it, buy it.
Good luck.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: The Colony Texas
I bought my 84 Vette on Corvette Trader and hadn't seen it in person. Although I got a very low price on it ($2,500) I still have put another 4k into it and haven't rebuilt the engine or redone the paint.
I recommend that if you do buy a car online, either get a local person to look at it, or hire someone to do it. You'll save a bunch in the long run. I only seriously consider cars that are local now and preferably those that are listed through reputable dealerships.
I recommend that if you do buy a car online, either get a local person to look at it, or hire someone to do it. You'll save a bunch in the long run. I only seriously consider cars that are local now and preferably those that are listed through reputable dealerships.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 150
Likes: 1
From: denver colorado
Originally Posted by itsabigblock
Anybody buy a car on ebay sight unseen/ what was your experiance? Would you do it again?
Bought my 96 A4 sight unseen - car only had 12k miles and the listing had 26 photos attached. Still had an anxiety attack, but the car was righteous.
