[mdmiller911]

I know the common trend now is to buy via internet w/out physically looking over it with your own two eyes. Personally, I would never drop alot of money on a big purchase, such as an old Porsche, unless I knew %100 that I wouldn't get hurt. I have read more horror stories about Ebay purchases than I can count but these transactions still occur.

All of the 911s I have seen on Ebay and been interested in buying have been let downs when I physically checked them out. The first was a 1970T that was rusted through and through. In the description, the seller did say that there was rust, but not that substantial! The pictures looked great and on the phone, he was pleasent and seemed genuine. Our opinions just differed when it came to quality. I also drove over 400mi round trip to see a 83 euro 930. It was a beautiful car! But the turbo was dead, the engine was beat, the clutch was toast, tranny was terrible...... But the pictures looked great and he sounded honest on the phone. He thought it ran great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE TURBO WAS SHOT!!!!!!! (on a side note, he bought the 930 less than a year earlier off of Ebay from the west coast for $20,000) I have a few more stories but they ended up the same way.

Ebay is a great advertising/selling tool. In Pittsburgh, there is a very small market for Porsches and finding them w/out driving a long distance to see them is few and far between. Alot of us are most likely in the same situation. I have seen many 911s I would love to buy but I stop short of clicking BUY IT NOW because I know that there are more shady sellers looking for the quick buck than honest ones.

It makes me angry when I read these stories about people selling rust buckets on Ebay but claiming that it is "in great condition". Then they hide behind their vague descriptions and disclaimers. Then they blame the buyer for agreeing to a misrepresentation!

Has anyone had a pleasent experience buying a Porsche, or any other classic or desireable car from Ebay? If so, please post and reaffirm my opinion of the Ebay society.