The more you know about your seller and the items you are bidding on, the safer you, as a buyer will be.

Know your item

• Research the vehicle you are interested in. If it is a passenger vehicle from 1981 or newer, run a title check on it. Check the Blue Book value before you decide what you're willing to pay.

• Use extra caution if an item is listing significantly below the manufacturer's suggested retail price.

• Be realistic in your expectations of used or older vehicles -- expect normal "wear and tear."

• Personally visit or have an inspection service visit the vehicle to ensure accurate representation.

• Read relevant information published by independent consumer watchdog organizations as part of your research.
  
  Some examples include:

  • The Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Automobile Purchase Guide and Tips for Buying a Used Car

  • The Better Business Bureau's Guide for Buying a Used Car.

  • Verify that the vehicle meets emissions requirements in your state prior to making an interstate purchase. Many states, such as California, have strict emission standards.
    
    For example: New and used gasoline-powered vehicles registered in California must pass the California Smog Check. To learn more about this requirement, review California's Smog Check Rules.

Know your seller

• Know your seller. Check their feedback rating to gauge their selling reputation on eBay.

• Contact your seller with any questions about the condition of a vehicle before bidding.

• Do not place a bid if the seller doesn’t respond to your questions or is inaccessible by email and/or phone.

Note: Per eBay policy, if you are unable to reach the seller during the course of the auction, you may retract your bid once it has been placed.

Additional points

• Educate yourself on eBay's Purchase Insurance & Warranty programs should something go wrong with your vehicle.

• Use caution when considering escrow. To avoid being deceived by fraudulent escrow services, use www.escrow.com, eBay's approved escrow service. For a small fee, www.escrow.com will hold your payment and forward it to the seller after you receive and approve the item.