eBay or not to be

[Sam O'Neill]

hi all

ive been using ebay for the last 2 years now and have found it pretty good up to date. but about 12 months ago when i was buying parts for my mk1 i found a lot of parts didn't fit despite the seller assuring/promising me they would. parts like smoked head lamps & indicators, debadged grills and the infamous mk3 door handles!

I have since sold the mk1 and bought a mk2 GTi. And i am still tempted to buy parts from ebay but a little apprehensive. for example i need pair of fog lights for the big bumpers. but the mounts on theirs dont look like the mounts on mine. its the same situation for light clusters and badges etc. and this problem isn't limited to ebay it happened to me recently when dealing with reputable VW specialist.

I guess my question is "can you trust ebay, or is it better going through a local specialist you can talk to one-on one?"

Of course price is the major consideration. if ebay is cheaper than you choose ebay and vice versa (in my opinion, specialists can be a little more expensive). but in your experience what has saved you more running around (and $$$), ebay or a specialist dealer?

[SOHC]

well...I would choose to run around more
somehow I don't really trust eBay too much, just my feeling
I normally buy things off people I know, from the shelf(if price is fair enough), or just forums(users which can be trusted)
though prices of eBay are sometimes far better, but still some seller just rip you off from shipping I reckon? also if you got the wrong parts...you be wasted heaps of money, so better off getting parts else where

PS: about is only what I believe...in my opinion

[rayray086]

It's inevitable that you will receive aftermarket parts that require modifications to fit. The Mk3 door handles, for example, is not a matter of plug and play - it can be done on a Mk2 with slight modifications, but I'm guessing for a Mk1, it will require some moderate modification.

Having said that, many reputable eBay shops do provide some quality parts, and will provide refunds/exchanges when needs aren't met, but the fact that most of these shops may be overseas makes it incredibly hard and long to get take those parts back for a refund/exchange. I think that eBay is just as good when compared with a local shop/dealer, but the fact that you're dealing with a computer rather than a salesperson/specialist means that you won't get as much communication and as such, convenience becomes the main problem.

For me, communication plays a big part when I want to purchase something, so if I can, I purchase locally. Aftermarket parts to which Australia is relatively low on, I tend to use eBay. Postage tends to flatten the cost differences, so it's definitely more of a convenience issue when purchasing parts.

[gpk_gti]

iv bought alot of stuff for my mk4 gti off ebay.from germany,england and usa.I have never had a problem,maybe because the parts are newer than mk1/2?? I read the description and make sure I ask any questions before I bid.The only time I have had a problem is when I bought a central armrest from a seller in Hongkong.The part was listed as new OE and when it came,it didnt look right.when I took it too the car ,it took me a few minutes to say,FFAARRKK .The car has recaros with black fabric,the armrest has the same fabric with the stiching going oposite to the seats.plastic was also very bodgy.emailed my complaint and my refund only took about 1hr!!
So what you need to do is only pay via paypal as they offer buyer protection if you are not sure the part will fit ok.

[RedMk2Gti]

The Mk3 door handles, for example, is not a matter of plug and play - it can be done on a Mk2 with slight modifications, but I'm guessing for a Mk1, it will require some moderate modification.
.

I bought a set of Mk3 door handles from eBay and only took me 30 minutes to fit into my Mk2, NO modification is required. Mk1 I'm not sure. I also bought several other Mk2 items from eBay and all happy.

To be safe I think you don't buy expensive stuff from eBay, but cheap item like door handle, light, etc. worst come to worst you won't lose much.

[gpk_gti]

To be safe I think you don't buy expensive stuff from eBay, but cheap item like door handle, light, etc. worst come to worst you won't lose much.

you are right.especially if there is no paypal buyer protection.I have bought a $500 r32 steering wheel from germany no probs and $500 forge intercooler from usa no probs.international buying has to be with paypal.

[rayray086]

I bought a set of Mk3 door handles from eBay and only took me 30 minutes to fit into my Mk2, NO modification is required. Mk1 I'm not sure. I also bought several other Mk2 items from eBay and all happy.

My bad, I just thought since it was from another generation, it may have needed modification!

[Preen59]

The Mk3 Door handles fit, but the arm that operates the locking mechanism is too short, easy fix, all you do is get a countersunk 5mm socket screw 4mm long, drill and tap the little arm that flicks the lock, screw the allen screw in the top, this way the arm doesnt move up as far, and therefore can't pivot over centre and jam.

Mine work great and look tops.

But i mean come on dude, what did you expect, they're 5 bucks each!

[syncro]

One of the problems is buying parts from the US where their VWs are different to the rest of the world.

[rayray086]

One of the problems is buying parts from the US where their VWs are different to the rest of the world.

That's really annoying - are ALL cars from their VW line-up different?

[syncro]

No, but you really do have to know what you are doing.
And the seppos think that everything is the same as them! So don't rely on them.