Buying Vehicle On eBay? (Vanagon Westy)

jyl · jyl's Garage

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.

many944s · 02-12-2007, 07:06 PM

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

nota · 07:31 PM

saw a couple on c=list in mid fla [tampa I think]
cheap too 11-1200

link

http://tampa.craigslist.org/car/index300.html

strupgolf · 02-13-2007, 10:38 AM

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.

Zef · Zef's Garage

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...!

porsche911girl · porsche911girl's Garage

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...

ckissick · 02-13-2007, 03:13 PM

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.

ckissick · 02-13-2007, 03:22 PM

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.

Rondinone · 02-13-2007, 03:42 PM

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.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

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?

ckissick · 02-13-2007, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nostatic
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?

Look how many say "Sold". Westys do seem to be getting more popular.

hatpix · hatpix's Garage

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.

911boost · 911boost's Garage

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

HardDrive · 02-13-2007, 05:17 PM

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.

jyl · jyl's Garage

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?

porsche911girl · porsche911girl's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by jyl

By the way, can we in the US buy and import a car from Canada? I'm in Oregon if it matters. Anyone know?

I'd like to know how much hassle/expense is required to import a car from the UK or Europe into the US...probably wouldn't be worth the price and emissions laws tho...

BTW: NOT trying to hijack anyone's tread!

ckissick · 02-13-2007, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jyl
By the way, can we in the US buy and import a car from Canada? I'm in Oregon if it matters. Anyone know?

Yes, you can, but it's a major hassle. It's not necessary, since there are plenty of Westys in the US. Don't even try the Canada route. My Tristar listed below was bought from Germany. I paid for it last June, and will be picking it up next week. California smog issues were a big reason for the delay, but so was US customs. A Tristar is a pickup truck, never sold in the US. That's why I imported it. Not so with a Westy. Don't, I repeat, don't try it.

hook682 · 02-14-2007, 09:14 AM

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.