Has anyone ever done it?
What's that expression, like buying a pig in a poke?
It would seem you might get lucky and win with a low bid but then there is no way of knowing what you have bought, a real jewel or a collection of aircraft parts in who knows what kind of shape.
As you can see I am new here so be gentle with me.
Larry,
I bought both my 150's on eBay. The first had a high time airframe and needed some work done, but for about $2000.00 I replaced the rudder pedals, mixture and interior plastic. The cost was $16,000, plus my two and I sold it two years later for $24,000. It did look allot better when I sold it. The second was a nice airplane I bought for $24,000. It had new glass, a new interior, and new paint, a mid time engine and low time airframe. I recommend a prebuy inspection and I would ask the seller if he will make the final purchase contingent on the inspection. Both of the sellers in my case where more than willing. If they aren't, don't bid on their airplane.
EBay, IMHO, is a great place to buy planes (and cars) for a good price. It will also give you a feel for what an airplane is really worth and what you can get for it when you want to sell it later.
Good luck!
