I've always had my mechanic look at my past cars for the seal of approval. Boy has he saved me from buying some rat traps! I figure flying out and have a local AAA approved shop give it the once over. What do you guys think?

 

Also considering a car out of state (i.e. from autotrader.com)

 

I haven't, and frankly won't because like you said, you can get screwed over. Only way I would is if it was local and I could check it out. too many things could go wrong. That, or the price was so low even a blown engine wouldn't bug me.

Dr.

 

I bought mine on eBay..('91 fastback)....at the end of summer and it's been perfect...no problems at all....plus I got one hell of a deal too....I was looking at local S13 in the twin cities and they were asking $3,000-$4,000 and I got mine on eBay for only $2,100 and it's super clean! Just becareful as to what you are looking for....make sure that you ask the seller a million questions before you buy it...

my car from eBay...

 

That is a sweet looking ride!

 

you should just talk to the owner. let him know that if the car isnt up to standard that you will be wanting your deposit back after inspection.
you should work these things out with seller before you bid/buy.
that way you can sleep better

 

Did you pay shipping too? (just wondering)

 

i have bought and sold cars on ebay. Just remember if you pick up the car in person to look it over carefully because if they didn't accurately describe the car you can either talk them down or not take the car