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Can You Buy an RV on eBay?

Can You Buy an RV on eBay?

You can buy lots of things on eBay: autographed baseballs, shoes, but what about an RV?

It may surprise you that this well-known online auction website also lists RVs for sale.

Today, we’ll look at buying an RV on eBay and whether or not it could be the place you get your next RV.

Let’s get started!

Does eBay Offer RVs for Sale?

Yes, eBay offers all sorts of RVs for sale. You can find RVs for sale from private sellers and dealers across the country.

The website even makes it extremely easy to narrow your search down by criteria, including sleeping capacity, the number of slide-outs, and much more.

You may just find the RV of your dreams on the site.

Should You Buy from a Private Seller or a Dealer?

Buying an RV online can be dicey, especially if it’s a used model. Buying from a private seller makes it challenging to verify the trustworthiness of the seller. They may not be very experienced in eBay or even selling an RV, making the process even more difficult.

However, you also have the option of buying from a dealer. Buying from a dealer typically provides a smoother experience because they have a team of people on their end helping with the entire process.

They’ll most likely help ensure the vehicle transfers from the dealership to you as smoothly as possible.

Whichever route you choose, completing the transaction through eBay gives the buyer access to eBay’s Vehicle Protection Program. This program helps protect buyers from being victims of fraudulent purchases through eBay.

Whether you choose a private seller or a dealer, make sure you have confidence in the seller and are comfortable with the transaction.

Woman shopping on eBay
If given an option, use a dealer and not a private seller when buying a used RV on eBay.

How Do You Get an Inspection on an eBay RV?

If you’re purchasing an RV, even from a dealer, it’s essential to get an inspection done. Luckily, eBay makes it relatively easy to have an inspection completed via their partnership with WeGoLook.

One of their trained inspectors will go to the unit and provide up to 58 photos of the interior and exterior, verify the VIN, note any damage, and include photos of the tire tread depth.

However, some sellers will allow for a third-party inspection before closing the sale. This would likely require you to contact an inspector yourself and have them arrange a time with the seller to complete the inspection.

If a seller has recently completed an inspection, they might not be as willing to allow another inspector into their RV. So make sure you communicate any expectations of an inspection in advance.

Pro Tip: Unsure if an RV listing is a good deal? This is How to Determine the Value of Used RVs.

How to Tell If an RV Listing Is a Scam

It’s important to remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. These scammers typically have a story about how they’re selling the RV because their loved one passed away or is out of the country.

The price will be so incredibly low that it appears they’re practically giving it away for nothing, but there’s always a catch. So if the price is too sweet, don’t take the bait.

Whenever a seller asks to take the sale off of eBay or asks for money in advance, it should be a red flag that something is fishy. Online auction sites like eBay typically provide the buyer with protection and do checks to help avoid fraudulent transactions.

By taking the transaction off of eBay, you risk eliminating any protections you might have otherwise.

Dog sitting in car door. RV parked in lot.
Shopping for a used RV on eBay can get you great deals.

How Do You Pay for an eBay RV Purchase?

Sellers typically expect some sort of deposit within a certain amount of time when completing a transaction on eBay. It’s common to expect $1,000 within 72 hours of the auction ending.

You can then arrange with the seller how you’ll pay the remainder of the purchase. You could arrange to pay in cashier’s checks, checks, cash, or through another form of payment.

Make sure you take note of any payment requirements the seller has put on the listing. If you don’t, you could wind up losing the RV because the seller may or may not accept the type of payment you’re planning to use.

Did You Know: Ebay isn’t just for buying RVs! You can also use it to get RV parts. This is How To Find RV Parts Online.

Is Shopping for an RV on eBay Worth It?

Shopping for an RV on eBay can be a great way to get a deal. However, you should put in the effort to verify the RV is what you’re expecting.

Make sure you get it inspected and read through the listing thoroughly. Ask for pictures or videos from the seller and any information you might need to make your decision.

Keep an open mind throughout the process and trust your gut. If something feels fishy or out of sorts, don’t continue to pursue it. If you request pictures of certain areas and the seller isn’t willing to provide them, it’s not worth the risk.

A seller will likely understand that you would want pictures and information to help make your decision.

While eBay might not be the first website that comes to mind when buying an RV, it’s a great place to check. You may find a great deal on an RV in your area that you can inspect yourself.

You may just find the RV of your dreams.

Would you ever consider purchasing an RV through eBay?

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