Buying cars online?

bozo · #1 08-23-2005, 07:30 AM

Have you guys (or people ou know) had any experinces with buying a car online? Bad idea, Good idea? Any experiences?

The thing is when we relocate back to the states early next year, we want to have a Honda Odyssey waiting for us. A 2001 and up would be fine. I was looing on AutoTrader, and there are a few NICE ones on there, and the prices are right too. But should I just relax and wait until I get there to actually see and drive the cars Im interested in?

Sponsored Links

Silver_X5 · #2 08-23-2005, 07:51 AM

I have purchased several cars online and have no complaints. I purchased a 1 year old Mercedes sight unseen (plenty of pictures & 'guarnetees' in emails as to the condition of the vehicle). I had them ship the car up to me and it was just as promised. This was from a dealer and not an individual.

broknlgs24 · #3 08-23-2005, 08:10 AM

i purchased my '03 X5 4.6is online, sight unseen from a dealership in Boston. similar situation as Silver_X5. the only difference was, i had a friend living there; so, i asked if they wouldn't mind checking it out for me first. i had them ship it to me and it was just as promised.

however, on the other hand, i had a friend purchase a van from someone online and it took over 4 months and the threat of a lawsuit to get the title in hand.

i think it what it comes down to is the relationship u build w/ that other person. yeah, there are people out there that will take advangtage of u, but if that other person is going above and beyond, i'd feel safe doing business w/ them. if ur interested, i can even give u thename of the dealership. good luck!

LeMansX5 · #4 08-23-2005, 08:19 AM

Here is my little experience. I sold my 2001 X5 4.4 on www.cars.com to some used car salesman in Boston. Decided the price on phone and he showed up on weekend to pick the car. I took him straight to bank to check his cert check before giving the keys.

Just be careful of those out-of-country guys.

X5Flyboy · #5 08-23-2005, 01:03 PM

Bought my X5 on eBay. - Was nervous, but it was near where I used to live. (And I could get the NYC police on his ass if he was not on the up'n'up) Alot of emails helped to get to know one another. I paid to have it inspected and did a title search. For piece of mind, I'd still have someone you know check it out for you.

bozo · #6 08-23-2005, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burkleymh

Bought my X5 on eBay. - Was nervous, but it was near where I used to live. (And I could get the NYC police on his ass if he was not on the up'n'up) Alot of emails helped to get to know one another. I paid to have it inspected and did a title search. For piece of mind, I'd still have someone you know check it out for you.

Thanks a lot guys! I feel better about it now...I have to see if the vehicle is still available and then I will talk to the guy over the phone...

PersonaNonGrata · #7 08-23-2005, 02:58 PM

I'm sure it is fine for many people but due diligence is key. I almost bought one from a dealer on eBay that had thousands of postive feedback but when a couple of X5 friends in the city where the car was located went to eyeball it, the car was not as described so I cancelled the deal.

motordavid · #8 08-23-2005, 03:56 PM

B: I suspect you meant used...I bought our Vettevert and theCEO's CR-V, new, on line, from stlrs. The trip to both stlrs was my first and only visits there, though both buying experiences went smoothly. As for used, shop hard, whether it's online or in person, priv. or sltr. Ya'll have some time, too. New models are pouring out of the mfg'ers. GL,md

bozo · #9 08-23-2005, 05:30 PM

Thanks MD, Im looking at a 2000 Odyssey in SC. Its about 10-15 minutes from Juan, so if I can find out if the car is still there, he said he'll swing by and have a look at it..

It looks pretty nice. although 104,000 miles, which most Hondas owenrs know its not a big deal at all.

Thanks again for all the feedback..More to come...