This was a wake up call for me. This seller has no prior seller history in ebay. He is a guy from Romania here on a greencard. I mentioned that he might want to mention some of the defects. He indicated he wanted to get the $500 non refundable deposit and if the seller did not like the van on pickup then he was going to keep the deposit. 

I think talking to the seller on the phone is essential for these auctions to at least get a feel for the person. Also having no feedback on ebay should send up some red flags.

I would have bought it as he did at auction. $1300 + fees for a total of $1575. much more than 2k and I could not see buying it. 

Yes he is waiting for the title from auction company. He is defintely not a dealer or wholesaler. He states in ebay listing clear title. Yikes beware!!!!

ed
  -----Original Message-----
  From: warmerwagen@hotmail.com <warmerwagen@hotmail.com>
  To: Ed DeBolt <eddebolt@SOFTCOM.NET>; Vanagon .com <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
  Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2002 11:49 PM
  Subject: Re: ebay vanagon report item=1837094347

  Auctions that give the buyer title and bill of sale are regulated by law to send you the title no later than 45 days in some states. That's the law in Washington State. I bought a Vanagon from a public auction and I got the title exactly 45 days after the sale. That screwed me up since I was trying to sell it within a month.  Private sellers have to give you a title when you buy the car, some auctions get a little more time. So this seller of the '87 if he is a dealer may be within the law. Anyway he has to wait like I did to get the title. So how is he selling on e-bay without first having the title?Beachten!
  I did this once and learned a hard lesson- never buy a car without a title and never if the title isn't in the name of the private seller. 

  Robert
  1982 Westfalia
  1987 Wolfsburg

    Hi

    I just looked at this ebay vanagon. 87 wolfsburg grey AT

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1837094347

    I think the reserve is $2600. This guy who knows nothing about vanagons
    bought it at auction for $1600.

    decent body. no seam rust except for a little by drivers door. couple of
    minor creases and surface rust on passenger side. drivers side very good

    good alloys and tires. studded snows on rear. fresh Kumho's on front

    good interior. clean. rear facing jumpseats table. pretty respectable
    interior

    defects o plenty

    rough running engine. probably a low compression cylinder in there

    cracked high beam

    no overt head leaks but the heads are likely original and have some chalk
    residue

    minor main seal leak

    big ol hole in rear cross over exhaust pipe. would make it difficult to
    drive home.

    rear blower is history

    A/C no cold air

    decent cv boots

    broken overhead A/C cover where bolts go into roof

    cracked windshield

    Its right near my house if anyone needs more info

    The seller who I would characterize as having questionable intentions says
    he can't get the title for 30 - 45 days

    Ed
    Reno NV

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