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Another Ebay Rant

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Mark_Gibson

Mark_Gibson

Jedi Trainee
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I was reading the thread on the poorly described TR-7 and it reminded me of all those TR-6's listed that are described as "Mint" or "Newly Restored". The pictures then show an engine compartment that looks like an oil fire waiting to happen, a flat black spray job on the inner fenders and underside of the hood, and numerous serious flaws that anyone with some 6 knowledge would look at and cringe. My favorite recently is some consignment company listing a "Concours Restoration" TR-6 for 31,995!! Looking at the pictures, I guess it is maybe a 250 point car. My only satidfaction was that nobody with more money than sense bid on it. It's a shame that there are knuckleheads out there selling cars that are poorly described or worse, fradulently presented. Buyer beware is right!!

Mark
1970 TR-6
 
OTOH -- it is possible to obtain a fine car at a good price thru eBay. You certainly want to talk to the seller, see a lot more pictures than the 4 or 5 on the typical listing and inspect or have inpsected in person.

I wasn't able to do the latter due to the cars location but when I purchased my TR4 I reviewed 122 detailed digitial photos covering virtually every square inch. Still took a measure of trust which was enhanced by talking to the seller. Also took a bit of luck I suppose.

Bottom line -- I believe the car was a bargain and have enjoyed the heck out of it for the past 4 years. Never would have found it w/o eBay.
 
George,

I'd agree with you....I've sold 3 cars on Ebay and bought a 73 TR-6 that my brother in law just bought from me! There are many honest people out there, it just seems that there are many TR's listed without the seller telling the whole story. I think the number of photos and the depth of the description tells alot about the car, as does looking at the feedback rating of the seller.

Mark
 
It always pays to find someone (maybe from this forum) who lives near the car to take a look for you. Guys and Gals from this list would be an excellent set of eyes to help determine the truthfulness of the seller.
 
I would certainly be willing to look at a TR in southern Arizona &/or recommend an honest competent mechanic for an inspection.

That would have been a great comfort to me in my deal but if there was another Triumph (much less a forum member) on that little island I would have been very surprised.
 
Ebay is a great thing....you just gotta be careful(like everything else) We've sold a car through ebay and made many other smaller purchases and I am yet to have a problem.There are alot of people on ebay that I'd never deal with....Recently I saw about 3 MGB's all listed at the same time by the same owner(feedback of -2!!!!) he had a field of LBC's all in a pretty rough state....Very little description, unclear pictures...I don't think he got any bids...wonder why???lol

Zack
 
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