Most cars sold on ebay are not inspected by the buyer - discussions after the end of auction are generally far too late, unless the description is good enough! The safest thing to do is to view before bidding but if you can't then then you need to rely on their description - but is the advert description good enough?
The easy way for a seller to offload a bad car without breaking the 'accurate description' rules is to give only vague descriptions:
I've not seen any rot (but I'm blind anyway)
I'm not aware of any ## problems (but I never checked)
Good for its age (fit for scrap because it's old)
Seems ok (means nothing)
or just no description!!
Assume the worst in all cases - email the seller with specific questions about engine (for oil leaks, water leaks, smoke, starting, missfiring etc..). ,then also gearbox, brakes etc...
Ask also about condition of the body structure asking them to list which areas have been repaired patched underneath and the size and quantity of patches. For more modern cars you need more questions, such as locks / central locking working on all doors and boot, and how many keys etc..
If the car is rubbish the seller often gives themselves away by refusing to answer the questions - sometimes no answer and sometimes excuses why they can't answer. Some sellers have been quite rude to me when I've sent a detailed list of questions. In these cases you've saved yourself a major headache!
In some cases they don't properly check. I bought a Civic after seller had stated everything ok regarding my questions. The passenger door didn't lock with the central locking (and it wasn't registered in his name and address, which gave me the biggest concern) so I just walked away. I didn't have any concerns about leaving it, as his statement on 'no problems' wasn't accurate as my query had included the locks.
A genuine & honest seller will usually answer the queries. If the car is good they have nothing to hide. If they inform you of minor problems then at least it gives you some confidence that you're dealing with someone who isn't lying.
On the last car I bought on ebay, the description was far too vague. As there was only a day left I mailed the seller to with a list of assumptions (my list of questions, but assuming everything ok). I stated that if there were problems he could inform me, or block me from bidding, or I'd just not buy the car when I checked it.
As I'm on crutches I needed a car to use without having to fix it! The seller was actually very understanding, and I won the auction for a lot less than I expected.
As it was a modern eurobox - I should have asked about the engine warning light coming on. I didn't ask - and it does come on occassionally - but I'll remember to ask about that in future
Despite that I got a very good deal.
