Found a Good Deal,
Then What? (Seller Ratings)
I have bought two vehicles from dealers, two
from private sellers and one from the Oregon Dept. of
Transportation. When buying used cars for sale on eBay there is
a little security in buying from a dealer since they actually
do this for a living and have standards they must maintain.
But, I also found the D.O.T. gave an accurate description of
the vehicle. ( When they said it was beat up, they meant it
J ) The #1 recommendation is to
read the seller feedback. Look at their approval rating (% of
people who were happy with them previously.) I would steer
clear of anyone below 95% but prefer them to be in the 99-100%
range. I personally have a 100% rating on eBay because I always
deal honestly in buying or selling. But once in a while some
jerk will leave negative feedback that is not truthful. Also,
read the comments by those that left “negative” feedback. Often
it was a misunderstanding or the person didn’t read the listing
clearly. Don’t ignore negative feedback. I didn’t list what I
bought the Audi for because I never actually paid for it. I
(against my better judgment) ignored some negative feedback
about the seller and when I showed up to pick up the car it was
completely misrepresented. It definitely fit in the cheap used cars for
sale section. The garbage pile would have been more
applicable since it was missing rims, banged up and pouring oil
out of the ripped open oil pan. That is what happens when you
ignore negative feedback. Not every time, but this seller had
been accused of misrepresenting a vehicle before. Fortunately
for you, I learned the lesson so you didn’t have
too!
Then What? (Part
II)
So you’ve found a cheap used car for sale,
determined your price, compared it to those locally, read the
rating/feedback of the seller and are ready to bid! Next, read
the WHOLE listing one more time! Check to make sure you
can comply with ALL the instructions. Some sellers want
a deposit within 24-48 hours. The Oregon D.O.T. required pickup
within seven days and no shipping. Many sellers require you
contact them first by phone (especially if you have a eBay user
rating of 5 or less.) Make sure you can meet each requirement,
THEN BID! EBay will immediately inform you if you are the
highest bidder. Then wait… If the auction ends and your still
the highest bidder, CONGRATULATIONS!
I Won the Auction,
Now What?
Follow whatever instructions on paying
deposits or arranging shipping. Make sure to talk to someone on
the phone first! Whatever you do, no matter who you are dealing
with, NEVER send cash. Certified Cashier’s check is
generally safe and I ALWAYS talk with someone on the
phone before I will send any type of payment. Don’t be afraid
to ask questions of the seller BEFORE the auction ends.
EBay takes it very seriously when you win a vehicle and don’t
pay for it. (Now in the case of the Audi, the seller reported
me to eBay as a non paying bidder. I called them back and
explained how the car was misrepresented and they removed the
“eBay strike” from off my file. But, they will only do this
once or twice before your account is suspended. So don’t put in
bids that you don’t intend to fulfill) The easiest way to make
a transaction go smoothly is communication. If you are shipping
the vehicle make sure your arrangements are done in a timely
manner. If you are flying somewhere to pick up the vehicle (my
personal favorite) make sure you have made arrangements for
transportation from the airport to the location of vehicle
pickup. And more than anything, ENJOY YOUR NEW VEHICLE THAT
YOU JUST SAVED THOUSANDS ON!
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