For Ebay users, car people, and other interested parties

[snowman]

Afternoon, friends. I've never used Ebay (though I've looked there for smooth target grips on occasion). I also do nearly all the maintenance/repair on my vehicles and my girlfriend's vehicle. We both drive Toyota Corollas, which have lived up to the hype in our case and virtually never need anything more than basic maintenance.

But nothing's perfect of course and now the cruise control switch on my girlfriend's car is broken. The electrical component works but the control arm has failed.

Some of you are aware that oem Toyota parts are very high priced. This part runs $218 at my area dealer. I really hate to see her have to pay that kind of money for this if she doesn't have to.

I decided to look on ebay and discovered a seller in CA who has sold oodles of used parts(very likely owns a salvage yard) and has a 97.5% favorable feedback record(read through them last night, and was impressed with how he answered the negative ones). He has the part, and has tested it and found that it works as it should. He wants fifty dollars.

Experience has taught me that buying used electrical parts is somewhat risky, so there's that. I'm also wondering if this is the exact oem part I need; it sure looks like it in his picture, but the picture doesn't always tell the story.

So I thought I would get some of your views and gain from your experience, whoever is willing to offer it.

Thank you in advance for any insight.
Andy

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Modest experience with ebay, mostly older bicycle parts. Curiously enough when I found an English 3-speed I wanted the seller was in NJ so I drove down to get it. I spend more time perusing Craigslist, have done very well there. Sounds like he is on the level, you might check his return policy.

 

[goatsnguns]

I have had good experiences on eBay. One of my rules is don't buy from anyone that does not allow returns.

 

[Rodan]

I have bought many used and new auto parts on eBay over a couple of decades now, and my experience has been overwhelmingly positive.

Even for new, OEM parts, eBay is better than many of the online suppliers, as you can see a picture of the part, and shipping is disclosed up front. I've gotten into the checkout process with some OEM parts shops, only to learn they want to charge $30 shipping for a part that will fit in a small envelope!

If you can determine the OEM part number for what you're looking for, it usually makes it easier to find on eBay. You do have to have some knowledge going in, as I have seen many parts mislabeled on eBay... some of them would bolt on and work, but may have been from different years, etc.

 

[Protocall_Design]

He sounds like one of the better eBayers. You may want to check out Rock Auto first and see what they have. We buy a lot of car parts from them, and have never been disappointed.

 

[DWalt]

I recently needed to replace the steering wheel cruise control buttons on my Ranger. I bought them new off eBay for less than a quarter the price the dealership was asking, used YouTube to learn how to replace them. A simple job once you know how. Over the years I have bought many auto (and appliance) parts off eBay without problems. Youtube and eBay are your friends. I once found a needed clothes dryer replacement part on eBay that was impossible to find anywhere else. It was a little expensive, but buying an expensive repair part instead of buying a new dryer is a real bargain.

 

[Valmet]

Been n eBay for 18 years as a buyer and seller and with one exception (as a seller) have had a great experience. My one gripe is that as a seller, one cannot leave neg feedback for a non-payer. A sellers only recourse is “reporting” it to eBay. It’s my understanding a buyer can be a non-payer multiple times before any action is taken.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Have bought a number of items eBay.
But no used Electronics!
What kind of warranty-return does that seller offer?
I was made whole on that one ounce Silver Libertad that was apparently taken by a U.S. Post Office Worker.
Caveat emptor?
Damn Straight.

 

[oink]

I'v e had fairly good luck gluing some plastic interior parts. You may have to experiment with glues to find the one that works for that particular type of plastic. On a few instances I've found acetone to work well. Wet both sides of the break with acetone and press together. Some plastic doesn't respond well to any glue. JB Weld slow set, along with some aluminum plate reinforcement worked well to rebuild the center console box on the same Hyundai. It was just disintegrating from age and exposure.

I've also had pretty good luck with ebay. Chinese switches for my 05 Hyundai doors worked well. Even the main control switches for the drivers door. Replacement Chinese headlights not so much. They fit but don't last near as long as OEM before clouding up. Used electrical parts are a gamble. Used plastic parts that died from old age and UV exposure are a gamble if the replacements are the same vintage.

Good luck.

 

[snowman]

You fellows have all been very helpful and I appreciate it much. I'll keep all your suggestions in mind as I move toward a decision.

Many thanks,
Andy