I'd never buy a car on E-Bay, but I just bought a 240 sight unseen. On E-Bay, you really don't have time for anyone to do an inspection before the bidding is up. (It could possibly work out to have enough time, but chances are slim.). The car I just bought I had a dealer do a thorough Pre Purchase Inspection on it, including compression tests and leak-down. I got the recommendation for this inspector from the local MBCA member (I just e-mailed him). I talked to the inspector by phone 4 times, and realized that he knew what he was talking about. He gave me a list of problems that was fairly complete (I since found one small rust spot that he missed). With the inspection in hand, I could make a reasonable offer to the owner, which he ultimately accepted. I flew out, and final purchase was contingent on my starting the car and driving it around the block. No problem--it was exactly as the inspector had said. Within 30 minutes, I was in the car, starting the 1000 mile drive back home.

There's no way I could have done any of this through e-bay.

The dealer, by the way, was Silver Star Imports in Edmond, OK.