It's not EBay, this forum, or that forum where the problem lies.... it's the people you're buying it from. Ya gotta do your homework and look at what they are selling, what their feedback is, how recent it is, are they selling for someone else, estate sale... etc etc.
I buy used stuff all the time, but I know what to expect. If I have to fix a couple things, it's no big deal....
as long as it is "AS DESCRIBED".... if it's not, then good luck with the claims process.
As stated previously, I only spend an amount of money on eBay that I would be comfortable lighting on fire. Well, maybe comfortable isn't the right word - I still get ANGRY when I get screwed over any amount of money, but on eBay I try to keep it to an amount that, if it disappears, it doesn't really affect my life in a negative way. Because of that, my purchases are limited mostly to O-scale vehicles, rolling stock, and figures. I've never bought a loco from eBay except for a couple N-scale pieces that fell under my 'limit'.
I feel the same way about gambling, which I do only rarely. I'm the kind of guy that can always find something "better" to do with $50 bucks, even if it's just eating 
I have had 3 bad deals from OGR members. # 1 I bought some rock molds an when they arrived they had holes in them and tares taped up with electrical tape. The seller got mad at me and told me "let the buyer be ware". # 2 I bought some street lamps and DPDT switches. When they arrived 12 of the 42 light globes were broke off from the switches smashing them. After testing the lights another 10 had wires broke off the globes. The switches he sent me ended up being SPDT switches. I E-Mailed him with no message back from him. # 3 This one I am still waiting on. I bought 2 engines and sent the money order I did not hear from him for A few weeks. I asked him if he had gotten the money order yet? He said yes but he was having A problem finding one of the engines. I told him when he finds the other one to send both of them together. I waited another 2 weeks sent another message if he had found it yet. That was A week A go and I still have not heard from him yet. I will see what happens on this deal. 
Choo Choo Kenny
Most of my engines were bought used. I buy them off ebay, train shows, a couple here on the Forum, and several from my favorite hobby shop when I get to Milwaukee.
I have had good luck with these, no major problems and some really good deals. The main problems that I had on ebay were with a caboose and a RPO, and I might have avoided that if I had studied the photos closer. If the item has only one photo I usually pass on it, but many sellers now are including photos from all angles.
I have only ever been able to afford used locomotives. Aside from Williams stuff, everything I have is used. I have gotten screwed on Ebay but it was my own doing, for not reading up on the descriptions, or checking ratings. Getting caught up in winning auctions isn't good for a person of my make-up either, so I will go months without buying because its just not good for me. I have had excellent experiences buying and selling on this board, and it almost feels like family. I make a sale or buy something, but the communications are always very friendly, like I'd expect to meet up with these guys at the next train show. I wish I'd known of this board five years ago.
I like buying used. That said, whatever venue I use for a 2nd hand purchase, I do my homework and check feedback, etc. I'm pleased to say that using the buy sell forum here has led to many excellent transactions, and no problems. I've used ebay and other auction sites and by being careful, really reading descriptions, looking at the photos, and emailing any questions, I have completed many transactions that way with minimal issues.
There is always an inherent risk in buying used, but make your offers accordingly. If I can't price the risk into the transaction, I'll wait until I find what I want at the price I'm willing to pay.
Jon
One thing I have learned is to first and foremost, "buy the seller!!!"
Conduct extensive research and get comfortable with who you are dealing with before you commit to the transaction. I still buy and sell quite a bit on the bay, so I do find their feedback forum quite useful. It also aids tremendously when I myself decide to sell an item.
That being said, I buy used quite often.
I've bought 2 locos off Ebay. One was a new engine from a MTH dealer on Ebay because that was the only place that had it. The other was a GP-9 Custom. It was DOA. It's not uncommon for connectors to come off during shipping. I opened it up and found a connector unplugged. Plugged it back in and the loco worked. Most Locos I buy are from train shows.
All of my locos were bought used. Some VERY used! lol
I prefer buying at shows where I can try them out, but have bought a few off eBay. Only had trouble with one eBay item but the price was low enough I just decided to cannibalize it for parts for other engines.
