Buying a Car Sight Unseen Long Distance

ChrisBarefoot · **Posted:** Tue Mar 01, 2016 10:22 am

I'm toying with buying a car from a private seller in California. It would likely be sight unseen and I'd have it shipped back. I'd obviously pay for a very thorough PPI.

The car is a 97 E36 M3, 4 door. Somewhat highly modified...Dinan SC, e46 m3 6 speed swap, 3.73 diff.

Any advice from people who may have done this in the past?

My three main concerns are:
- Making sure the car is what he claims
- PPI will help
- Thinking about having him take some videos of the car, it running, etc

- Transferring the money in a safe and secure way so that he doesn't just disappear
- Any idea how to make this more secure and less about trust?

- Getting the car shipped safely and securely
- Any experience with shipping companies?
- Enclosed vs Open?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Jason Mauldin · **Posted:** Tue Mar 01, 2016 10:28 am

I've done this before. One thing you can't get a handle on, is how the car feels to you.

I already had one car that was the same model, and picked up a second one from Florida. It wasn't horrible, but the second car never felt as solid as the first car. The quality just wasn't up to the same level as the one that we already owned. Even though the second car had 1/3 the miles and was a year newer. You can't see that in pictures or a video.

With that said, for the right car/bargain, I'd still do it again. I wouldn't do this for an expensive car, where you stand to lose a lot of money.

We purchased through a dealer and they handled the shipping as part of our negotiations, so I really can't help with the rest of your questions.

Chad Culbertson · **Posted:** Tue Mar 01, 2016 11:00 am

I would guess some kind of escrow for the money would be the smart move. Put the purchase money in escrow and have the car shipped. When it gets delivered and everything seems on the up and up you could release the money from escrow. This would keep you safe from somebody just disappearing with the money since they won't be able to get it until both parties have signed off on it.

ChrisBarefoot · **Posted:** Tue Mar 01, 2016 11:33 am

Thanks guys. Good ideas so far. I like the escrow idea, having an independent third party involved.

BenjaminGuardiola · **Joined:** Wed May 14, 2014 8:31 am **Posts:** 84

http://www.reliablecarriers.com/

No personal experience, but I know they are one of the largest carriers and are used by car museums and high-end auction houses.

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Wed Mar 02, 2016 12:24 pm

You might try PMing Mike Whitney. I think he has some experience with this. However, I suspect that even with his remote purchases that he does inspect the car personally (?)

I have to say that my first thought was...

1. Do as much as you can remotely (PPI, etc.)
2. Fly to CA if all looks OK
3. Examine the car in person, but be OK with walking away and flying back without it.
4. If you like it, buy it (no escrow issues)
5. Drive it back (No third party transport fees... Roadtrip!)

I do understand that has its own challenges. Including the time to do this and the broad assumption the car is not going to strand you in Kansas.

Richard

Chuck Branscomb · **Posted:** Wed Mar 02, 2016 1:56 pm

If I was the seller, I'd never agree to ship away my car without funds being in my account. I would imagine most people would feel the same way. Sending off my car across country with payment in escrow waiting on the buyer to "accept", i.e. like, it when they receive is simply asking for trouble. So I'd just say no thanks and find another buyer.

I've bought three cars out of state, but they were all from dealers, and I drove them all back home. I would take Richard's advice and fly out there to drive and inspect the car. Since it's in CA, you'll have to investigate how to pay for it without incurring CA sales taxes which you will get credit for here, I think, but ours is less than 1/2 of their tax. If you don't take delivery of it in CA, I think you're good to go on the tax front. It's a lot more expensive, but an enclosed trailer is the only way to ship a truly nice car, so that's a personal call imo.

Good luck and let's hear how it turns out.

ChrisBarefoot · **Posted:** Wed Mar 02, 2016 2:14 pm

Chuck, my seller agrees with you

He wants the money in his account before he'll ship it, and I can't say I would disagree if I was in his shoes.

Thanks for the +1 on enclosed. Gas is cheap enough now that even shipping enclosed doesn't seem horribly expensive.

Chad Culbertson · **Posted:** Thu Mar 03, 2016 10:55 am

As a Buyer, I wouldn't trust you with the money in your account, lol.

So I guess that's just one of those hang ups with buying a car remotely. I bet there are services that you can send the money to who will inspect the car and hand over the cash for it and work on getting it delivered. Of course that doesn't help the not being able to drive it yourself though.

It sounds like the one way plane ticket might be the best bet, especially since gas is so cheap currently.

Chris Halweg · **Posted:** Thu Mar 03, 2016 11:06 am

I know on some national forums, others local to the car will go check it out for you. Of course you are drawing attention to the car for local buyers as well.

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Buying a Car Sight Unseen Long Distance

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