So I think i'm going to end up buying a 2005 X5 or a 2005 M3. I think I'm going to get the M3, It's too sexy to leave

So, the seller wants to run it through eBay so we're both protected. Is this safe? I'm running the money through eBay, I'm not "wiring" any money, it's ALL through eBay.

I think this is Legit, what about you guys?`

Ya eBay is definitely fine.

Via PAYPAL I hope. Does he have an existing ebay account or is he going to open one just for that?

Are you going to pick up the car in person or is he shipping it?

Shipping, but then again, its with eBay. They have like a $20,000+ protection thing, I think it'll go okay..? do you guys agree?

I would personally like to see a car and examine it thoroughly before buying...but thats my personal preference.

Since its through eBay you should be fine from a safety point of view.

Congratulations on the M3 man!! Post some pictures here once you have it.

They said I got like 4 days to drive it and examine. If i'm not satisfied, I can send it back. to their expense.

I hope I get this car, I hope its everything I expect

Unfortunately the odds are decent that it is a scam.

More detailed advice here: http://www.simplysoldstore.com/wordp...ebay-car-scam/

It's through eBay. As if i'm buying any car off of eBay, I'm not wiring any money or anything...

Still think its a scam? D:

It's a scam. Without reading the great article provided I would have smelled a scam when you say $20,000 is enough protection when you buy a 2005 M3. A 2005 M3 should cost well over that.

Im guessing around, I can check to see what it actually is. Sorry!

Not necessarily.


OP: Paypal, and you're fairly safe.
We do not understand what you mean buying it through ebay.

Ebay makes you pay via a variety of methods. State the method of your transaction.

With private party values for coupes with average miles (65k) at about $26k and dealer retail ones at $30k it's VERY likely you're going to pay more than $20k for an 05 M3. I suppose anything is possible. But as I said, an 05 M3 should be well over $20k.

SCAM..............bait and switich....stay away............find some dealer listed cars on craiglist in your arear and pull the trigger............a car is too big a comoditity to buy without checking it out..........did you pull the carfax on the vin..........very very improtant even if he has a link for the carfax still pay the extra dollars and pull it yourself...........scammers might have a dummy webpages set up to show a clean carfax title or what not...........

Hope this helps.............
javvy

Well, FWIW, in the OP's original post, the seller offered to close the Craigslist sale through Ebay, not through Paypal.

The way the Craiglist/Ebay scam works, buyers are found through Craigslist and offered to close the deal through Ebay. However when the buyer is sent the "special Ebay link" to close the deal the link resolves to a non-Ebay site with no Ebay or Paypal protection.

That's the risk to the buyer.

If they want to do it through eBay, I'm not going to give them any info. I'm going to tell them to start a buy it now auction, and I buy the car as soon as its up. <-- So it's just like buying any car off of eBay?

Ebay has nothing to do with the financial part of a sale. That's covered by Paypal. Paypal will cover you if anything should go wrong

There are a ton of cars out there. If there's even a slight chance this is a scam why be so hellbent to do it? It has SCAM written all over it from the price of the M3 to the way they want to do the auction but if you must learn the hard way...

eBay is usally good, meet in person when making payments for a car I would say.. Man I love M3's.. Any M3 with a Imola Red interior is just a WIN!

Its red AND it has the red interior!

Well now think about how smart that is for the scammer. Use one of the most desirable cars in one of the most desirable color combinations. Works every time. Whether it works this time or not is up to you. If you can pay through paypal, perhaps - otherwise run away

That's what I'm waiting for.. but I asked for a phone number, and if they say they "can't talk," because of some stupid reason, then I know for a fact it's a scam.

I probably wouldn't do it. If they were willing to do this why would they have not put it up on eBay already with a buy it now price? Of course, then they would have to pay eBay their percentage, but probably have much more exposure than craigslist.

However, if you are spending 20K or more, it would definitely be worth the day and travel expenses to see the car in person. It wouldn't cost as much as being scammed. But...you make your move.

Tell them you will travel to where the car is located to complete the transaction and pay for the vehicle. If they dont provide a location and want to assist with you coming there, I would say there obviously is no car to see. If they do provide you with legit info, then you have a little more assurance and they should be happy to resort back to your original deal.

Bought my Benz on ebay. I did not check the car out and relied only on the pics. Don't make that mistake. Inspect it if possible.
I paid a down payment via paypal then after that it's out of ebay's/paypal's control. My bank handled the rest of the transaction though.

Make sure you get the VIN# then check carfax.

Goodluck!!!