Hey Mikey, good to see you active here on the forum
My only online purchases were a few Williams engines and those were new in box items. I have purchased a few used MTH and Lionel engines at swap meets and York and so far no issues. On the other hand I have sold a few engines mostly here on the forum and likewise no issues were reported back to me.
Steve
I will buy used, if I know I can fix it, parts are available, and there are good photos posted.
I just make sure the price is right.
Honestly though, bang for the buck some of the new releases are better deals.
I buy both new and used locomotives from either train shows, ebay and I have once purchased an engine off the forum. I don't mind purchasing used locomotives and I like the feeling of finding one for a good price. my last find was a Lionel TMCC A.T.S.F E6 4-4-2 for $180 at a train show.
Not bragging -just talking sound policy, but I am at 100% positive feedback and endeavor to only do business with a seller that has 100% feedback, or possibly 97% or so with good responses to complainers.
I only buy new engines. Less headaches and you'll get a warranty on engine. I will buy used buildings!!
I think the poster's suggestion has merit but may not be practicable.
I have made three purchases here. Two had serious issues. One was perfect (from another known gentleman here.) Both the bad sales were from well-known sellers. Lesson learned, buy it new from a good dealer or buy it in person at York or another show where it can be tested.
Also, forum/internet notoriety is not equivalent to reputable. Also remember that forum participation can be simply another form of marketing and sales. I say this not to be difficult or rude but because some of the folks here seem to equate forum participation with integrity. I would try to urge people to be more wary so it doesn't cost them their hard-earned money.
Generally, I would not buy trains on ebay either. Too many shysters and the feedback system is designed to generate positive reviews only, unless the sale is a debacle.
Caveat Emptor!
Also, forum/internet notoriety is not equivalent to reputable. Also remember that forum participation can be simply another form of marketing and sales. I say this not to be difficult or rude but because some of the folks here seem to equate forum participation with integrity.
RAL,
Over the years we've had quite a few people join the forum just to use the Buy/Sell forums. These are quickly weeded out by forum members, some faster than others.
God Bless,
"Pappy"
Thank you Pappy. Funny thing is that one of the sellers has close to celebrity status. I don't want to say more, but it is a point I wanted to make to share with others. As Rick stated, caveat emptor. Fortunately, the expense of repair was not excessive (although still in the hundreds of dollars) and via the forum I was able to find a competent and honest person to fix it. Happy Friday.
About half of the 30 locomotives on my railroad (all with PS2) are previously owned. In overview, my experiences buying from OGR Forum members and eBay have been favorable.
There has been only two second hand engines on the dead track. One of the dead engines has been a pain in the derriere, and its a Rail King Berk.
Often I want a locomotive that is out of production and no longer available over the counter, so buying from the OGR Forum and eBay is my only option. I also have a dollar amount limit that puts many locomotives out of reach, so this is another reason buying used works for me.
My rules of thumb:
> I never buy untested locomotives. The seller must state that the locomotive was tested and all functions work. I will not buy from a seller who charges for testing as does one major seller on eBay;
> I never buy from a seller that does not answer questions promptly;
> I never buy from a seller without a return policy;
> I never buy from a seller that has a rating less than 95% on eBay.
Most of my engines have been purchased new from my now closed LHS, a few used at local train shows, and one recently here on the forum.
With regard to the one here on the forum (and i hope this doesn't get deleted), it was a new in the box MTH 30-2627 PRR RS1, from forum member Dan Gibson. All i can say is that everything could not have been more perfect. Great communication, fair deal, accurate description, careful packaging, prompt shipping. The seller showed integrity and concern through the entire transaction. It would be great if everyone acted like Dan.
jackson
That is a tough situation. With newer stuff, one should make sure the item has a guarantee of replacement or return. I recently purchased a nice MTH PRR Mikado on auction. Beautiful loco, run very little, nice box, all paperwork etc. Was found by my DCS system loaded and ran like a champ. Purchased a MTH PRR E6 also on auction, a similar situation, beautiful, little run time, nice box with all paperwork. Shorted my system as soon as it went on the track. From what I gathered someone had swapped out the MTH battery for one of those Capacitor types. Must have done something wrong when they were inside the tender. I was able to return for a refund.
