Anyone bought a car from Ebay?

You should buy mine, I'm local and you can't get ripped-off from a neighbor that everyone knows...
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ferrari-348-TS-1991-Ferrari-348-TS-Red-Tan_W0QQitemZ320141294804QQihZ011QQcategoryZ6212QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

I think personally checking out the car and having a ppi done before you buy ANY car, much less an F-car is a no-brainer!!!

 

Never hurts to ask... Good luck on your search, there are several guys that have shops in our area that could do the PPI for your candidate. I reccommend Bob Saville (naroescape).

 

Yes, the owner should take it to a mechanic that you both are agreeable to. Not necessariy HIS mechanic, as that opinion may be a bit biased. I purchased my first two Ferraris from private sellers, and inspections were performed, no problem. In each instance, the seller took the car to the shop.

My current 355 spider was purchased from Ferrari of Seattle. It was a very pleasant experience.
Remember, that while you may not get a warranty with a used car from a FNA dealer, they have a reputation to keep, and I personally know of many instances with both Ferrari of Seattle and Steve Harris Imports, assisting an owner with a problem that comes up later. No private seller will do that. FoS helped me out in a big way with some issues that cropped up with my car (cam seal leak, driver's side window regulator, exhaust clamp, etc... and don't kid yourself, a window regulator costs $1400 plus labor to instal!) They stood behind the car they sold me 100%.

 

Ebay is used as more of advertising when people are selling cars. I would guess most cars are not actually SOLD thru Ebay, but FOUND on Ebay. Then you and the seller work out the details from there. My car was listed on Ebay and at a dealer on consignment when I found it. I went strickly thru the owner and bypassed Ebay and the dealer to make the deal happen...

 

This is why I would discourage a first-time Ferrari buyer from going the eBay route. You're embarking on a bit of an adventure with a new used Ferrari, and you're going come out better buying from a known entity (and admittedly there are reputable dealers who sell on eBay, along with all the crooks and scammers).

Also, 'cheaper' doesn't usually equate to 'better' -- a lot of bad Ferraris get sold on eBay because that's where you find bright-eyed newbies more focused on a great deal instead of a great car.

 

Good point! eBay IS actually good for scams and fraud.

 

You're driving distance from Sport Auto and Ferrari of Atlanta -- two prime sources of F355s. Call Sport Auto and tell Steve Jones to find you a good one. They won't sell you a timebomb car.

IMO, you'd be better off that way than fishing on eBay hoping to get a cheap F355 that's had all the expensive issues addressed.

 

Exactly how I bought my car. I found it on e-bay and contacted the seller. Made a deal contigent on inspection and sent a deposit. That gives you more time to go look at it and you won't get caught up in a bid war or have it stolen at last minute. All the seller did was end the auction early and took it off e-bay.