Buying from eBay? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

jdkblue · RV-Dreams Family Member

Buying from eBay?

DaveSam · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have a friend who has purchased two RVs on ebay. One was a class C and one a class A. She had several problem with both which proved quite costly. She bought them without having an experienced RV tech check them over. She had no recourse since she bought them from individuals and not dealers. After her experiences, I would never go that route.

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

There's a current scam with online RV sales. The ad makes the RV very appealing, has lots of photos and usually the RV has very low miles and a very good price.

You call and the person at the other end explains the RV belonged to a relative that recently died, needs to get rid of it to pay medical bills that's why the price is low. Needs to sell as quick as possible.

The seller is not in the same area as the RV is located. So they ask for a good faith deposit to arrange to meet the buyer at the RV location (excuses given are something like to pay for flight and time off from work...etc.). The deposit is usually around $3000.

If you send the deposit, you'll never see the money or the RV.

Ebay and other auctions have an escrow service that protects the buyer and seller. If you buy through ebay be sure to use a reputable escrow service (there have been scams with escrow as well). With the escrow you will be able to have the RV checked over by a tech before you ok the payment.

Judy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We would not buy an RV from Ebay without seeing it first so that would mean driving and would not buy on line an RV from Ebay.
southwestjudy

rwarner22 · RV-Dreams Family Member

thebearII had it right. We didn't go through with it but spent almost three weeks with the scammer who followed the approach to a 'T'. When they ask for $ up front, say 'no thanks'.

Randy
www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com

RVDude · RV-Dreams Family Member

Always personally inspect ANY vehicle you buy - period. Have a local RV tech inspect it as well. If buying a rig on eBay, by all means use www.escrow.com to mediate the sale. If the seller is not offering www.escrow.com then make your bid contingent on using it - send an eBay official email to the seller with that as a condition. You will never have any problem on eBay or elsewhere following this plan. BTW - I have used and will use eBay to sell my rig.

TheBobGuy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi jdk, we bought one DP MH from Ebay..actually, saw it on there, then contacted the seller and much later, flew to CA to inspect it, bought it and drove it back to VA. The seller was a great guy and it was a good experience and a great MH. We sold that MH 2 years later on Ebay, under similiar circumstances. The buyer flew down from Wisconsin, stayed with us, purchased the MH and drove it home.
I would do it again, but you always have to do your homework and know who you're dealing with and what you're buying, whether Ebay or any other seller.

It sounds like you're educating yourself, so proceed cautiously, but don't be afraid of giving Ebay a look....just keep your eyes wide open. Good luck and enjoy the process!
M&B

hogans1947 · RV-Dreams Family Member

We purchased our Class A MH on Ebay 4 years ago and it was a great deal. We did buy from a dealer who had a good standing with ebay. The motorhome was in Az. and we were in Ky. The expense to go and get it was ours but the savings was worth it. No money changed hands until we saw it, drove it and inspected it. We would definately do it again. Buyer Beware and you can get some good deals !!!
Brenda