Has anyone had any experience purchasing a Jag on Ebay?

 

I did, my wifes 2005 S Type 3.0. A great deal, actually a fantastic deal, but thank god I know how to wrench on vehicles !

Do your research!

 

Yes, I'm trying to research. Some of the information available on the Jaguar Forums that would be very helpful is not available until I pass my three days and ten post milestone. I'm not much of a wrencher unfortunately, so I'd like to get one in as good a condition as I can afford, except I'm not sure exactly how much that is. Its nice to know though that someone has had good luck with Ebay.

 

I did purchase a Jag that was listed on e-bay but it was local so I was able to do my own inspection.

 

I got mine on ebay, awesome deal..I can prob. drive it a few yrs and make money.

 

Bought my 2008 XK on E-bay. Got a great deal and have been very happy with the car...

 

I've had good, and 1 bad, car buying experiences on eBay. There are certainly some good deals out there, but it is also easier to get burnt. My recomendations would be:
1.) know as much about the model of car you are looking for (I am assuming it's a Series I~III based on where you posted this question)
2.) get as many pics as you can (if you can't see the car in person)
3.) ask questions about maintenance (records are always good)
4.) watch awhile and see what cars like the one you want are going for
5.) go with your gut, if something doesn't feel right (seller doesn't clearly answer your questions/doesn't send you a specific pic you asked for) then walk away

Again, assuming you are looking for a Series I~III, there should be plenty out there so you don't need to jump on the first one you see.

Good luck.

Eric

 

There's nothing inherently good or bad about buying a car on eBay. You'll be dealing with someone you don't know on a car you've never seen. Caveat emptor.

 

I did want to add one more thing. Mikey is correct. It'll be your risk. Whatever "guarantee" eBay advertises on the listings is pretty much useless. So proceed at your own risk...not trying to talk you out of it because usually I have been very satisfied, but the 1 instance where I had an issue, eBay was of no help whatsoever.

Again, good luck with your search.

Eric

 

Thanks everyone for sharing your experience with Ebay and your words of wisdom. Good advice and I appreciate it all.

 

Buying "sight unseen" is a huge risk with such a complex and elderly car, so both you, and the seller need to recognise this and adjust the price accordingly. Personally, I would never but on e-Bay, a test ride and viewing is essential for me at least.

 

Let the buyer beware is a good guiding principle here as well as buying any somewhat aged vehicle. There is one listed for a buy it-now-price of $10K; I don't think he'll get it though - a coworker told me once that most of the cars you see on Ebay don't sell - they don't meet the reserve - and I think he was right.

Jaguar : XJ | eBay

Thanks for the info everyone.

 

I see this all the time in my other car hobby- people put their cars on eBay with a ridiculously high reserve. They actually have no intention of selling them and just want a free 'what's it worth' evaluation.

 

Never thought of it in those terms, Mikey, good point. I'll bide my time and look for that one person with the right car at the right price.