Older models like a 681 or 675, if its original, clean and not rusted, it doesn't matter as I have the ability to fix them easily.
I've had great luck with sellers on OGR and the bay. The difference is, the OGR community takes better care of their items... and it shows. 
Got burned once on the bay on a guitar purchase. It was not nearly as described. The knobs were damaged and the pots were static-y and the wear was awful. I opened a case and they found in my favor, and I shipped it back. Took weeks though.
Gentlemen, I thank you for your replies. As you all have seen, there is the good with the bad. So, taking in all of the information, one can come up with a guide in how to purchase used engines, and the process of checking the person selling the same, and what to look for / watch out for. I hope that everyone can follow this wealth of information that has been presented here in this one topic. Let us enjoy the hobby that we have. Take Care, Michael 'Santa Fe Mike' Sudlow.
About half of the 30 locomotives on my railroad (all with PS2) are previously owned. In overview, my experiences buying from OGR Forum members and eBay have been favorable.
There has been only two second hand engines on the dead track. One of the dead engines has been a pain in the derriere, and its a Rail King Berk.
Often I want a locomotive that is out of production and no longer available over the counter, so buying from the OGR Forum and eBay is my only option. I also have a dollar amount limit that puts many locomotives out of reach, so this is another reason buying used works for me.
My rules of thumb:
> I never buy untested locomotives. The seller must state that the locomotive was tested and all functions work. I will not buy from a seller who charges for testing as does one major seller on eBay;
> I never buy from a seller that does not answer questions promptly;
> I never buy from a seller without a return policy;
> I never buy from a seller that has a rating less than 95% on eBay.
Similar to a very good set of rules I saw posted off the forum although his minimum rating level was 98%. If the price is low enough I'll violate the "not tested" and "no return" rules. Have scored big doing this but it's a gamble. Also, have had "no return" sellers take returns if good diplomacy is used. They will consider whether they want your repeat business and if they have a high rating they're not going to want that dinged for being unreasonable.
To Anyone / Everyone who has bought used equipment and had problems with the same.
I am the service technician for my model train club here in Farmingdale, NY.
I feel bad for the members in my club when they buy an engine either through eBay or other sources and discover that it is not in the condition it was claimed to be in. As in example, right after Hurricane Sandy last year a member bought, through eBay, a cab forward engine from a seller, I believe from Staten Island or New Jersey. Prior to running the engine on the layout, I check the engine for lubrication and other maintenance items. The problem with this engine was that it was immersed in salt water, rendering not only the electronics ruined, but most of the running gear and other items corroded. The club member was able to get his money refunded, but I never got a conformation that this individual was reprimanded by eBay for this situation.
An another time an engine was brought in, brand new as the factory cellophane was still on the box, and the engine was evidently ran and re-packaged. The beauty of this particular situation was a battery, not factory installed, was in the unit and had gone bad and had started to electrically rust out. Again, the member was able to get a replacement item really brand new.
I feel that if enough of these situations occur, a Watch Out List should be made so people will be extra careful before Buying/Ordering engines from less than reputable Dealers and/or private individuals.
I welcome feedback from the forum on this subject if anyone has had similar situations occur to them and how the problem was resolved, and hopefully it ended in a positive note.
I have sold and bought a fair pretty amount of 3-rail trains on eBay. I have never had any problems with any buy/sell transaction.
A few months ago I bought a Lionel A-B-B-A set from a the OGR Forum's For Sale or Trade site. I did have some problems with one of the powered units and when I explained it to the seller he offere to buy them back at the price I paid. I explained that I really wanted to keep the units and planned to send them to Lionel for repair. The seller made a generous offer to pay for the repairs. I thanked him and said that we could split the repair cost and I would pay for the shipping & insurance.
His concern was genuine. His offers were more than fare and I have never even met this person.
Off the forum I have mentioned this experience to my train buddies and they were most impressed. He is a real stand-up guy. He knows who he is. For the most part I would not hesitate to buy anything from him or any fellow forum member via the forums Sell/Trade board. We have something special going on here and I hope it last for a long long time.
I have recently contacted Lionel and they told me the repairs are finished and that my units would be sent back as soon as a second tech verifies the repairs.
