buying truck online, need questions answered.

[mrwilmoth]

Im about to buy a truck off ebay. what is the safest route to go? paypal or some kind of shipping company that will do cod? who has shipping cars online and can give me some info? thanks alot for the help.

[Rdub]

From experience, minimally, have someone you know go and look at it if you can't do it yourself.... or, most areas have vintage auto traders that will inspect and appraise for a minimal fee. Just had one done here in Portland for $35. Most ebay auctions require a minimum within so many days..... Personally I think the whole thing is risky if you or someone you trust doesn't look at it before you bid.

[cdowns]

if you get a printed copy of hemmings motor news they have hundreds of shipping companies listed. shipping companies don't get involved as middlemen you tell them the contact info ,who,what and where from to where to ,they usually require 50% down and the rest on delivery. you must make and arrange all payments yourself.
there are as said appraisers for a fee that checkout cars also listed in hemmings motor news
make phone calls b-4 committing yourself, don't expect to handle it all online

[cowboy33713]

WHOA! Words from one who had a less than ideal experience with this-
Ask about EVERYTHING! Even a poor ad writer will talk around problem areas on a small item; on a truck the potential for problems is multiplied many times!
My truck seller boasted of it's paint, new exhaust system, new brakes , trans rebuilt "around two years ago", and 350 engine "with less than 300 miles on it". Pics were nice.
Front end needs a total rebuild. Electrical system under the dash is the most ugly collection of poorly done splices, loose ends and short circuits ever misassembled on one truck. Underhood wiring isn't much better- was disguised
with newer tape wrapping ( cover-up job). Will need to replace around $600 worth of wiring harnesses if I buy stock type replacements (reproductions as offered by many vendors).
Wiper motor failed after several hours of use. Heatercore had one of it's outlets break off on the long drive home ( Missouri to Florida) in Kentucky.
Replacement heater core had been improperly installed. Fuse for dash lights burns out after only hours of use after repalcement. Found on a LONG downhill run through Tennessee, that the pinion seal on the rear end leaks- gear oil everywhere after that. Someone had degreased everything pretty good beforehand. Found on the rearend case cover, several fasteners , too small to do the intended job, where glued in place with silicone sealer.
Found one bolt head TACK WELDED to the case cover. Nice!
Hard starting one morning on the long drive back- found the inexpertly installed HEI distributor's hold down clamp had never been tightened by the installer. Nice.
Had a WHOPPING exhaust leak by now. Seems if a fastener, like an exhaust manifold flange stud nut for example, was hard to reach, it was simply left off. "LOW milage engine apparently wasn't. Other cooling system woes,etc.
I could go on. Just be sure of a few things:
ASK about EVERTHING. Make a list. INSIST on answer by e-mail, SO YOU HAVE A RECORD that you can file and PRINT! Verbal assurances aren't enough, especially if you are dealing with someone who is into cover-ups or plain doesn't know enough to be safe with wrenches,and cuts too many corners because the truck runs,don't it? You would be amazed at what people can't recall a hour after you drive off.
Make sure that truck is properly documented. No "open titles". Title matches vehicle AND seller. If state of sale requires a CURRENT INSPECTION< be sure this is current! You can check if the state in question has such a requirement on the States websites! CHECK!
INSIST on a REFUND of your deposit if the truck proves unsatisfactory after your opportunity for a detailed inspection. A seller with nothing to hide should have no problem with any of this.
If they balk, say "no thanks",unless you are dead set on this truck.
Hemmings may be a better source, as well as a local "Auto Trader" publication. or even newspapers! SEE it in advance if at all possible.
Hope this helps, be careful out there. Trust No One- unless they prove it.
cowboy33713