Trying to buy a car = frustration

[iamsam]

ask a question through the ebay listing as to whether you can come look at the car. You emailed him only through CL, right?

Also, maybe I should go look at it...

[jeffnhiscars]

Theres nothing wrong with promoting an ebay listing on CL & I think its true that once your reserve it met ebay does not allow you to withdraw the listing.

HOWEVER (caps intended), the auction raises some red flags in my mind. Despite appearing to be a nice clean car its still a plain jane and $2900 is getting close to all the money with 4 days left. There was a big jump bid and that bidder has made 46 bids in the last 30 days on cars...hmmm. The seller has 9 sales, no apparent feedback and being local and probably a dealer, he should welcome you to come see the car.

[Timp]

I would NEVER buy a car without first looking at it and driving it. So many things could be wrong with a car that don't show on the surface or in pictures.

In my situation, and perhaps the OP's, looking at the car before you buy it is not possible. Obviously it's not ideal, but What I did was I went to craigslist and typed in "e30 mechanic" or something like that for the area the car was in (Southern California), and spoke to a few different guys who knew these cars very well. I paid the one I liked the most to meet up with the seller to do a very thorough inspection on it. He even told me which of the tools in the kit were missing.

Another great resource in this situation is a willing r3vlimited (or another forum) member. Before I got my e30, there was 325e that I had my eye on but it had been modified to the point where it seemed a bit fishy. I asked a nearby member to check it out and he recommended against the car for multiple reasons.

Just sayin.

[Zreberlcoe]

I did also put this up here to get these exact opinions of peoples. So I hope something works out but what's the worst that can happen if I just walk away from it and I win the bid? If I have cash in my hand how much would it sway him if I wanted to go like a hundred dollars cheaper?

[Buzztt]

I'm a noob on this forum but not in the world of cars, car forums and buying cars, one of the most important things I've learnt is to trust your gut, my gut is telling me to stay away from this

[KVF]

I did also put this up here to get these exact opinions of peoples. So I hope something works out but what's the worst that can happen if I just walk away from it and I win the bid? If I have cash in my hand how much would it sway him if I wanted to go like a hundred dollars cheaper?

I'm not clear on what your asking... Are you suggesting to win the auction and walk away, then show up with a lesser amount of cash in hand? I hope that's not what you're actually asking though...

Technically, he's locked into selling to the highest eBay bid once his reserve price is met and that high bidder is locked into buying the car, unless it's somehow not as represented. That's the legal reality, but I am not at all certain to what extent ebay pursues such matters.

On the moral side, I think sites like eBay & Craigslist do a great job in providing a means to items we'd otherwise not have. I think people who intentionally scam the systems suck (sellers & buyers). If he won't let you come view the car, stay away.

[Oly_Schmidt]

His phone number is in the ad. You might do better with a call.

It would be weird if he doesn't want to show it but it sounds more like he wants to do everything through eBay which is normal.

[Zreberlcoe]

I'm not clear on what your asking... Are you suggesting to win the auction and walk away, then show up with a lesser amount of cash in hand? I hope that's not what you're actually asking though...

Wow I didn't revise my typing, I'm sorry. I meant what if I get there and it's not worth how much the bid is?

[monoblanco]

On the one hand I feel your pain. It helps to have a flexible schedule and the cash on hand when you're looking for a car.

Then again you will have an e30 at age 16. I hate you.
;)
lol

Just be patient, keep looking at CL, Auto Trader, etc. Daily.
Create some Google alert searches, etc.

Happy soccer !

[Zreberlcoe]

On the one hand I feel your pain. It helps to have a flexible schedule and the cash on hand when you're looking for a car.

Then again you will have an e30 at age 16. I hate you.
;)
lol

Just be patient, keep looking at CL, Auto Trader, etc. Daily.
Create some Google alert searches, etc.

Happy soccer !

Well thank you very much for that! Soccer is the biggest thing in my life at this moment especially if it can give me a scholarship but I think my life will end up being in te automotive field just because of E30's, I mean one day I want to open a shop!

[KVF]

Wow I didn't revise my typing, I'm sorry. I meant what if I get there and it's not worth how much the bid is?

Ah, ok! That's a bit tricky, but you are not obligated to pay if the car was misrepresented. However, that doesn't mean that you can just say it isn't worth the price; has to be something wrong that wasn't disclosed or something that misrepresented.

Having said that, I would make every effort to see the car first. Most eBay sellers encourage you to come see the car prior to bidding. If a seller was adamantly denying me or a representative the ability to view the car I would walk away without bidding.

[wikkid]

^^^ What agent said. Bid is up to $3300 now, which is fine for a car that you really want, if it checks out. Your dad is right - must see in person. If seller doesn't want, walk away and don't look back.

Be understanding of the seller's position: he doesn't want to deal with tons of tire kickers taking up his time. Tell him politely how serious you are, and that as a serious buyer, you and your dad need to check out the vehicle before putting that kind of money down. Again, if he can't /won't see that, then walk, no, run.

[Zreberlcoe]

Well I won the bid! $3600! Going to pick it up soon!

[CrusherCurtis]

Nice and nice price.

[Chunter]

I was gonna say...if you didnt buy this for $3600 then I would have jumped on it. Just look at the car...its gorgeous.

Take care of it haha.