buying a car long distance

[trulyvintage]

Originally Posted by 2manycars

When buying a car long distance, what is a safe way to exchange the money for the car when the car is being shipped by truck? I am concerned about sending thousands of dollars to a person I dont know, as it is always possible they may get the money and I may not get the car. I cant expect them to send the car without the money, but I am concerned about sending the money and waiting to get the car. Any thoughts on this?

Back to the subject at hand...

A wire transfer is the safest and most economical way for
both the Seller and the Buyer to complete a sale.

As far as getting the car - if you can't show up in person
and " kick the tires " and drive or trailer it away ...

Find a hauler to deal with directly that requires no deposit
and hauls direct from pick up to drop off

Do not send the title or ownership documents with the vehicle
but send by Overnight Express Mail with Delivery Confirmation


On a side note - if you do not feel comfortable buying a car
at a distance that you cannot ' see in person " - then don't

Lots of folks buy vehicles site unseen with great success



Jim

[mccsix]

Over the past 20+ years, I've bought many cars sight unseen and haven't been burned yet.
Only if you pay attention to what is being said, what is not being said and how the answers come back at you. The sellers voice, attitude, avoiding direct answers, his cooperation in describing the car, discussion of car's faults, and so on.
Your personal evaluation of the seller along with a LOT of pics can keep you out of trouble.
My problem with long distance buys, centers on the transportation drill you have to go through if you're not going to pick up the car yourself. The biggest bunch of consistent liars and smoke blowers are transport car haulers. 90% are brokers even if they tell you they are owner/operators and they are out for their $300 broker fee first and foremost. To get your name on a contract, they will tell you any story that match you circumstances you've outlined to them. They are a notch below car salesmen.

[Richard Wilson]

" what is not being said" mccsix

Sometimes that is the most important part of the conversation.

[Chris in WNC]

amen to that, Richard.

in 2002, I was interested in buying a Chrysler or DeSoto Airflow.
went to the Airflow club web site and asked them for advice; was warned to look out for rust problems because of unibody construction.
found a great-looking DeSoto on eBay, Hoop & I were preparing to go to South Carolina to look at it.
phoned the seller and asked him specifically about rust damage.
he tap-danced around that question over and over until I was easily able to figure out the answer even though he refused to give me one.

sometimes the best deal you get is when you don't buy.......

[mccsix]

Well my new Huckster is finally enroute.

And I just finished convincing the transport broker that they would be hearing from FTC and STB on their bait and switch tactics. And apparently they can read my will to go after them better than they can construct an honest contract. They agreed to credit my account as a "gesture of good will".