Hi, I live in Michigan and want to buy a car in California,how do I protect myself from being scamed?I will have to rely on seller to take car to shippers,seen pics of car that is no problem,just want to protect myself from someone taking my $$ and running,also any advise on title transfer.Thanks for any help.

 

Is this an eBay purchase? If so, check the seller's feedback. Don't buy from anyone with little or no feedback, or feedback less than 98%. Contact the seller and work the deal that final payment (for shipping) will be made upon delivery. If it were me, I would fly out and drive the car back, and I would negotiate with the seller that when I get there, if the car isn't what I was expecting, I can bail out and fly home. As for the title, you should get the signed title with the car and just bring it to the Michigan DMV for transfer. Shouldn't be a problem, but to make sure, if you're having the car delivered, I would have the seller fax a copy of the title ahead of time to make sure it's clean. Buying long distance is risky, but some simple precautions can help.

 

It is not an e-bay purchase,not worried about car just the transaction,I send him a check whats keeps him from ripping me off and never sending the car?

 

The unfortunate anser is. . .nothing.

Is it a dealer or private party? A reputable dealer will be less likely to pose a problem. A private party is another story. Hopefully you've talked on the phone and have established some confidence or you wouldn't have gone this far.

 

It is a private seller my only worry is he told me he is moving out of the country at the end of the month.

 

Buy an airplane ticket and go with the intent of purchasing. check the car out and if you decide to buy it drive it home.

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/newr...&p=1553014618#
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/newr...&p=1553014618#

 

I agree with the idea of flying out and driving home. But it better be a good deal. Maybe find someone on the forum nearby and have him check it out for you and maybe act as a middle man. I don't like that "leaving the country" thing, sends up a red flag for me.

 

I agree. There are plenty of cars for sale in MI, so if you're going that far away it best be a good deal. And you should fly out and drive home. Make sure you buy a round trip ticket. . .just in case. . .

(You could also fly there, check the car out, and have it shipped to MI yourself and then fly home again.)

 

 

 

I only sure way is to fly out and deliver the check personally andwatch it get shipped

 

Frankly, if it's anything over 200 dollars, strick and others are correct: fly out and buy it, maybe with a local CF member's recommendation who's ckd it out first. But don't lay it all on a CF member's shoulders; do a little research and see if there's a professional shop that can also fully check over the car up on a lift, etc.

I mean, c'mon, if you were buying a car in your town, would you just buy it over the phone and never see it until it got to your front door? No. So don't do this one that way either. If you don't want to drive it home because of winter, make prior arrangements to have a transport company pick it up after you've signed all the papers and had the car transferred to your name.

Since the owner's "leaving the country" make sure you think of everything up front. All keys, fobs, books, jack, roofs, wheels, manuals, gas tank locks, wheel locks, spare tires off the car, seat covers (ugh) if any, extra floor mats (I got an extra with mine), car cover, any other parts the person may have. Remember, if s/he is leaving the country, anything left behind may be tossed rather than sent to you, so you may as well ask for it and get it.

You've got a lot of work to do before the end of the month. Are you sure this is a great deal?

 

I canot fly out and drive back,maybe I need a middle man that can be trusted,to do the transaction and take car to shippers,car is in the Hollywood area.Anyone interested?Would be glad to pay someone to do this for me.

 

I agree. This is a major purchase and worth the effort to see the car first-hand before the money is handed over.
If the car isn't capable of being driven back...you probably don't want it anyway.


I live north of San Diego. How soon do you need an inspection? Hollywood is about two hours away for me, but I have a son living in that area and can combine this with a visit to see him.
Let me know via PM.

Larry
code5coupe

 

I agree with LT4ComYell's Post above. If you are seriously interested in this car I'd get a CarFax on it first and if you still want it, fly out and take care of the inspections, paperwork and shipping. What you should be asking Forum members is do they know a good 'vet mechanic near whereever you're buying it (locationwise be very specific..LA is a very BIG city) and also could they recommend a good cross country shipper. I'd also get the owner to send you a copy of the registration papers and while the car was getting checked out go to a local DMV and get what tranfer papers you need and also make sure the papers are good.(if you're an Autoclub member they maybe able to do this for you) I'd allow 2-3 days minimum to get what you need to do accomplished. What you're asking of the other Forum members is unrealistic as there are decisions, signatures etc. that only you yourself can do. I personally think you might be better getting a "pampered"car locally thru a Forum member/Vet club. Cal 'vets tend to be high mileage cars and if they haven't been properly taken care of, an expensive. propostion.

 

I purchased 2 vettes from Texas and I live up here in Canada. What I did was I contacted his bank directly and informed them that I was sending him a money transfer for the purchase of the car, and that some conditions would apply before the money got released. First When the money was transferred I got the seller to go to his bank and sign the title over in front of the banker ie (manager) what ever. Once the title was signed over to me and clear of all issues and liens, the title was then sent to me via ups. Never get them to ship a car with the title signed in it because anyone can sign it over to them selves. These transactions have worked out in the best for me and I have done it twice...I would not hesitate to do it like this again.

 

That is exactly the only real way, unless you have a freind out there who is a wrench to check it out for you.
Another possibility is to ask if there are any forum members in that area to look at it for you, there are MANY knowledgable members in Cal. and pehaps would'nt mind giving it a look see.

 

What country is he going to?

 

Just so it doesn't go unsaid, Larry's offer (rocco16) is a very generous gesture of time, knowledge and ability. And not unexpected from knowledgeable, senior members of CorvetteForum. As is all the other good advice given here by other members.