So here's the story...In March 2015, I saw a car on eBay, a '72 Cutlass convertible. The car was presented as a driver, and price seemed decent. The listing stated the car was a "refurbished", recently painted driver with a "freshly tuned 350", "ready for all your spring and summer cruises". I have to admit that I was just plain stupid not going to see the car in person. I naively relied on the photos and the sellers 99% (or so) positive feedback on about 10 cars previously sold. The seller provided his cell, and welcomed any questions, so I called. He told me the car (as are all his cars) was gone over by a "top notch mechanic", and had no issues. I eventually explained I was a dad, had kids, and didn't want to make a mistake, asking again if the car had any immediate issues, and the seller said no. I explained I lived on Long Island, NY, about 6-7 hours away, and would he assure me I could even drive the car back from him in Maine. He said, sure, no problem. Well, I was high bidder, won the car, paid and had it shipped down to me. The first time I drive the car around the block, it seemed decent but not totally what I expected. The second time out, within a mile of my house, it began to overheat and a front tire exploded into shreds off the rim. Had it towed, tinkered a little, bought 2 new tires, tried it again. Again, overheating and oil light on, confirming my fears of low or no oil pressure, in addition to the overheating issue. The motor so seized completely.
I call the seller, tell him I don't want the car and can we work something out (figured I'd try). He balked but told me he had lots of motors and would send one to me. I attempted 3 times to get it shipped, but the seller never packed it suitably and UPS couldn't take it. I finally tell him I'll just drive up and get it. I rent a trailer, dive 6 hours, arrive and he sends 2 workers to give me the engine. They open a barn and show me and old,greasy Pontiac 350!!! I was so disgusted, I called him,he just gave me b.s. and said the motor would easily fit, which I disagreed with. I told him I didn't drive all that way for something completely useless. I took it anyway and drove home.
FYI, eBay states they have buyer protection, but the fine print says it doesn't apply to cars over 20 years old. I called eBay, waste of time.
Long story here, but I wanted to put the word out, this guy is in Wiscasset, Maine, named Tony, sells under "tony 04563". This man owns a construction company and extensive real estate, he could have done much more to help me, or at least offer something other than a old useless engine (btw the crank doesn't turn! on the Pontiac 350)
I could go on further with this story, but I want to state that 2 members of this site were amazing in helping me with a motor and getting the car running. Words cannot express how much this was appreciated, and probably saved my marriage!!!! I don't know if this guy is still selling on eBay, I've looked a few times and haven't seen anything, good!!!!
It's pretty amazing to find there are still decent people out there, and I am indebted to the members and this site for helping me!
Safe driving everyone, thanks for reading my story!!👍

 

I think you should mention the 2 peoples site names. They deserve some real recognition for helping a fellow member through a frustrating situation.

 

That is a bummer you had such a bad Ebay experience. I've had trouble with Ebay as well. Of the 4 transactions I have made on Ebay 2 sucked and the other 2 went ok. Thankfully, I didn't nearly loose my shirt on them like you almost did. That's awesome some of our members helped you out. Let us know who they are. They deserve recognition.

 

Sorry you had such a sucky experience. I have bought 3 cars sight unseen on ebay, luckily they all ran but all had unforeseen issues and one was an absolute POS under the pretty paint. Realistically though, If I had seen them in person I probably would have still bought two of them although the price negotiation may have been different. Photos can only show so much and a lying scumbag seller will tell you anything. I bought a fourth more expensive car from a dealer sight unseen but I hired an appraiser to inspect it, that car arrived with no surprises. Glad you got it sorted out and good luck.

 

Buying cars is tough online. My Brother in law had 2 cars damaged by the shipping companies. One was very minor, no claim. The other was brutal, got the settlement, waited forever for it to get done and ended up getting a so so paint job on it. Glad some of the members helped you out.

 

I agree, our members deserve some recognition for helping out other members.
Please let us know who these individuals are here.

 

When dealing with bad sellers, bringing friends with guns helps a whole lot. All they have to do is stand back and look intimidating; it gets the message across. Don't even have to show the heat, in fact, it's better not to, especially if you're in a socialist state.

 

Hi all,
Just wanted to mention that it was Uncle Hulka and big dooly who offered help and bailed me out of my dilemma. I again have to offer my praise to the site and its members!!
Thanks everyone!!!

 

Guy hasn't sold in a while


http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAP...rchInterval=30


I had a similar but not as bad experience. Caveat Emptor

 

Your story is one of the many reasons it's nickname is "EVILBAY".
Not just because of the sellers, but the site, too.

 

Kudos to the CO members that helped the OP out of the mess !

I've bought ~ 50 things from fleaBay. I ask (sometimes a lot of) questions on used stuff to nail down exactly what it is before bidding. I've only had one issue and the seller was good about resolving it. I've also sold about 50 things. I include very accurate, and sometimes lengthy, descriptions of the item(s) just to avoid any possibility of the buyer complaining and have nothing but 100% feedback.

Maybe I'm in the minority now, but I would never buy something as complex and potentially disastrous as a used car based on some pics and a sellers ad. There are simply too many ignorant, intentionally ignorant, or downright liars selling stuff online.

If it was a car that had documentation & reputation in the community, maybe....

 

I had a similar experience with a 59 El Camino out of Miami Fla. (Ad stated Daily Driver) car showed up with no glass in the doors, dry rotted tires, missing lug nuts and/or studs, wring seats, tailgate was not bolted in etc. but it was rust free, and did make the ten mile drive home from the interstate roadside rest stop that I had the shipper deliver it to . ( He was on his way to long island, and i live back on an old twisty, narrow two lane blacktop)