Buying Classic Cars Online

Steve Haas

The Internet has greatly changed many things in our lives. It is hard to imagine how we ever managed without being able to download detailed driving directions at a moment’s notice or find instructions for setting up SU carburetors at 2:00 am. The Internet now enables us to purchase a steering wheel for an MG, or better yet, buy an actual MG from someone you have never met on the other side of the world; All that’s left is to exchange funds and have it delivered to your home in a few days.

It wasn’t that long ago that the idea of buying used cars over the Internet would have been met with derision. Since 2000, more than two million passenger vehicles (and millions of parts and accessories) have been sold on eBay Motors alone. In addition eBays other sites have also been a part of the Internet automotive experience.

The basics of buying a collector car online are primarily the same as those for buying one down the street: Do your homework, learn what questions to ask, and stick to your budget. Most Internet sites aren’t much different than the standard classified ads we grew up with. But eBay Motors is different, in both its geographic reach and its ability to help facilitate long-distance transactions.

The first reaction of those unfamiliar with eBay Motors is “How can anyone buy a used car sight unseen?”. Keep in mind that 71% of vehicles sold on eBay Motors are interstate, and contrary to popular belief, plenty of information is available online to buy a car of your dreams.

For example, eBay’s feedback system is an incredibly powerful tool. The number next to the seller’s ID is a summary of feedback left by others with whom he or she has transacted on eBay. You can also view comments from past transactions and view details of recent sales. Don’t underestimate the value of this information. Look for the type of items that this person has bought or sold and note if they are classic-car related. Don’t necessarily discount new sellers (we all have to start somewhere), but you may seek additional information in this case.

The basic listing dool of eBay allows sellers to post up to 24 photos of a vehicle and gives them virtually unlimited space to describe a vehicle. There are other options that allow sellers to post even more photos or to host their own. So, unlike a classifieds ad, a good listing on eBay should give you a solid overview of a car’s condition. If you don’t see enough details, use the “Ask Seller a Question” link on the top of the listing to request additional information or photos.

As mentioned earlier, while a vehicle transaction might be sight unseen, it need not be completely blind, because eBay Motors offers links to professional services that can inspect a car for as little as $99. Granted, a $99 inspection isn’t going to be able to tell you that the numbers match on that ’63 Split-Window, but it will verify the overall condition. There are specialty inspection services out there for classic-specific needs, and prices vary according to the detail and expertise you need.

If you don’t want to use an inspector or don’t have time to arrange for one before the bidding ends, there are other options. For example, ask the seller to scan or photograph the front of the title and email or fax it to you. This will verify the vehicle ID number and the fact that the seller has the right to sell the car. If you know friends or fellow car club members who lives near the vehicle, ask if they can inspect it for you. If the seller refuses to allow this, it is probably a sign that you should look elsewhere.

Vehicle history reports are also available easily and inexpensively through eBay Motors. While services like CARFAX or Experian Auto Check only work for 1981 and newer vehicles, they do provide a valuable service that is only a click away. Qualifying vehicles on eBay Motors have a link on the VIN field that allows for an AutoCheck report at a substantial discount. For a small fee, one can verify the ownership history of a vehicle through public records like state registrations and inspections, insurance claims, reported accidents, and manufacturer recall records.

You should also pay close attention to the seller’s terms and conditions. Notice what kind of deposit the seller wants and when he wants it, what forms of payment are acceptable, and if the deposit is refundable should the car fail to meet your expectations. You should clarify these terms and agree on contingencies before you bid. eBay recommends that one never use Western Union or other forms of untraceable methods for payment. Additionally, eBay Motors offers vehicle purchase protection for material misrepresentation for up to $20,000. This is of no additional cost to the seller or the buyer.

If you follow the steps above and use the same care you would buying a car offline, the Internet provides a way to find the car of your dreams in a manner that is convenient, transparent, fulfilling, and fun.