Vehicle Purchase CheckList
Before you buy
Read the vehicle description—carefully!
Read the seller's description carefully and contact the seller with questions before you go to examine the vehicle. Look for the Ask seller a question link at the top of the listing.
Learn how you are protected
The Vehicle Purchase Protection program helps protect your vehicle purchase against fraud. VPP is available for all eligible transactions completed on the eBay Motors site.
Review the seller's feedback
The seller's feedback rating is a valuable tool to learn about the positives and negatives of a seller's transactional history. When buying a vehicle, look for a seller with positive feedback and take the time to read comments from other buyers to get a sense of the seller's reliability.
Contact the seller
It is important to contact the seller and have your questions answered to your satisfaction before you make an offer or bid on a vehicle. Use the "Ask seller a question" link at the top of the listing.
How to buy
Find out what the vehicle is worth
Before you make an offer, find out what this vehicle is worth.
Get information on title transfer, registration, and taxes
Contact the seller about the status of the vehicle's title, and visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Web site to get information on the processes and potential costs associated with title transfer, registration, and taxes.
Calculate monthly payments
If the seller isn't local, review how much it will cost to ship or pick up (by flying or driving) the vehicle in Shipping.
Estimate shipping or transportation costs
If the seller isn't local, review how much it will cost to ship or pick up (by flying or driving) the vehicle in Shipping.
What to do when you win
Send a deposit
It is common practice for vehicle sellers to require a deposit within 72 hours after the end of a successful listing. The listing should contain deposit information and instructions. If this information is not available, contact the seller directly.
Pay the final amount
Instructions on how to pay for the vehicle will be provided in the listing, or you can contact the seller directly. For your protection, never use instant cash wire transfers such as Western Union & MoneyGram.
Arrange pick up or shipping
It is standard practice on eBay Motors for the buyer to make the arrangements and pay the costs associated with picking up (by flying or driving) or Shipping the vehicle.
Transfer title and pay taxes
You're almost done! The last step is to complete the title paperwork and pay any required taxes on the vehicle. This information varies by state and vehicle type so contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office for more information.
If you have additional questions, please visit Buyer Services or the eBay Motors Help section.