Ebay - car buyer protection advice?

[Fourx4Brad]

I'm strongly considering the Buy it Now option on Ebay for a classic car located in Michigan. The seller has been an Ebay member since 2002 and has a 100% feedback rating. The ad has 24 pictures to show all sides, engine, trunk, interior, and some underneath the car. I called the seller on Monday to ask some questions.

Even still I'm nervous at the thought of handing over $13000 to someone living 1000+ miles away for a car sight unseen. For those of you with more experience buying larger items off Ebay what is your preferred method to protect your money. I know not to wire transfer money.


To protect me (the buyer) should I use Paypal, bank transfer, etc?


When should the title paper work be handled?

[bjtheman1]

Paypal is not bad, just read their policy as well as eBays but in general buyers are better protected than sellers.

[Baron Von Crowder]

link?

[Roscoe]

Hey, I'm heading to Michigan in just a few hours!!

sorry, can't help you.

[Rreemo]

Paypal or even having your bank deal directly with his should be safe on a seller like that.

On another note - Michigan is the heart of the rust belt....most of the folks I've dealt with up that way have a very different opinion on the term "rust free" than what we see down here. If we're talking an older car (even one that has been stored winters) I'd be damned sure to look it over really well. Even if the body isn't rusted you'll usually see excessive corrosion on stuff like the rearend, motor mounts, brake parts, etc, etc. Just be sure that you have some really good pics of the under side, wheel wells and such.

[Ratt]

If you're about to drop $13,000 cash on a car on eBay, you can spend the money to fly up there, give it a once-over and meet with the guy to make sure he's for real to make sure he's not about to fuck you over on $13,000. Then you can arrange shipping while you're up there, as well.

[Fourx4Brad]

Opinions?

My car search?
I'm looking for a good driver to cruise and enjoy with some modern updates. I'm not interested in factory original. Vroom vroom bitches.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261532118355

I got the guys address. His cellphone and his wife's cellphone. On Google maps I can see the same background from the car pics. He said he has only had this car 6-7 months. Per his Ebay feedback (100% rating) he has sold many cars since 2002. I do expect it will need some work when it arrives but it looks like a real decent starting point for a driver.


Positives I see
VIN decode - car was manufactured in LA, California
door gaps look decent to me.
door and trunk weather stripping look decent.
hood has good felt on the underside
trunk interior surface looks good
multiple pictures of underneath look limited on rust.
The engine has an MSD box \ ignition coil, other performance goodies, etc.


Questionable
knee knocker gauge on drivers left side is a gas gauge.
Car paint over door striker and latches.


Additional cost \ repairs I'm already expecting
replace steering wheel
install seat belts
install stereo
fix \ replace fuel gauge and possible clock in dash
replace any cracked or missing interior trim pieces, wiring, and light covers.

[Baron Von Crowder]

They did a nice job of covering up the rust with fresh paint.

[Rick Modena]

If you're about to drop $13,000 cash on a car on eBay, you can spend the money to fly up there, give it a once-over and meet with the guy to make sure he's for real to make sure he's not about to fuck you over on $13,000. Then you can arrange shipping while you're up there, as well.

Exactly, if you can afford 13k on a toy, you should be able to fly up there and back.

[yellowstang]

Exactly, if you can afford 13k on a toy, you should be able to fly up there and back.

Well, it really depends where in Michigan. May spend more for an armed security escort!

[Fourx4Brad]

Thanks guys. My concerns are similar your your points above.

Rick, the money is not an issue. I can't take time off work till next month and don't know anyone living in the Michigan area .

I have asked if the seller would agree if I put down a deposit today then he takes it to an auto shop of my choosing for a third party opinion.

[War Machine]

More than likely they will not take paypal for a large amount. They'll want a bank wire or cashier check. Both are protection for the seller and neither can be refunded without sellers permission.

[bcoop]

Exactly, if you can afford 13k on a toy, you should be able to fly up there and back.

Apparently you all haven't seen flight prices to Michigan lately. My last three trips have been $1000 at MINIMUM. Michigan sucks so bad, airlines and pilots don't even want to go there.

[War Machine]

Third party inspection by a restoration car shop. Ask the seller for recommendations and avoid his advice. He could be buddies with those shops.

[akfodysvn]

On my phone the under body looks freshly painted black. Interior looks like its phenomenal... Looks clean for the bids.