Ebay or Autotrader? Or Neither? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #1 07-08-2009, 05:31 PM

Within the next month or so, I'm going to put my 1986 300SDL up for sale. At first, I'm simply going to advertise it in this forum, thinking it to be the most likely place to find people who will appreciate it.

After that, I'm thinking either Ebay or Autotrader. Any thoughts as advantages/disadvantages? It's been a LONG time since I sold a car...just trying to figure out the best method/medium to attract the right kind of buyers.

Thanks!

snookwhaler · #2 07-08-2009, 05:41 PM

Down here Craigslist see's more activity than either of those sites.

I think a lot of people have lost faith in e-bay with all the crap that happens and is sold on there now.

TraderOnline will attract more buyers from all over. But I have found that Craigslist gets a better response in my experience.

Skid Row Joe · #3 07-08-2009, 05:45 PM

craigslist

Cr from Texas · #4 07-08-2009, 05:55 PM

Why did you decide to sell it since you have one of the more desirable models?
Since you are in the rust prone northeast, I would assume it had a rust problem without seeing it first. For that reason, I'd recommend the local Craigslist as the best venue. Potential buyers would be able to see what they are buying. Expect a lot of tire kickers and low-ballers.

Jeremy5848 · #5 07-08-2009, 06:01 PM

At least here on the west coast, Craigslist car shoppers tend to be bargain hunters looking for something cheap. OTOH, no cost to try. I agree that the forum is the best place to start.

snookwhaler · #6 07-08-2009, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

At least here on the west coast, Craigslist car shoppers tend to be bargain hunters looking for something cheap. OTOH, no cost to try. I agree that the forum is the best place to start.

I agree with that. You would probably get a better car from the here. Or at least one that has been maintained to some extent. There are a lot of cars out there that have "been left out to pasture".

shertex · #7 07-08-2009, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cr from Texas

Why did you decide to sell it since you have one of the more desirable models?
Since you are in the rust prone northeast, I would assume it had a rust problem without seeing it first. For that reason, I'd recommend the local Craigslist as the best venue. Potential buyers would be able to see what they are buying. Expect a lot of tire kickers and low-ballers.

Because the other two I have are (to me) even MORE desirable. My agreement with my wife was that, if I bought the 91, I had to sell one of the others. If it were entirely up to me, I would keep all three.

No rust...my daughter has had in down in VA, in PA before that.

Squabble · #8 07-09-2009, 09:11 AM

i got my first 300D from AutoTrader. i got my second from this forum. if you want more traffic to your door, list it on all of them and reserve the right, in writing, to end all sales and auctions if it sells locally. i find craigslist to be full of people looking to really haggle down your price. and listing it on a local craigslist means that people who may only be 50 miles away and want your car will never see it. of course, the scum on e-bay will probably win your auction and then tell you they just can't swing that kind of money. whatever you do, good pics and thorough descriptions sell cars, especially on the forum.

tbomachines · #9 07-09-2009, 09:23 AM

If you're going to post it on here, just make sure you have a thorough description with nice big pictures. Any information about the usual problem areas is good to know on here too. The classifieds are known to be scrutinized and highly criticized if they are not up to par with some users' expectations. Beyond here I would go to craigslist and cars.com...ebay is not worth the effort.

BTW I might be interested if you are not asking too much for it.

RichC · #10 07-09-2009, 10:06 AM

I have had really good luck with Craigslist here in the Dallas area.

I usually take lots of pictures, inside and out.

I try to pick the best 4 pics for the craigslist add,
and give a link to where the rest of the pics are.

I try to mention all kinds of specifications and lots of details
about the vehicle I am selling.

And I add something like "first person to put the cash in my had gets the car"
To keep the problems to a minimum.

zeke · #11 07-09-2009, 10:58 AM

x10 craigslist - bought both mercedes and sold a nissan p/u, jeep cherokee, and toyota matrix over the last 3 years on CL.

rrgrassi · #12 07-09-2009, 01:41 PM

Keep the MB's, dump the two Hondas, I say!

pawoSD · #13 07-09-2009, 03:06 PM

We've bought two from ebay, and three from craigslist....good experiences on all of them....though the guy selling the 300D was a bit strange.

TylerH860 · #14 07-09-2009, 04:16 PM

I'm a craigslist junkee as well. I have bought 4 Mercedes and sold 4 Mercedes on it in the last year.

Every Mercedes I listed seriously (not a feeler kind of ad with a higher price) sold within 24 hours, all of which at asking price or within $250 of it.

Wodnek · #15 07-09-2009, 06:50 PM

Craigslist, free, effective, some flakes, but flakes are everywhere.