I hope to see them next week.
Happy Railroading.
PS - I won't mention his name here... but if you see something on the Sale/Trade listed by marker you need not worry.
Good topic... I tend to buy most my stuff used. I have bought numerous units here and was slightly disappointed once. But, at less than half the MSRP in a short period of time I got over it quickly. I have been extremely lucky on ebay. One seller had a "almost new" GP9 at an incredible price and I bought it. When it arrived it was hard to tell from new. A week later same seller posted an ABA set. I bought it and it was never run.
As someone else already stated the principle of "buy the seller" could never be truer. I also dabble in high end watches and following that principle I have never been disappointed.
I've bought a fair share of stuff on Ebay and been burned a few times. I always check the feedback and decide from there. I will tell you that I left a bad feedback for an especially nasty seller and the feedback was deleted and they still have a 100% rating, so that is not always correct either.
Dan
I try to avoid Used products on the EvilBay, as the sellers do many tricks such as not disclosing items that might have broken cosmetic parts.
They state it is "used", and in excellent condition, but they do not show the poor sections in the pictures they provided either.
I have even received items listed as New that were not New.
Frankly, I only buy from OGR sponsors, and a select few sellers on EvilBay that I trust.
And then there are the sellers who do not like the price you won at, so they generate a shipping label to fool EvilBay and PayPal, but never ship it.
Forcing you to make a claim/dispute to get your money.
And of course, tons of shill bidders like Hobby Speed and Trainz.
My recent engine purchases through online auctions (none through OGR forum listings):
9/22/2014 MTH 20-3079-1 Santa Fe Blue Goose Hudson 4-6-4 Steam Locomotive and Tender
One can motor doesn't operate, apparently since factory new: seller replaced the motor at no cost
1/4/2015 Lionel 14571 Santa Fe Alco PA AA Diesel Locomotives
Listed as "C-8 Like New" and "Functional"
No speed control, engine accelerates uncontrollably using TMCC, hairline scratch down side of one engine
Seller is repairing currently (under their warranty/cost?). I'll probably get the scratch out with a little automotive wax
I've grown more skeptical as you might expect. All purchases with the same seller who has generally been very helpful when I have brought these issues to their attention.
Certainly anything can happen, but I have bought many used locos and rolling stock items, and have had -almost- no trouble with any of them. Mostly on DaBay. I do not know how
some buyers keep getting problem pieces, and I do not know how anyone would bid or
buy-it-now with out looking at the buyer's Feedback and all the photos available. I also research the item in general, mostly online.
On daBay I avoid:
- Feedback under 98% positive (an exception: large, known dealers who do a lot of business, and deal with their own share of flaky customers).
- Ultra high s/h - this is gouging.
- No PayPal
- Strange and convoluted (and long-winded) "instructions".
- Political and anti-daBay sermons and rants; regardless of the points, this guy has an
agenda, and it it -not- about satisfying you.
I am cautious about first- or second-timers. No track record. I did that a couple of months ago on a substantial (not ultra-high) item. Worked out fine.
I buy used mostly, now. Don't buy like I used to. Maybe I'm more careful than some, and
it's all about luck to one degree or another, as in anything. I've bought (and sold, once)
an item or two on the OGR Biuy/Sell Forum. Not much. I should pay more attention to it,
I guess. Or not - I don't need any more!
I've bought lots of used engines and most always they are great! The one exception was a "virtually new" locomotive with PS3 etc.... The item arrived with one of the tender's truck frames broken off. Upon close inspection I could see the glue used to repair it. Now the seller did a refund and said he couldn't believe it was poorly repaired but that sure looks bad as a seller now doesn't it! I didn't leave bad feedback because his feedback was stellar on eBay and I guess it COULD happen that it was fixed before he got it new?
Anyway.... I have sold a few things and gotten some people angry. One, a 1500 switcher was shipped in the factory box with factory outer carton showing no damage yet the front and back pot metal truck ends were broken upon arrival. It took it back. Then another time I sold a few K-Line double stack well cars on here and I obviously didn't pack those well either (I swear I've sold plenty of stuff that was perfectly packed and received guys!) and got an angry email from the OGR member about my job. I told him I'd do WHATEVER he wanted to make him happy! I know how it is to not be happy witha purchase and I don't want that bad JuJu/Karma whatever on me! He picked another car I was thinking about selling for free instead of taking a refund or returning them.
