Manheim offers multiple ways to make sure I get what I’m expecting. I cansee a pre-purchase inspection on most cars, which tells me about prior
paintwork, tire tread depth and more. And then I pay extra for a post-saleinspection, where they look for frame damage and major mechanical
issues. Even then, there is usually some undisclosed damage or issues tocontend with when the car arrives. But it’s a manageable risk for an
experienced buyer such as myself.
eBay is a bit of a special case. I sell lots of cars on eBay, and try to be verycareful to not misrepresent what I’m offering—and I have a 100 percent
satisfaction score to back it up. But I would never just buy a car off of eBayfor a client without an independent inspection, as there is lots of
misrepresentation on eBay. Dealers call it the “whore’s market.”
TIP: If you’re buying out of state, get a thorough inspection.I emphasize this based on personal experience. In 2004 I bought my dreamcar, a 1995 Ferrari F355 convertible, from a dealer in Naples, Florida. I had
done all my research on problem areas for that car, so I flew down toNaples to drive and inspect it and negotiate the deal. But I didn’t pay for an (^)
independent inspection.
When the Ferrari arrived on a transport a few weeks later, I was soIt rolled off the truck and started right up. I pushed the button to lower the excited.
top. It started to retract, then stopped half way—sticking straight up! The