A friend of mine was once a big skeptic about eBay. A boat salesman for a local boat broker, he was especially displeased when his boss announced that they were going to try auctioning some of their pre-owned inventory on eBay.
These boats were 30 to 65′ long, ranging in price from 100K to 600K. Not your typical online auction item. Much to his surprise, folks flew in from across the country to see these boats, resulting in several cross country transactions.

Though buying a car on eBay is not quite as risky, like any purchase, common sense and caution must prevail.
Car-junky.com explains reasons why buying near new cars off the internet can end up being a safe route to go.

“A two- to four-year-old car today can offer customers much of the comfort, performance, styling and reliability of a new model, and it sells for 30 to 60 percent less than a new vehicle,” says John Davis, executive producer and host of MotorWeek, the critically acclaimed PBS weekly automotive magazine series.

According to Davis, cars are better built these days, and the styling is changed less often and less radically than it used to be, so a three-year-old car looks and drives a lot like a new one.

There is also less risk involved now. New car warranties have been lengthened and coverage is at least three years (36,000 miles) for all vehicles, and for premium cars it can be twice as long. There is usually rust and corrosion protection that lasts even longer and roadside assistance coverage as well.”

eBay is one service that offers buyers a solution for car inspections at a distance.

“But should you actually buy a car you haven’t even seen? Davis cautions shoppers to remember the familiar “buyer beware” warning. eBay Motors offers a mobile inspection service, which sends certified experts anywhere in the country for a nominal fee to check out a vehicle before you buy it. There are also cars available that have already been certified by a dealer.”

Read the entire article for more car shopping advice.