I guess my point is.... we all make mistakes but buying used is almost always ok to do! But when you do mess up your true mark as a human being is how you resolve the matter! If on eBay look at their scores! I have perfect scores btw. If on here, you may want to click that person's profile and see how long they have been a member and even what they have said or do on here. It may show you that person is just a troll or just joined OR has only been on the for sale section!
I guess my point is.... we all make mistakes but buying used is almost always ok to do! But when you do mess up your true mark as a human being is how you resolve the matter!
There you have it. When something goes awry, you hope to be dealing with a decent human being familiar with The Golden Rule.
Honestly though, bang for the buck some of the new releases are better deals.
I think you are on to something here, and I have to agree totally. What few used engines I have looked at were priced at or just slightly below what you could purchase them new for at a good high volume dealer. They also would have had no warranty.
I pay a bit more because I almost always buy from my LHS and they are a little higher than the big dealers, but I get full warranty and have a place to take it back to if it doesn't perform as advertised, which fortunately has not yet happened.
I've had two interesting transactions with our Forumites. The first was him sending the completely wrong B Unit even though I gave accurate description/ and pictures of the plug wire-tether from my A unit so we could match it up. A quite old K Line B Unit arrived after my check cleared.........to his credit the man took the wrong one back and refunded ALL MONEY...even shipping (I told him that part wasn't necessary).
On the second transaction the seller wouldn't ship until "after the Christmas rush". And he had cashed the check about December 1st! He claimed he didn't want to try the crowds at the USPS! wow! greedy and self centered!
I buy 80% of my items used, both locomotives and freight cars. I have been burned a couple of times but I didn't do my hw and the seller didn't fully describe the item, UMMM. he said he looked and the certain parts were missing- after the sale. It was a 3rd rail brass locomotive off this forum. Sunset no longer carries the parts for the older locomotive, so live and learn. And were both TCA. The only good thing is that I bought it for 1/3 of the original cost so I can live with the imperfections. Now if I sell it in the future you bet I will describe all the imperfections. As for freight cars and I know this is about locomotives but I save typically more then 1/2 or more off the price of a new item, whether it be Atlas, Weaver, Lionel or MTH. I just have a tough time justifying buying a new locomotive unless its a must have so I wait and I get it used. The same with track buy it used, and I still buy the occasional new item. But like everything in Life its still a crap shoot.
I think it's simple. I write to the seller and make a judgement whether to buy based on the reply. I ask several questions, many of which are redundant with descriptions they give. I've had very rude replies like, "can't you read the description?" If a person treats me like that I pass, no exceptions.
I've been buying online since 2000 and find developing a relationship before I buy works well. If sellers don't write back, I never buy.
The locos I buy are 1940s and 50s Lionel that are pretty simple and are hay duty. I think, If I was in to the more modern models with all the electronics, etc.I would want to buy new unless I knew the seller and dealt with him successfully.
It's not EBay, this forum, or that forum where the problem lies.... it's the people you're buying it from. Ya gotta do your homework and look at what they are selling, what their feedback is, how recent it is, are they selling for someone else, estate sale... etc etc.
I buy used stuff all the time, but I know what to expect. If I have to fix a couple things, it's no big deal....
as long as it is "AS DESCRIBED".... if it's not, then good luck with the claims process.
How about the EBay feedback mechanism?
I always check feedback before I bid on a lot.
And I leave feedback for almost all transactions.
That does not work 1 most don't leave feedback 2 if buyer goes through ebay and as much as says with ebay help I got my money back they remove the feedback so you don't know there was a problem Ebay even thou I use it is for buyer not seller and a lot of time buy after getting refunded can't leave feed back also. it's pretty bad when all you can do is leave positive to a buy when they leave negative and they where the problem ie had one said engine didn't work left negative I complained to ebay it was still left as negative even thou engine worked fine there was nothing wrong when I got it back.
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