How to Buy a Vehicle on eBay

by Ed Oswald

Overview

While most associate auction site eBay with buying smaller items, many do not know the site is also a good place to find a deal on a new or used car. The process works much like any other transaction on eBay. One can find a reliable automobile for as much as thousands of dollars less than they would have paid at a local car lot.
Finding the vehicle

Step 1

Open your web browser and go to eBay Motors. (See link in Reference below.) From the drop-down menus, select the make and model of the car your looking for. Enter your ZIP code and click "Search."
Step 2

Inspect the results. Typically there will be many, so use the form on the left side to filter out vehicles that do not interest you. Select a car you are interested in.
Step 3

Read the ad carefully. Typically a seller will list the mileage, condition, features and warranty if applicable. Sometimes a history of the car will be provided. Make note of the VIN of the vehicle.
Step 4

Use an automobile research service like Carfax to inspect the history of the car. (See Resource below for a link.) Look for any major accidents or changes to the car's title status.
Step 5

Arrange an in-person meeting with the seller to inspect the car. Most sellers will be willing to do this for potential buyers. This also limits or eliminates surprises about the car's condition after it is bought.

Buying the vehicle

Step 1

Arrange for financing for the vehicle you are purchasing. Typically, this can be done three ways: through all cash, financing through your financial institution or financing through eBay partners. A link to these partners can be found within the auction listing.
Step 2

Participate in the auction. If it is a "Buy It Now" auction, you will be able to purchase the vehicle without waiting for the auction to end. Otherwise, you will have to attempt to win through the normal bidding process.
Step 3

Win the vehicle and pay for it using your selected payment method. Arrange for shipping or pickup.
Step 4

Take the car to your local mechanic to ensure it is mechanically sound. This will help prevent problems in the future.
Step 5

Leave positive or negative feedback for the seller based on your experience. This will help others on eBay judge the seller's reliability.

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Sales on eBay typically are final. If a deal sounds too good to be true, avoid it.
Sales on eBay typically are final. If a deal sounds too good to be true, avoid it.