Date:         Sun, 22 Apr 2001 14:10:51 -0700
Reply-To:     Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.COM>
Organization: Genentech, Inc.
Subject:      Re: buying vehicles on Ebay...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I purchased my '87 Westfalia camper on Ebay, just about one year ago.
Bought it from a couple in Grand Junction, Colorado. Took Amtrak out to
get it (I'm in San Francisco) and drove it home with absolutely no
problems.

The opening price was $8500, which is what I was able to get it for; no
other people entered the bidding. At the time, this was about $3K below
average blue book value, and the van came with a VW remanufactured
engine with about 30K on it, which is why I bid on it. It was much
cheaper than Westfalias being sold on the west coast, so I figured I was
getting a good deal.

Prior to bidding, I corresponded with the sellers, who sent me
additional pictures and answered all my questions. By the time I placed
my bid, I was really comfortable with the camper and was prepared to pay
up to $10K, but fortunately that wasn't necessary.

In addition to the camper, I have purchased stereo equipment and
videos/DVDs with absolutely no problems. As another poster stated, and
as is stated on Ebay's website, there is an implicit contract in effect
between buyer and seller when the buyer's high bid is accepted. The
buyer is expected to make good on it.

dan