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Buying Vehicle On eBay? (Vanagon Westy)
Hi, guys (and gals). I am looking for a Vanagon Westfalia, 1987-1991. Browsing eBay as well as craiglist and local classifieds.
Have you ever bought a non-local vehicle off eBay? It seems impractical to get a vehicle inspected, or to travel to look at it, in the 5 or 6 days that an auction lasts. Do you just roll the dice? How do you do it? Any good VW internet for sale boards? I know about TheSamba.com, any others? And, of course, any leads on a PP'ers Westy for sale would be appreciated.
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1989 3.2 Carrera coupe; 1988 Westy Vanagon, Zetec; 1986 E28 M30; 1994 W124; 2004 S211 What? Uh . . . “he” and “him”? |
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Greasy Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,457
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It really depends on how much info/ documentation the seller can provide. I live in Indiana, and fairly recently purchased my 325i on Ebay from a guy in Mass. He was able to provide alot of photos, and copies of maint receipts. The day after the auction ended, I hopped on a plane, flew to Mass, called my insurance company while waiting for a cab, took delivery, and drove it home!
-Nick
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Owner: Bennington Motorsports www.benms.com Sponsor for Midwest Region 944-SPEC racing series -When was your timing belt changed or tensioned?? -Yes, I'm the crazy man that will loan out my 9201. Just PM me, I will add you to the list and get it out ASAP. |
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Banned
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: cutler bay
Posts: 15,141
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saw a couple on c=list in mid fla [tampa I think]
cheap too 11-1200 link http://tampa.craigslist.org/car/index300.html Last edited by nota; 02-12-2007 at 07:31 PM.. |
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another round please
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Carmel In.
Posts: 4,452
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I've bought 3 cars on E-bay over the last 10 years and have been very happy with all of them. Maybe I'm lucky, but if you trust the seller with the info and pics, then go for it. All of my purchases have been great. 1 Jaguar XJS just as described. 1 Jaguar XJ6, just as described, and 1 Porsche 911, almost just as described. They were all over 1000 miles from me and I would buy again, if the opportunity came up. Also, I've sold cars and bikes on E-bay, but I'm honest and they were just as I described. Good luck, and I also like those Vanagons, or whatever they're called.
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Getting old is not for wimps. |
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THE IRONMAN
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I bought mine on e-bay...very please with...get somebody to give a look for you...If a Pelican is near the car's location...I am pretty sure than he can help you...!
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1984 911 CARRERA RUBY RED TARGA SW CHIPPED-BURSCH CATBYPASS MONTY FREE FLOW EXHAUST <IN GAS WE TRUST> |
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I've often wondered this too. There have been plenty of SCs over the years I've looked at, most of which were on the other side of the ccountry, but being still rather novice on PPIs and the like, I'm glad I've waited...
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1978 911 SC coupe (whenever-I-get-to-the-lake driver) 2008 VW R32 #2846/5000 Past Rides: 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport-lifted |
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: the beach
Posts: 5,150
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The Samba is the best web site. For the least amount of risk, you should buy from GoWesty, but the prices are way up there. Of course, a GoWesty car is pretty much like new. A lot of people go that route; I wish I could.
Back to the Samba. It's a lot like Pelican, in that there are many people who will help you through a purchase, and someone to do a PPI in most places. Craig's list will not have this. I'd only buy if I can see it first, unless I can get a reliable PPI. If you find a Westy near me, let me know. I can check it out for you.
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Charlie 1966 912 Polo Red 1950 VW Bug 1983 VW Westfalia; 1989 VW Syncro Tristar Doka |
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: the beach
Posts: 5,150
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Oh, and if the prices at GoWesty are not a deal killer right off the bat, but you're worried about their quality, etc. don't worry. I've known the founder, Lucas for over 20 years. I used to hang out at his Porsche restoration business that he ran with Craig Watkins. Craig went on to found Smart Racing Products with Jerry Woods. Lucas is about the best mechanic I've ever met. Actually, GoWesty westies are better than new.
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Charlie 1966 912 Polo Red 1950 VW Bug 1983 VW Westfalia; 1989 VW Syncro Tristar Doka |
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Who is John Galt?
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 638
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I've bought two, both within a day's driving distance. One from a dealer and the other private. Both times, I called the seller and got them to agree to a sale pending inspection to take place within a few days following the bid. Then I drove over with a cashier's check, and in both cases bought the car. Easy as pie.
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'79 911sc Targa '02 slk230 kompressor '84 Tamiya Falcon A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been 200 years. |
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I can't believe the GoWesty prices. They are about $10K more than they were running 2 years ago when I was pondering one. Has the market strengthened that much for them?
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: the beach
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Quote:
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Charlie 1966 912 Polo Red 1950 VW Bug 1983 VW Westfalia; 1989 VW Syncro Tristar Doka |
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Bought a Buell Lighting (motorcycle) on eBay, it had been laid down on the right side, seller didn't mention the damage. Bought my 85 Carrera on eBay, everything was good except for the bad synchros on 1 & 2, which again the seller didn't mention.
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Ken Justice 1985 Carrera (Ruby II) 1973.5 911T CIS (Ruby, gone but not forgotten) 2004 Buell Lightning (aka Elbow-Crusher, crashed) |
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Holy shnikes is GoWesty expensive. Damn... Westy's are cool, but jeez. Plus, I prefer the older ones.
If you find one in CO and need someone to look at it, just give me a holler. Bill |
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Slackerous Maximus
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 18,192
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I bought my 1982 911 off E-bay. I was happy with it.
I should say that I waited quite a while for the right seller. If e-mailed them questions, and I got back some BS response like "Don't worry! Its a GREAT car!", I left it alone. I asked the previous owner of my car a simple question, and he went on and on in detail about the car its quirks. I thought, THIS is the guy I want to buy are car from. He obviously loved it.
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2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor. 2012 Harley Davidson Road King 2014 Triumph Bonneville T100. 2014 Cayman S, PDK. Mercedes E350 family truckster. |
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Todd, Westys do seem very expensive considering most have 150K miles. But since there is no equivalent vehicle in production, I guess I can see why the premium. Prices do seem to be flat if not rising. Probably hold its value as well as my 89 Carrera. Unless/until VW comes out with a new Westy - but since plans for a new Bus appear to have been shelved, I think that's not likely.
By the way, can we in the US buy and import a car from Canada? I'm in Oregon if it matters. Anyone know?
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1989 3.2 Carrera coupe; 1988 Westy Vanagon, Zetec; 1986 E28 M30; 1994 W124; 2004 S211 What? Uh . . . “he” and “him”? |
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Quote:
![]() BTW: NOT trying to hijack anyone's tread!
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1978 911 SC coupe (whenever-I-get-to-the-lake driver) 2008 VW R32 #2846/5000 Past Rides: 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport-lifted |
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Quote:
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Charlie 1966 912 Polo Red 1950 VW Bug 1983 VW Westfalia; 1989 VW Syncro Tristar Doka |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NJ
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I bought my SC on Ebay
I had a good experience when I bought my SC on Ebay. I put my bid in and went to lunch when I got back and I saw I was the winning bidder my balls went into my throat. For $8700 I think I got a good deal. Took a Metro North train from NYC up to Beacon NY. Had all the paperwork ready to go ahead of time. Just drove it back to Jersey and never looked back.
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