Buying car sight unseen from private party (out of state), anyone do it?
#1
Safety Car
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Location: Conroe TEXAS!
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Buying car sight unseen from private party (out of state), anyone do it?
Long story, found another car a want, its a project car.$2k
Owner has been helpful and forthcoming with tons of pictures and details that I have asked.
Ive looked into transport companies to get the car here, and its realistic for me given the price of the car.
My issue is I have no idea how to make the transaction while not being present. I need to make sure I get the car and title, and the seller doesnt walk away with my 2k.
Anyone done this before, suggestions?
Owner has been helpful and forthcoming with tons of pictures and details that I have asked.
Ive looked into transport companies to get the car here, and its realistic for me given the price of the car.
My issue is I have no idea how to make the transaction while not being present. I need to make sure I get the car and title, and the seller doesnt walk away with my 2k.
Anyone done this before, suggestions?
#2
Le Mans Master
i bought my z06 from a dealer just ne of atlanta, it was a certified car, i had him take a whole boatload of pictures in areas i would be inspecting. then i had a forum member do an inspection of the car before i signed the papers. then the transport people did their own inspection to check for any damage, which was a good thing. when i received the car and the driver and myself inspected it, there was a scratch on the right front bumper cover that was on the driver's inspection report. the dealer made good on the repair.
#3
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
I've done it twice. Once with a boat, once with a car. Get lots of high res pics. Lots. HIGH res.
Establish a relationship with the seller. See if the "feel" legit/honest. If they don't want to play, in any regard, walk away. Also, look for forum members in the area where the car is...pay 'em to go have a look/drive.
Establish a relationship with the seller. See if the "feel" legit/honest. If they don't want to play, in any regard, walk away. Also, look for forum members in the area where the car is...pay 'em to go have a look/drive.
#4
Pro
Sounds like you are satisfied with the description and pictures. I had a larger vehicle purchase where an out of state buyer was buying my vehicle. He had a lawyer down there and asked if I had a lawyer that would hold my title in escrow. Once his money was sent to, and verified by, my lawyer, my lawyer sent the title and gave me the funds. This may be an option for you only in reverse. For smaller amounts there are online Escrow companies that you both can sign up for and they will hold the funds and title and release to both parties at the right time.
#5
Pro
I did it once and it didn't turn out well. As everyone said. Get high-resolution pictures and build that relationship. Also, don;t be afraid to ask forum members local to where the car is for help. I had a gentlemen from the IROC boards go look at an IROC for me in Ohio years ago and i've done the same in Birmingham. Worth a shot at least.
#6
Team Owner
Long story, found another car a want, its a project car.$2k
Owner has been helpful and forthcoming with tons of pictures and details that I have asked.
Ive looked into transport companies to get the car here, and its realistic for me given the price of the car.
My issue is I have no idea how to make the transaction while not being present. I need to make sure I get the car and title, and the seller doesnt walk away with my 2k.
Anyone done this before, suggestions?
Owner has been helpful and forthcoming with tons of pictures and details that I have asked.
Ive looked into transport companies to get the car here, and its realistic for me given the price of the car.
My issue is I have no idea how to make the transaction while not being present. I need to make sure I get the car and title, and the seller doesnt walk away with my 2k.
Anyone done this before, suggestions?
Screw the relationship. Get an escrow service and pay a bit more. https://www.escrow.com/what-is-escrow
#7
Safety Car
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I'm not big on relationships and guessing when it is that far away with a total stranger. Everyone sounds good BEFORE money changes hands. I always assume the seller is a moron and/or a crook. If I cannot do a PDI, and I don't trust him to get one since I have no way to verify how honest the mechanic is without me. Get an escrow service.
Screw the relationship. Get an escrow service and pay a bit more. https://www.escrow.com/what-is-escrow
Screw the relationship. Get an escrow service and pay a bit more. https://www.escrow.com/what-is-escrow
Ill tell yall what is a racket, is auto shipping. They are like vulchers.....and half of them dont speak english real well.
#10
Team Owner
#11
Team Owner
Pay with Amex and they will speak whatever the other party speaks if problems occur.
#12
Drifting
I agree with using American Express. Almost all the "card" purchases I make are American Express. For the couple of the "bad" issues I've had over the years AMEX really stepped in and insured I was taken care of.