Safe Buying Tips for Vehicles

Buy and sell vehicles, parts and accessories online on eBay Motors

How To Buy



	Safe Buying Tips for Vehicles


	Key Steps		How eBay Can Help


Safe Payment Methods

Do not: Do not use Western Union or MoneyGram or other Instant Cash Transfer method to purchase a vehicle.

Do:
	Perform cash transactions in person only.
	Use caution when using a wire transfer. Request the seller's contact information to verify that it is consistent with the information on the bank account.
	Contact the seller if you are considering sending your payment through an accredited escrow service.

Refer to the item page to obtain specific payment instructions from the seller. Contact the seller to ensure that you are comfortable with the proposed payment method.

Read messages from MoneyGram International and Western Union advising their customers NOT to use their instant cash transfer for any eBay purchases.

Learn more about safe payments on eBay Motors.

Work with the eBay Financing Center to secure a loan. The seller gets a check and you get the vehicle and title.

Request the seller's contact information before sending a wire transfer to verify that it is consistent with the information on the bank account. Click the "Ask the Seller a Question" link on the item page to ask the seller about acceptable payment methods.

Visit the eBay Security & Resolution Center for more safety tips.


My Messages

To avoid spam, fraud, and assure the eBay communication you receive is legitimate; only respond to messages received in My Messages.

	My Messages is located in My eBay and contains only legitimate eBay Second Chance Offers, announcements, and other eBay system announcements
	The eBay Toolbar can assure that you are not visiting a fraudulent eBay site.

From a safety perspective, the bottom line is this - If the email affects your eBay account, it's in My Messages. If you get an email that looks like it's from eBay about a problem with your account or requests personal information and it's not in My Messages, it's a fake email. Please forward it to spoof@ebay.com.

Only eBay systems can send messages to you. My Messages is a place where you can be assured that all messages come from eBay. No off-site, third-party can send you messages because there is no email address for My Messages.

To avoid spoof and phishing sites, download the free eBay Toolbar from the eBay Security & Resolution Center


Vehicle Title Transfer

	Is the title clear?
	Does the seller have the title ready to transfer to you?
	Do you know your state's title transfer requirements?

Click the "Ask Seller a Question" link on the item page to ask about the title and determine whether it is available and clear.

Get a vehicle history report if you are unsure about the vehicle title history.

Obtain a vehicle title transfer with your qualifying loan through the eBay Financing Center.

Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to learn about your state's title transfer requirements.


Vehicle Inspection
Before you list or bid on a vehicle, get it inspected.

	Bid with more confidence on sight-unseen vehicles
	Discover unknown or undisclosed damage early to avoid disappointment for buyer or seller
	Check for hurricane or flood damage

Order a complete mechanical and cosmetic inspection from SGS Automotive, eBay Motors' recommended nationwide inspection partner. See photos and inspection report online within 24 hours.


Loan Check Payment

If you secure a loan for your purchase, you should verify the terms of the loan:

	Does your loan apply to person-to-person or dealer transactions?
	Does your loan require the vehicle to be inspected by the loan provider?
	Can you use your loan to purchase a vehicle that is available in a specific state?

Click the "Ask the Seller a Question" link on the item page to ask the seller about your loan check payment.

Contact the eBay Financing Center regarding loans for eBay Motors vehicle transactions at competitive rates. Every loan is person-to-person, state-to-state, with no inspection requirements.

Visit the eBay Security & Resolution Center for more safety tips.

Vehicle Purchase Protection

The Vehicle Purchase Protection program protects your vehicle purchase against fraud and material misrepresentation. This program is provided by eBay Motors for FREE on all eligible transactions completed on the eBay Motors site. There's no sign-up, opt-in, or registration necessary. Your vehicle purchase is protected for up to $50,000.

See if the vehicle you are buying is covered by eBay’s FREE Vehicle Purchase Protection program – most vehicles are.

Look for the words "This vehicle is eligible for up to $50,000 in free Vehicle Purchase Protection" under the Buy Safely box at the top right of any vehicle listing

Find out more about the coverage at http://pages.motors.ebay.com/services/purchase-protection.html
Always make sure to close your eBay transaction online (by placing a bid, clicking Buy It Now, or making a Best Offer) in order to be eligible for VPP or other eBay purchase protection. Offline transactions are not covered.

	Vehicle Shipping or Pickup It is standard practice on eBay Motors for the buyer to make the arrangements and pay the costs associated with picking up or shipping the vehicle. Do you know the vehicle shipping cost? Do you plan to pick up the vehicle in person?				Click the "Ask the Seller a Question" link on the item page to ask the seller about vehicle pickup or shipping arrangements. Get a vehicle shipping quote instantly!

Other Questions?

Visit the eBay Security & Resolution Center for more safety tips.

Click the "Ask the Seller a Question" link on the item page to ask the seller additional questions about the vehicle or the transaction.

Visit the eBay Motors Tips & Advice pages for step-by-step information about vehicle transactions.

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