Tips on Buying Cars: Buying Used car, autotraders, hair pins

Question
A few small concerns:
One, I see a lot more advertising for online financing. How realisitic is this vs going to a  dealer? It seems online financing also allows you to get a loan for a private sell. I'm just skeptical of getting a loan via the internet. Are there concerns/gimicks to be weary of here?

Also, it seems people are buying more (are they?) via such websites as Autotraders and Ebay. I'm worried about finding a lemon this way.
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Rich
What a great Q you came with, anything you click on the internet will show a profit for someone else... you dont want to give information on the net to anyone...it may be a future to come...people are out there to scam...lets go the old way, you dont want your SOC # open for everyone...
You second Q...Auto trader is a very valid way to shop, and they rule the north ameican market selling cars...E Bay forget it your dealing with a site that sells anything from hair pins to jumbo planes...
As for you buying a lemon...i am in the midst building a website about used cars, not all finished but check it out
http://usedcartips.bravehost.com/  copy and paste
Have a good day Rich
      Ray