Hey guys - somewhat off topic, but looking at buying a C4S in Reno using the eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection. The seller is overseas and has the car stored away in Reno. He provided a VIN# and everything, but the rest of the deal seems kind of sketchy. I read up and the eBay program, but unsure if there's a way I can get scammed. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'm up in Seattle.

 

I would not do the deal unless I can do it person, and get the title in person. Overseas sellers are 99.9% scams.

If you are going to spend $50K+ on a car, then spend $49 on a southwest airlines ticket and do the deal in person. But that's just me...

Oh and make sure you do a PPI.

 

Always go with your gut instinct. You can call a certified dealer in Reno or around there with the vin # and have them print out the spec sheet on the car, ask the dealership if they have a sales man sitting around that could go look at the car and what would that service cost.

If the guy over seas can not provide any visitation for the car or says there is no way to see it, then end it right there. I have never bought off of ebay, so I am sure my first purchase would feel sketchy to me anyway. But I have had customers get scammed or burnt on ebay deals with cars so the potential is real.

 

Run away!
Then again, if you want the car, I am a banker in Nigeria and one of my clients deposited 23,000,000 in his bank account. I have been trying to find his next of kin but have not been able to do so. Please be so kind to help me out. For your assistance, I will pay you 10,000,000 USD.....

 

SCAM!!! Do not deal with anyone who is "overseas." Sounds like a good ol' fashioned Nigerian internet scam. Someone should @#$%! these bastards.

 

there is no chance this is legit. overseas seller is the oldest ebay scam around...

 

They'll send you an email that looks like it is from ebay, but is really from a site they set up for you to transfer your money into. Once they get your funds, they're gone. I'll bet they can't show you the car because its already shrink wrapped for shipping to your door or some other crap like that.

 

There are some many bargains in this market now, you can be very picky and come out way ahead..

 

The chance of a scam is escalated in today's economic climate. The fact you have any reservation is reason enough not to pursue this car.

 

100% scam. my brother just ran into a similar situation on a MB G wagon.

e-bay is really not for buying cars anymore. i think their business model is busted for higher priced goods. no one is going to wire money anonimously site unseen.

its more of a tool to find cars like you would on auto trader. ebay fund transfer has ran it course and i believe is a dead idea

 

I wouldn't buy from an overseas seller because the potential for a scam is extremely high. As others here have stated, there are so many cars available in the market that you can safely skip this one and move onto the next one. As far as eBay is concerned, between my brother and I we have sold a 2004 Gallardo, a 1985 911, a 1994 968 - these 3 being personal cars -and about 8 other low end cars < $10k when we had a dealer - all of these on eBay. The only one that the buyer bought sight unseen was the Gallardo but we had to take it to the local Lamborghini dealer (from where we had bought it new) to get PPI'd. eBay can be a good venue as long as common as well as good business sense guides your decision making. Just follow your instincts. There are ways to minimize risk but I wouldn't count on eBay's buyer protection, as the best insurance is not to part with your money on a bad deal to begin with. As someone once told me, the best fight is the one you don't have to undertake; why put your money in jeopardy relying on a third party to help you? You, and you alone are your money's keeper. Good luck with your search!

 

There are many cars closer to home that are a good deal!
Remember...it is only a deal if the deal is successful!

RUN from the thought of buying that car!

BUY CLOSER TO HOME!

With your dollar right now and where you live,there may be one north of the border to your liking?!

Stacy

 

+1. I totally agree. I think it is a tool for reaching a wide audience as far as advertising is concerned - a glorified autotrader. For any car, nothing beats traveling to its location and ascertaining its condition before dealing. There are honest and dishonest people everywhere and there is no substitute for seeing it with your own eyes and getting a PPI from a dealer or a reputable independent as well as meeting the person on the other end.

 

Thanks guys - this forum is great. I pushed the guy on seeing the car and that I wouldn't do ebay. No reply.

The quest continues...

 

Also FYI do not leave a deposit via Pay Pal! If you don't purchase the car they will NOT help you get the refund. "Deposits are not tangible goods" they told me...Took me 3 months to get $2,000 from a guy that misrepresented his BMW. Got it back with Ebay protection claim.