Buying a car off EBAY
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Simple question:
How does one arrange for a PPI on a car being bought off EBAY.
If you have the winning bid, can you make it contingent on a favorable PPI?
How does one arrange for a PPI on a car being bought off EBAY.
If you have the winning bid, can you make it contingent on a favorable PPI?
#3
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
In my case I called the (not local) dealer that listed the car. They stated in the ad that the auction could be terminated at any time as the car was being locally advertised as well. I negotiated a price over the phone dependend on a PPI. A rennlister in the area steered me to a good mechanic where I had the inspection done and wound up buying the car. I would at least try contacting the seller directly before the auction is over.
#4
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yep, I always talk to the seller and negotiate over the phone. Most are happy to have a buyer in hand and will stop the auction. If they won't stop it, then I take a chance and wait untill the auction ends. Most times, they never meet reserve anyway, and then I negotiate at that point. Don't rush into anything and remember...there's always another car
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#6
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I did what Zedder (Mark) suggested - my car was listed on Ebay but didn't sell. I then talked to the private seller at length, had a local PPI done and then flew to LA and bought the car. I would now add a step prior to PPI and post a request here for a RennFax. ask if a local Rennlister would give the car a quick drive and inspection. happy hunting!!
#7
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I did what Zedder (Mark) suggested - my car was listed on Ebay but didn't sell. I then talked to the private seller at length, had a local PPI done and then flew to LA and bought the car. I would now add a step prior to PPI and post a request here for a RennFax. ask if a local Rennlister would give the car a quick drive and inspection. happy hunting!!
coool
Trending Topics
#8
Three Wheelin'
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
[QUOTE=f8vr993;7289405]Remember, there is a reason why that car is on eBay! ![cherrsagai](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/drink.gif)
I disagree with that. EBAY is simply the best advertising out there today. I have always listed my sports cars on EBAY as well as the manufacturer specific internet forums. All have sold via EBAY. Over the past 6 years this includes 4 Porsches, 2 NSX's, and a Ferrari. None of them sold from the actual auction, but the buyers made contact with me through the auction. Most were sold before the auction ended and the auction was cancelled after I received a deposit. To me, EBAY is a classified ad for 1 week.
![cherrsagai](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/drink.gif)
I disagree with that. EBAY is simply the best advertising out there today. I have always listed my sports cars on EBAY as well as the manufacturer specific internet forums. All have sold via EBAY. Over the past 6 years this includes 4 Porsches, 2 NSX's, and a Ferrari. None of them sold from the actual auction, but the buyers made contact with me through the auction. Most were sold before the auction ended and the auction was cancelled after I received a deposit. To me, EBAY is a classified ad for 1 week.
#9
Burning Brakes
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
[QUOTE=DougM;7289795]
I agree. I have sold some real nice collector cars for my elderly neighbor and others on ebay. Sure there is some real crap on ebay but there are some superb cars as well. Doing your homework is the key no matter where a car is listed for sale. Ebay has the ability to reach millions of people. You just can't beat that exposure.
Remember, there is a reason why that car is on eBay! ![cherrsagai](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/drink.gif)
I disagree with that. EBAY is simply the best advertising out there today. I have always listed my sports cars on EBAY as well as the manufacturer specific internet forums. All have sold via EBAY. Over the past 6 years this includes 4 Porsches, 2 NSX's, and a Ferrari. None of them sold from the actual auction, but the buyers made contact with me through the auction. Most were sold before the auction ended and the auction was cancelled after I received a deposit. To me, EBAY is a classified ad for 1 week.
![cherrsagai](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/drink.gif)
I disagree with that. EBAY is simply the best advertising out there today. I have always listed my sports cars on EBAY as well as the manufacturer specific internet forums. All have sold via EBAY. Over the past 6 years this includes 4 Porsches, 2 NSX's, and a Ferrari. None of them sold from the actual auction, but the buyers made contact with me through the auction. Most were sold before the auction ended and the auction was cancelled after I received a deposit. To me, EBAY is a classified ad for 1 week.
#10
Burning Brakes
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I second the statement to get a Rennfax. When my wife bought our Porsche on Ebay we made sure that the sale would be pending a clean PPI.
I had a PPI done, I spent $200 and they didn't find ANYTHING. I don't even think they looked at the car...
Anyways, I posted the auction details here on Rennlist and a very nice RLister near the car checked it out for me. Based on his test drive testimony we ended up buying the car sight unseen and couldn't be happier.
In conclusion, make 100% sure the seller will allow you to do an after the fact PPI before buying. Get the PPI done, but take it with a grain of salt unless you know the shop and leave a buffer in your budget in case the PPI misses something.
Oh, and since you are in New York... Don't go to Storms in Southampton.
Good Luck!
I had a PPI done, I spent $200 and they didn't find ANYTHING. I don't even think they looked at the car...
Anyways, I posted the auction details here on Rennlist and a very nice RLister near the car checked it out for me. Based on his test drive testimony we ended up buying the car sight unseen and couldn't be happier.
In conclusion, make 100% sure the seller will allow you to do an after the fact PPI before buying. Get the PPI done, but take it with a grain of salt unless you know the shop and leave a buffer in your budget in case the PPI misses something.
Oh, and since you are in New York... Don't go to Storms in Southampton.
Good Luck!
#11
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I don't care if the car is for sale at Toys R Us, off e-bay or anywhere else. The car IS what the car IS regardless of who has it. If you do your proper homework and due diligence it makes no difference who has the car, of course some people are more desirable to work with than others
Your job is to find out what the car IS and decide if it's acceptable and within the scope of what you want to deal with. The Rennfax is great too. There are lots of us out here all over the place that would love to test drive your new car for you!
Hell, most will even snap a bunch of the important pictures to see of the car and e-mail em off to you as well. There is a wealth of info out here to be utilized.
Nick
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Big Grin](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Nick
#12
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Flyoverland - Central, Ohio
Posts: 3,234
Received 257 Likes
on
180 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have acquired 3 cars off of ebay. PPI is always advised and I purchase / pick up in person. If it turns out bad from PPI, walk away, the worst e-bay can do to you is kick you off (your login and email). And you can dispute the "truthiness" of the ad on e-bay if PPI uncovers issues.
#13
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sandy, UT/Fish Haven, ID
Posts: 3,033
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I purchased my Porsche and Bronco off Ebay---and a few hundred other things---never an issue in almost 8 years or buying and selling.
Those who are against Ebay, Im sorry you feel that way but I would rather reach the masses than a small target audience (such as Rennlist). Its not like everyone who buys from an Ebay is an idiot and every one who sells cars (Porsche) are cooks. When and if I sell my C4, it will go on Ebay. Then I dont have to deal with low ballers on this forum who think their Porsche is worth thousands more than what the market is commanding but the person who is selling has a perceived value of thousands less than the market.![thumbsup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/bigok.gif)
A person is only as stupid as you let youself be in any purchase, regardless of where you buy.
Those who are against Ebay, Im sorry you feel that way but I would rather reach the masses than a small target audience (such as Rennlist). Its not like everyone who buys from an Ebay is an idiot and every one who sells cars (Porsche) are cooks. When and if I sell my C4, it will go on Ebay. Then I dont have to deal with low ballers on this forum who think their Porsche is worth thousands more than what the market is commanding but the person who is selling has a perceived value of thousands less than the market.
![thumbsup](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/bigok.gif)
A person is only as stupid as you let youself be in any purchase, regardless of where you buy.