Overhaulin'

Is it safe to buy a used car online?advise please?

I stay in rural america where there are not many car dealerships and most used cars here are expensive(more than 15K).I have looked at the Internet and found some great deals(under 10k).but i dont know how safe it is;has someone out there done this successfully?what does it take?Advise please.NB:i am already pre approved for an auto loan.

Public Comments

1. In reality, no. About the ONLY time you could trust to do that is thru some big chain that offers a warranty. If it is to be your ONLY car, buying sight unseen is pure folly. Sellers often understate problems. About the only way to do it would be to take a mini-vacation to an urban area, and try out cars and buy one that way. If you're not proficient at detecting problems with cars, then you'll need to have it checked over by a mechanic and that's more time and expense. Bottom line, I would not buy a primary car thru the Internet or a magazine. You'd be better off traveling to some area with more cars, and pick one that way. Just my opinion..... - The Gremlin Guy -
2. It can be safe, as long as you take the necessary precautions. eBay is a good source because they have a good buyer protection plan. The problem with buying remotely is you can't see the car, you can't test drive it, you can't meet the owner, and you can't be there to exchange money and title at the same moment. There have been many happy transactions done this way. But there have also been many horrible experience too. When buying this way, you are always taking something of a chance. You must come up with ways to minimize those chances, such as getting an inspection company to look over the vehicle and send you a report, get a CarFax report on the car, get the owner to fax you a copy of the title to look over, send lots of pictures of the car, use a legitimate escrow service (not easy to do) to send money, and arrange to get the car transported to you. Overall, buying a car remotely is more expensive and more stressful than buying one locally.
3. As long as the money, vehicle, and title only change hands in person after you have inspected the vehicle - buying online is fine. I sold my F150 on http://www.craigslist.org and gave the buyer an honest deal he was happy with. If the deal requires you providing personal information or account numbers before you get the vehicle and title - you WILL be ripped off and taken advantage of; usually by an international that can't be prosecuted. EBay, Craigslist, and other legitimate websites try to do a pretty good job of informing consumers of this.
4. I have not bought online but I have sold online. I have also looked at a lot of car listings online and looked at a lot of ebay auctions. I would advise you to do your homework on the car that is being sold, talk to the seller and ask lots questions, and use common sence and your best judgement. Look for good listings with lots of details and lots of pictures. Ask what has been done as far as maintenence etc. If something seems wrong than it probably is. It is just like buying a car from an ad in the newspaper. If you show up and something seems wierd and the guy seems like he is lying, then you wouldnt buy it.
5. You are always better off buying a car you can see, touch and have checked at a shop you trust. I have bought cars on-line but they were project classics. I would say if you do decide to buy on-line to be cautious about the scams and cons people run. One popular one is to offer a really nice late model car at a ridiculous low price including shipping because they are in the military and can't take it with them or some other story. If you are careful and do your research you should be fine.
6. no