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Smart Shopper Buying and Selling Vehicles Online (eBay, etc.)
225 messages, Last post on Sep 24, 2009 at 8:13 AM
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Article in my local paper tonight: Scammer sells luxury cars on Autotrader.com using fake Boise address (Idaho Statesman) Steve, visiting host |
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Lots of comments from people buying locally on Ebay, and people selling on Ebay. Anyone actually bought from someone on the other side of the continent? I'm contemplating buying a late-model VW from a dealer in New Hampshire, I'm on the west coast. Questions: 1) Would you fly to see the car? If so, how long would you stay, and how would you get there, etc? 2) Have it taken to a third-party mechanic (a no-brainer if you didn't do #1)? 3) How did you negotiate pricing? It's being sold by a car dealership (ad from autotrader and craigslist), so at least it's unlikely to be a complete fraud.
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Replying to: brygx (Feb 09, 2009 11:35 am) 1) The answer to this (and #2) largely depends on what type of dealer has the car. If it's a new car store (especially a VW store), I most likely would be content with high quality photos so long as the service history is documented and the Carfax is good (not that it is any guarantee). Also, would try to wrangle the previous owner's name/number and talk with her/him. If you do go, it seems to me that you fly into Boston and rent a car for the drive up. 2) Really don't see much point in this on a late model transaction if the caveats in #1 apply. If they don't, I wouldn't buy. 3) Negotiating long distance or in-person is pretty much the same in my direct approach - "I'll pay X dollars" (seller accepts or not) or "what will it take to buy it?" (I accept or not). What kind of late model VW is worth the hassle of long distance? |
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In either case, did you fly to see the car? Under what circumstances would you think that's necessary? As for which car, this is probably going to put me in a world of hurt, but ... =) I'm leaning towards the VW GTI. My top pick would be a Cooper S, although I'd prefer a 4dr and the GTI does have a 4dr style. My next pick would be the Mazdaspeed 3, with the downsides being it's lower mpg and a bit big (more stationwagon-like instead of hatch). Other cars off my list were the WRX (too ricer), BMW 335i (too expensive to maintain), and Elise (can't drive it anywhere).
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Replying to: brygx (Feb 10, 2009 10:51 pm)  Flying across the country to get one seems like overkill, though... They aren't exactly rare, are they? |
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Replying to: brygx (Feb 10, 2009 10:51 pm) You're talking about flying just to take a look? Wow, can't imagine doing so on something that would just be a driver. Hmmm....probably would if looking at a collector car that was represented as premium with a price to match. As for drivers, the only way I'd even think about long distance would be for a rare condition, option package, or color combination. Otherwise, I keep within 100 or so miles of home - easy to do here in Columbus. The first car (for my daughter) was an extremely low mileage example in the precise color/equipment combination that she demanded. Yes, demanded, as was her right since she'd carried a torch for it since the age of 9! The second was just a fluke as I needed a car in a hurry. |
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Concerning buying an out of state or area vehicle, does anyone has any knowledge of a reliable warranty company, for used cars? I came across an 06 Audi A-4 S-line 6M, loaded with the every available option for a pretty decent price. As it sits, it's at about 51,xxx miles, which is just out of warranty, if I'm correct. I have never purchased a used car from an individual before, so I have a few concerns about the reliability and such. Buying at a dealership would offer some sort of relief, in the event something serious happens shortly after the purchase. I have spoken with the owner and he seems fairly honest and mature. The car looks immaculate, and I do plan to do a quick mechanics check before I buy. But with the knowledge of it being a VW product, I know that there is the possibility for problems later on down the line (nothing against any VW / Audi, but this is a known fact). The seller recommended one company in particular, but a quick google search revealed that there were numerous issues with this company, mainly in the Great Lakes and PA area. This company is called Great Lakes Warranty. The coverage they provide looks good on paper, but I read that the process of getting an APPROVED claim was the hard part. If anyone else has any experience with them, please chime in.. The next company I came across was Warranty Direct , their coverage read very good, but in my opinion, the rates were kinda pricey, even compared to Great Lakes Warranty coverage. I mean, I was looking at a little over $4000 for all major componets covered, and that was only for 3yr or 37000 miles with about $150 deductable. Maybe this is the norm, so if i'm bugging over that, then give me some feedback. Again, if anyone has any additional info , please chime in, as it would be greatly appreciated. And as always, thanks for the space..
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Replying to: b18tuner (Feb 18, 2009 8:31 pm) Extended Warranties |
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Hi there - Am hoping that someone has had some experience with purchasing a car online ( through a small time dealer across the country.) How does the process work in terms of exchanging $$$ and the title? The car will be shipped cross-country and is being held w/ a deposit. Is the standard practice to pay for the vehicle in-full before receiving the title (???) Or is it reasonable to request that the seller overnight you the title ( while they still have the vehicle.) When you receive the title you wire the remaining $ and the seller releases the car to the shipper? Any advice is much appreciated!
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