While eBay technically fits under the broader “Internet” category, it deserves its own chapter because of its sheer scale and the unique tools it offers buyers. eBay sells more cars by 9 AM than many dealerships sell in an entire year, and at any given moment, it has tens of thousands of classic cars available. If you’re serious about finding your next collector car online, eBay is a site you’ll want to bookmark.
1. Understanding eBay Scams
Even though eBay has measures to protect buyers, no system is completely foolproof. Scammers do exist on the platform, and it’s crucial to stay alert. By following eBay’s official safety guidelines and applying common sense, you can lower the risk of becoming a scam victim.
- Too Good to Be True: As with any platform, if the price is suspiciously low, proceed with caution.
- Avoid Money Transfer Services: eBay warns against using Western Union or MoneyGram for good reason. These transfers are nearly impossible to recover, and Money Transfer services should never be used. Bank to Bank transfers should be made only.
- Watch for Overpayment Scams: Be wary if a seller or buyer overpays by check and asks you to send back the difference. This is mostly a scam from a purchaser so likely doesn't apply, but it should be mentioned,
- Verify Ownership & Location: Sellers who claim they’re far from the vehicle (“stationed overseas,” for example) can be red flags if they can’t provide a trusted third-party inspection or verifiable details.
eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection
One significant advantage of eBay is its Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP) program, which covers you for up to $50,000 or the vehicle’s purchase price )whichever is lower), if you are the winning bidder or complete a “Buy It Now.” The VPP safeguards buyers against:
- Failure to receive the car after payment
- Stolen vehicles (before delivery)
- Incorrect or undisclosed make, model, or year
However, it’s crucial to ensure the transaction occurs on eBay. If you find a car listed on eBay but make the purchase outside of the platform (as some do), you forfeit the protections offered by the VPP. For more details, visit eBay’s Purchase Protection page.
2. Reserve Price & “Buy It Now”
When listing a car on eBay, sellers can set a reserve price, which is a hidden minimum they’re willing to accept. If bids don’t reach that amount, the seller isn’t obligated to complete the sale. Sellers can also offer a “Buy It Now” option for immediate purchase. A useful rule of thumb: In many cases, the reserve price is $500 to $1,000 below the Buy It Now price if there is one. While not universal, it’s a handy guideline for gauging the seller’s expectations.
3. Feedback Score System
eBay’s feedback system allows past buyers to rate and review sellers. Sellers dealing exclusively in vehicles often have more relevant feedback, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- High Scores Are Good: Aim to work with sellers who have a feedback score close to 100%—especially on vehicle transactions.
- Check Previous Sales: If the seller’s history mostly involves small items (e.g., electronics, collectibles) rather than vehicles, proceed cautiously.
- Look at Comments: Written feedback can provide insights beyond just the numerical rating.
4. Communication Is Key
Always speak to the seller by phone before placing a bid, particularly if it’s a private individual rather than a dealership. If a seller won’t provide a phone number or won’t discuss details, that’s a red flag. Classic car transactions often involve a significant sum of money, and transparent communication is essential for a comfortable, secure purchase.
Bidding Limit of $15,000
If you plan on bidding above $15,000, you’ll need a credit card on file with eBay. This is purely a security measure. Your card won’t be charged if you lose the auction. Registering it in advance can prevent last-minute bidding hassles and potential misses, as you frantically try to input that data when you've been outbid over $15k with 4 minutes left on the auction.
5. Handling Payments & Financing
Sellers typically request a deposit within 72 hours of a winning bid, with full payment due soon after. Depending on the seller, you may pay via:
- PayPal: Convenient for smaller deposits, but amounts over $2,000 require a Business or Premier account.
- Cashier’s Check or Bank Transfer: Often used for the remaining balance, especially if the final price is in the tens of thousands.
If the seller is a dealership, they may guide you through financing. Alternatively, eBay Motors offers loan options, but you should apply before the auction ends to ensure you can meet the seller’s payment deadline.
6. Automated Alerts & Daily Emails
eBay provides a handy feature for busy shoppers: Saved Searches. After you enter your criteria such as make, model, price range, click “Save This Search,” and you’ll have the option to receive daily email updates whenever a new listing matches your filters. This tool is especially useful if you’re hunting for a rare model or specific trim. Be careful with broad searches like “Mustang,” though, as you may be flooded with irrelevant listings. The more specific the better. Hint: This can also be done on other classic auto classifieds sites such as TimelessRides.com and other top sites.
Chapter 5 Conclusion
eBay remains one of the most extensive and dynamic marketplaces for buying classic cars, offering unique features like the Vehicle Purchase Protection program and seller feedback with details. Yet, your vigilance matters just as much as eBay’s safety nets. Always verify a seller’s authenticity, avoid precarious payment methods, and never hesitate to ask for detailed photos, phone calls, or even third-party inspections.
By combining eBay’s vast inventory with a careful, methodical approach, you can score the classic car you’ve been dreaming about. Keep reading for the next chapters, where we’ll explore additional avenues for locating and purchasing your perfect ride.
Chapter 4 - Finding a Classic Car on the Internet