What you should know about buying a car on ebay...

["Bob Brown" <rwbrwn@xxxx>]

Several members that know me are aware that we have 300 cars. I often read
the daily email newletter, but seldom response because lots of people have
plenty to say without my little addition. I found the 300G rag (sort
of)auction currently on ebay to be most amusing. First I think it should be
pointed out that this seller appears to be honest (if you can say that about
ANY car dealer), and regardless if you like what has been done to the
car---somebody out there probably will--so be it.

Now let me share my little "ebay" story with you... Last year I bought a
300F HT in Texas that was reported to be a high #2 excellent restored
vehicle, with tons of photos and descriptions. At the conclusion of the
auction I bank wired transfered the funds. After a reasonable time and
assurances from the seller via email that he was "making all the
arrangements" for transport, etc., I got concerned and sent my mechanic to
Texas to inspect the car and conclude the deal. We fianlly traced the car
and some very shady people. To make a long story short it turned out that
the car was not as described. It had lots of problems, including a wrong
engine, mismatched numbers, etc.etc. But worst of all the seller did not
OWN or have valid title to the car! Oh, you might like to know that
transactions over $25,000 and across state lines are called "grand thief"!
This is where the story gets nasty, and I won't bore you with all the
details---sheriff, FBI, etc. EBAY was NOWHERE to be found and even after
being notified by the feds of this scam, they continued to allow this seller
to auction cars that he simply took pictures of (but didn't own). His game
was that if one sold and he got paid for it, he would then approach the real
owner and try to "buy" the vehicle with somebody elses money.

The good news is after an extreme hassle, and a personal trip to Texas to
sign warrants I got most of my money back. This was only because I assured
the seller that I would do everything possible to see that he received his
future meals courtesy of the federal government and got a free all expense
paid trip to Florida with free lodging (in the county jail).

I received contacts for several months after this mess was concluded from
others in the same situation who were "inquiring" about this seller. I gave
them the name and telephone numbers of the authorities.

The little gem I would like to share with club members is this, DON'T buy
ANY car on ebay unless you know exactly what is being sold and have examined
the title. Even more importantly don't agree to pay at the conclusion of
the auction. Agree, if you must, to a reasonable earnest money deposit and
then GO or send someone to pickup the car. Examine the title and pay with a
cashiers check when you are happy with your purchase. Anything less is
asking for big trouble. Ebay is in the business of collecting auction
fees, if you give someone your money your on your own... Oh yes, if you buy
hardtops that have been made into convertibles, you probably are also on
your own. Bob