Why buy online? One of the best reasons to buy anything online is the wide range of options you have. A website like eBay Motors can show you cars from across the country and provide cross-selections that can steer you in a new direction when making buying decisions.
Maybe you started out looking for Ford SUVs, but while browsing vehicle listings you came across a reference to a Chrysler minivan that was a better fit for your needs. This ability to analyze available vehicles in a variety of ways is what makes Internet shopping such a powerful resource.
Online shopping can also provide you, the shopper, with a level of anonymity. Most sellers will include an email address and phone number. By contacting the seller via email and asking a specific list of questions (we’ll cover that later), you can rule out potential vehicles without speaking to the seller. This means that you can ask your questions at any time of the day and the salesperson can answer them at your convenience. Email responses can also be saved, making remembering the answers to your questions much easier.
To make buyers feel comfortable buying vehicles online, large auction sites like eBay Motors offer a “Buyer Protection” service. eBay coverage provides insurance on any automobile purchase up to $20,000. If the seller misrepresented the vehicle or does not provide a vehicle, eBay Motors will cover your losses. This is a great selling point for using eBay services; it also highlights some of the risks associated with buying cars online.
Risk management Buying any car is all about risk management. You want to minimize the chances of ending up with a lemon; or worse yet, get scammed by the seller. The best way to reduce your risk is to understand the factors that go into determining it.
Risk factor’s:
- Is the seller a reliable source of information?
- Is the car represented correctly?
- What is the long-term maintenance cost associated with the car?
- Does the car come with any service history?
- Do I understand all the costs related to the purchase of the car?
Verifying that the seller is a reliable source of information can be difficult. Use your instincts and ask as many detailed questions as possible to “feel” the seller. Also check the answers carefully. If a person is not honest in their answers to your questions, they will usually have trouble keeping their information consistent. Be concerned about any discrepancies in the facts that the seller states during the transaction. Of course, use your discretion. People make honest mistakes. Follow up and get clarification on any additional questions you may have.
The honesty of the seller goes hand in hand with the knowledge that the car is represented correctly. Not all sellers fully understand what they are selling. This is especially the case with rare or exotic cars. Options that are on the vehicle when sold may or may not be original factory options. If this is important to you, you might be better off researching the car yourself. Ask for the VIN number and use a trusted source like CARFAX to do your verification.
On older cars, you may need to go to professional appraisal services or contact the Owners Club or Registry specific to your car. These can be found by searching online; http://www.gearheads.com will list several places to start.
Used car maintenance costs are a big unknown unless you have previous maintenance history. A log book or service book that is provided with a car is a great help in determining risks. This is very important with rare and exotic cars. DeTomaso Panthers, for example, can have expensive repair bills in the future if they are not properly maintained.
There are many costs associated with any purchase above and beyond the asking price. Make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting into before making any offers. “Read twice, bid once.”