Trying to buy a car = frustration

[Zreberlcoe]

So I get on my good ol' craigslist and see this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-BMW-325i-Base-Coupe-2-Door-2-5L-E30-/271055480440?forcev4exp=true#v4-40

Right clean looking to a standard.
then it says:

See it now on ebay:


item number 271055480440

Now that kind of pisses me off but whatever. So I go to Ebay as anyone would do that's interested in the post (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-...exp=true#v4-40)
So I say wow I could get a steal here, then I email the guy through the craigslist given email (wfsr7-3259367082@sale.craigslist.org) saying this:

"Hi I saw your ad on craigs about your calypso e30? There was no contact information so hopefully I can get to you through here, but I really want to talk about your car. I've been looking for a late model 325i/s and yours may just hit the spot.

Email me back

or

text or call ********** "

Friendly as ever right? or at least I thought so but I was a bit excited while typing this. Then this is what this guy says:

"Zack:
Thanks for your interest in the BMW, I am only selling it thru Ebay,
which is why I only posted the Ebay information on Craiglist. Right
now my low reserve has been met and I am obligated to sell it to
highest bidder at the end of the auction. Please free to review it on
Ebay, there are six days left.
Thanks!
Bob"

What's up with that? Like I asked him if me and my dad could come look at the car to make sure we want to put a bid down, no response. 1. Why would you put it on craigslist to have it auctioned on ebay. 2. why the hell can't we come look at it. 3. I don't want to end up buying something shitty.

[lambo]

He's trying to milk it for what it's worth. Offer him a straight up offer of however much you think it's worth. Only an idiot would turn down a fair price in cash.

Edit: Also, you just shared a ridiculously clean, most likely rust-free E30 with an E30 enthusiast forum. Good luck...

[Zreberlcoe]

Edit: Also, you just shared a ridiculously clean, most likely rust-free E30 with an E30 enthusiast forum. Good luck...[/QUOTE]

I considered this, and thought that I'm prooobably not going for this one. SO! Share with R3v!

[lambo]

I considered this, and thought that I'm prooobably not going for this one. SO! Share with R3v!

It's so clean though! Why not try? You've been searching for fuckin' ever. Also, if you get this you can stop posting about trying to buy one...

[Zreberlcoe]

Because it's not my choice. My dad won't do anything about it unless we can see it. Sucks ass. So i decided to be good to R3v as R3v has been good to me!

Pictures also can be deceiving.

[BillBrasky]

A lot of times you just have to take a chance. That looks like a solid car. I would have made him a cash offer and told him how soon I could be there to purchase it. If it turns out to be that bad when you get there, just stand your ground and tell him to take less or simply hop back in your car and leave. Money talks, but cash screams.

[mrcheezle19]

A lot of times you just have to take a chance. That looks like a solid car. I would have made him a cash offer and told him how soon I could be there to purchase it. If it turns out to be that bad when you get there, just stand your ground and tell him to take less or simply hop back in your car and leave. Money talks, but cash screams.

word.

[Zreberlcoe]

The scary thing is when the money's gone it's gone.

[future rs]

The scary thing is when the money's gone it's gone.

?

Do you not have a job?

[Zreberlcoe]

I'm 16 and soccer rules my life. I have no time between school, practice or game, homework then job. I would love to quit but unfortunately that's not an option.

[AndrewBird]

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.

[Vivek]

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.

I fully agree. Pics never show the imperfections that you can see in person, and that's just the body. There's so many mechanical things that could be wrong with a car.

OP--just be patient. Check CL, I rarely use eBay. Everyone I've ever dealt with on craigslist has been okay, especially for cars. You can see the car, drive it, and then make a decision. Clean cars come up on there often enough.

[StealthiE30]

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.

This times million! I saw pics of mine and was like damn that pretty,
but money wasnt even mentioned until i got to see it in person, drive it, and
ask a 1000 questions. Hopefully you coax him saying you have cash in hand
and would love to see it in person. Good luck. :up:

[KVF]

I agree with those saying not to purchase a car unseen. Most EBay auctioneers will answer questions & let you see the vehicle in person. However, If they don't list a buy it now price they are obligated to make you bid (no cash in hand). Most wont want to fight w/EBay about pulling the car.

Unless you can score the car for what you'd consider a "project car price", I'd not even consider bidding without having looked at the car. Good luck in your search.

[agent]

Car dealers on eBay will refund you if you're unhappy with the car when you see it in person, because anything less than 100% feedback score will practically kill their business. Ask me how I know.

Unfortunately that guy is not a dealer. He has 9 purchases and 0 sales. That's enough of a reason to arrange an in-person viewing prior to placing a bid - which can be done on a smartphone right then and there. If he's not willing to show the car, then he can go pound sand.