I am looking at bidding at quite a nice FFRR on fleabay and think I know what the reserve is, so stand a good chance of winning it.

If I do win it, anyone bought a car off ebay and got any tips? i.e. I imagine you go and look at the beast and have an AA/RAC inspection before parting with any cash. Obvs HPI check (it says it's clear but I never trust anything until it's been confirmed).

Anything else?

You should do all your checks BEFORE you bid. You are committed to go through with the purchase once you have bid. Not sure what happens if you don't though.

According to this article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/advice/how-to-buy-a-car-on-ebay/

Steve Heywood of eBay says: "Private individuals buying cars should inspect them before purchase, and if the item doesn’t meet the description, they are under no obligation to complete the purchase." What do I put here then?

Is it worth having someone have a look over the car for you before you bid?

The challenge with eBay sales is always what the ad doesn't say & therefore can't be held against them.
I've just bought a RR from what appeared to be a very regular trade seller , operating from home with a very extensive ebay ad for a superficially attractive car at a reasonable price.
Absolutely no problems mentioned in the ad, but a test drive / inspection by me ( offered without any concern by the seller) revealed significant smoke on acceleration, reduced power, non operating steering wheel tilt mechanism, passenger door intermittently not opening from the outside, air con vents with broken internals, paint damage in various areas including large scratch down the side of the car & very damaged wheel nuts.
After seeing the car in the flesh, I decided I could deal with the issues, but only at a lower price.
After some discussion, the dealer accepted my (£1000+) lower offer.
I would NEVER risk bidding on something with such potential to create multi thousand pound bills if there are unreported issues, you only find after you've paid up! Paul,
2001 Discovery 2 TD5, 211,000 miles & climbing
2006 FFRR TDV8 Vogue 151,000 miles & now sold
Member of Midland (Land) Rover Owners Club, www.mroc.co.uk

You don’t go to ebay prison for not completing ...

I have no qualms in walking away from a winning ebay bid if the vehicle is not as described when I arrive to close the transaction , which has happened twice- although usually view before the listing completes if I can.

Never gone with AA/RAC inspection as I’m pretty clued up ( or research the model before buying) and check it out myself , bu I always get the HPI report , check out the DVLA databases etc

I also ask a lot of specific questions on the phone and in writing beforehand . Never had an issue with the seller when I’ve pointed out that the reason for not buying
You don’t go to ebay prison for not completing ...

Just purchased my FF via an ebay ad from a private seller - couldn’t be happier with it.

Thanks all

@mattsff - what did u buy? (Don’t forget to fill in your profile-it helps others when u ask a question)

I bought a 4.2 SC

Profile is updated but not showing for some reason