Re: 1968 Evinrude 9.8
While we are straying off the topic a little with the EBay discussion, I'll join in, just because it may be useful to the OP in his search.
EBay is like most things - it has its ups and downs. I've purchased two outboards there and have been happy with both. These were one of my '58 Bigtwins and the '72 Jhnson 65hp that I reference in posts all the time. One came from Memphis, Tn and the other from Waco, Tx, which are both a considerable distance from me.
The key to EBay, in my mind, is to accept being burned once in awhile on small dollar purchases and to never bid on any thing over whatever threshold you decide is acceptable as a loss, on things that cost more. I don't bid on outboards, unless I am willing to travel to the buyer to pick them up personally. The only exception to this rule, is that I might buy from someone that I somehow knew to be very trustworthy.
When I win a bid, I ask for a phone number and speak to the seller to get driving directions and discuss the pickup. I tell the person point blank, that if the item is as described, they will receive cash or a bank cashiers check, but if it is not as described, I will reserve the right to refuse the purchase. Some wil say that I shouldn't do this because its a binding auction, etc., but my position is "you lie, you lose." I've never had a problem in doing this.
Like any other source for purchasing something, the "buyer beware" view of things is appropraite on EBay. If you approach it that way, you can do just fine.
BTW, I know a guy who bought a mint Mercedes 240D on EBay in about 2003. The car was from - you guessed it - a little old lady. That was the story given and it turned out to be true. It was barely driven, garage kept and looked like it was brand new. The price? Two thousand dollars!
???
Is the '68 rude something that would be a good buy if in excellent condition for $325? I have no idea about outboards seeing that this would be my first one.
