Advice to Noobs buying parts on r3vlimited

[bbiess]

Having recently been burned by seller on my very first purchase here on r3vlimited I thought I'd provide other noobies with some tips to hopefully prevent them from making the same mistakes I did.

1. Don't assume someone selling parts on r3vlimited shares your passion, interest or even knowledge of E30 BMWs.
2. Ask lots of questions before purchasing.
3. Beware of dismantlers who stock pile E30s - they're selling parts pulled from non-running cars and have no idea whether a part works or not. Beware of phrases like 'it worked in the car when it was running'. Chances are they've never seen the car run, but will tell you anything for a Paypal payment.
4. Ask for a guarantee on parts you're concerned about. This provides some reassurances, however, it's only good if the seller honors it.
5. Beware of parts advertised in excellent condition - we're talking about 25 year old cars here and it's likely it's nowhere near in excellent condition. Request detailed photos of parts in question and if the seller balks find someone else to buy from.
6. Look at a seller's profile to check their previous posts. Better to find a seller who's active on this site and who knows and understands the cars we all love versus someone looking at making a quick buck.

Caveat Emptor!

[325ix]

Why is this in the for sale forum? General Discussion would prolly be a better place for this.

[alB5]

Should be sticky'd here actually

[///digitalme]

Having recently been burned by seller on my very first purchase here on r3vlimited I thought I'd provide other noobies with some tips to hopefully prevent them from making the same mistakes I did.

1. Don't assume someone selling parts on r3vlimited shares your passion, interest or even knowledge of E30 BMWs.
2. Ask lots of questions before purchasing.
3. Beware of dismantlers who stock pile E30s - they're selling parts pulled from non-running cars and have no idea whether a part works or not. Beware of phrases like 'it worked in the car when it was running'. Chances are they've never seen the car run, but will tell you anything for a Paypal payment.
4. Ask for a guarantee on parts you're concerned about. This provides some reassurances, however, it's only good if the seller honors it.
5. Beware of parts advertised in excellent condition - we're talking about 25 year old cars here and it's likely it's nowhere near in excellent condition. Request detailed photos of parts in question and if the seller balks find someone else to buy from.
6. Look at a seller's profile to check their previous posts. Better to find a seller who's active on this site and who knows and understands the cars we all love versus someone looking at making a quick buck.

Caveat Emptor!

i got burned a few times but on other forums, thats why i always ask for garantee on stuff im still like 400 short of useless parts :(:hitler:


thats why when i sell i always give gurantee that parts are as described and functioning as they should

[325ix]

Should be sticky'd here actually

Pretty good idea, but he should just sent a pm to a mod and had them sticky one.

[Holland]

Another would be, don't even think about buying seats, and just forget it if you ever want them shipped. They will be sold from under you to a local.

[hyperE30]

No doubt, sometimes they take days after you paid to answer a question, show how things work... an then they send incomplete shit!!!

[Ramgoat]

Guys, he's talking about being burned by me. I appreciate the ambiguity but something would've been said eventually. If anyone has any questions regarding the matter, pm me.

/thread

[artoo93]

Another would be, don't even think about buying seats, and just forget it if you ever want them shipped. They will be sold from under you to a local.

I've bought and had two sets of seats shipped to me and I am awaiting my third set. Everyone needs to do their homework when it comes to buying and selling. Check on people's reputation and their history of selling and/or buying. Don't let one bad apple ruin it for everyone else. If you've had a problem with a seller or buyer, talk to them and try to resolve it. Either way, you can start a rep thread for that seller/buyer or add to one that may have already been started. Have fun and enjoy being part of a group of enthusiasts!

[BAVARIAN IRON]

Buying

I have bought many parts off the forum and have sold many as well. I have never had a bad experience and have done business with some great e30 people.

Just ask questions and if in doubt don't buy the part. There are some great folks here and the knowledge that is shared is priceless.

Just my two cents

[bernzpeed]

i think it's all about personal responsibility. asking questions is certainly free. asking for photos is even better. hard to buy something you haven't seen.

[stillkotd]

Good advice. Caveat emptor and all.

[schtozo]

15mm spacers shouldnt be sold as 20mm spacers.

[bbiess]

Please don't misconstrue my intent here. I have no personal axe to grind, I just don't want others to make the same mistakes I did.

I was stupid for being so trusting. Thankfully it only cost me a couple hundred dollars.

I'm over it. I'll just be a lot more careful next time I purchase something for my 325.

[iceman]

Sorry to hear that.