Question about Purchasing a C5 over the Internet?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland TN
Question about Purchasing a C5 over the Internet?
I've seen so many beautiful C5's on the board for sale and I was just wondering how safe is purchasing cars over the internet?
If I did purchase a car and had to wire the money, is there any service I could use (like an escrow) with a bank to secure the title?
Any other input would help! Thank you in advance.
If I did purchase a car and had to wire the money, is there any service I could use (like an escrow) with a bank to secure the title?
Any other input would help! Thank you in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
I bought mine over ebay. There protection plan to save you from misleading sellers and fraud is a joke! The C5 I bout has had about $4k worth of damages the seller didnt disclose so far and Ive only had it 3 weeks. Im still happy I got it, but be prepared to throw alot more money into it than you expect 
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Paramus NJ
Same here... I bought mine via ebay. Was lucky though that I could go see it first and then the guy worked with me to end the auction early so I could buy it. It has been a GREAT purchase... even with the little things I had to fix
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,874
Likes: 0
From: Fishing Somewhere Cold
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15
Originally Posted by B-rent
I bought mine over ebay. There protection plan to save you from misleading sellers and fraud is a joke! The C5 I bout has had about $4k worth of damages the seller didnt disclose so far and Ive only had it 3 weeks. Im still happy I got it, but be prepared to throw alot more money into it than you expect
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,459
Likes: 41
From: Spring Branch, Texas
I found mine on eBay. It was sitting at a Lexus dealer in Houston. I asked on the regional area of this forum if someone would go look at it. Had 3 offers of help. One guy went and gave it a test drive and called me and told me to come get it before he bought it. I drove out with a buddy going that way and drove it home. Had a great time! 
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Montoursville PA
I purchased 2 Corvettes via the internet. First was from Corvette Palace - great car, they shipped it from Texas to PA in 2 days.
Second was from a Forum member - exactly as described.
Try to purchase from a reputable person, check references, do your homework. This is becoming more common as people don't have the time to travel all over the country test driving cars. There is always some degree of risk however. Good luck
Second was from a Forum member - exactly as described.
Try to purchase from a reputable person, check references, do your homework. This is becoming more common as people don't have the time to travel all over the country test driving cars. There is always some degree of risk however. Good luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 3
From: Lost in the Pine Barrens with only ketchup and relish packs, New Jersey
Originally Posted by sweetcharity
I don't think that is the case 100% of the time. If someone bought mine over the internet they would be overjoyed at the condition the vehicle is in vs. the stated condition in the add. Not everyone is a scammer. Caveat Emptor, do your research and even ask around on the forum to go have someone check it out for you..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 18
From: DFW Texas
Originally Posted by sweetcharity
I don't think that is the case 100% of the time. ...do your research and even ask around on the forum to go have someone check it out for you..
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 0
From: Clanton AL
Man, I would go see it in person, or hire an independent party (call mechanic in town and see if you can pay him a finder's fee or something to have it checked out thoroughly or there may be another alternative someone else will post) to have it inspected. I personally couldn't spend that kind of money sight unseen.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 591
Likes: 1
From: Moore South Carolina
Pay in person!! Inspect and close in person! Make that the terms of the deal up front. Had two cars (non-corvettes) shipped to me. Both had very significant problems and both were form dealers). Picked up my vette in person, and it's a dream for $4K below book.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,219
Likes: 1
From: Somerset Co, NJ
I would definitely: Run a Carfax report, and without a doubt, just go see any car inperson, and drive it. Pictures hide ALOT of things, and cars always look better in person!
Find one nearest you, or the farthest you will be willing to travel just to check it out, or if you know someone, or a trustworthy Forum member in the area the car is located, have them check it out for you.
I would not buy "sight unseen", I did in the past with an older car (muscle car, non-Vette) and was very dissappointed to say the least. The money transaction went well, though.
Not trying to discourage you, but you'll be better off in the long run.
Find one nearest you, or the farthest you will be willing to travel just to check it out, or if you know someone, or a trustworthy Forum member in the area the car is located, have them check it out for you.
I would not buy "sight unseen", I did in the past with an older car (muscle car, non-Vette) and was very dissappointed to say the least. The money transaction went well, though.
Not trying to discourage you, but you'll be better off in the long run.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 41
From: Corinth TX
You could have an independent inspector like Carchex or some other independent inspection company check it out. And as others have stated you can always get a local forum member to possibly check it out for you. Goodluck in your purchase when you find the right one. I would also venture to say get a months subscription to Carfax that way you can run the VIN. The reason I say get a months subscription is so that you can check alot of VIN numbers to find that perfect car you are looking for. You may want to check and ensure that all of the applicable recall/warranty work has been performed as well. As far as shipping the car, it can get kind of expensive depending on whether or not you are shipping it enclosed or open. As far as buying from an individual, I'm not sure but buying from a dealer is more secure. Wish I could help you out more. I am attaching a link for Carchex. I have used them. I'll send you the link for a car transporter if you need one. One more bit of advice that I can give is ask questions and then ask some more.
Ooops . Forgot the link.
http://www.carchex.com/
Ooops . Forgot the link.
http://www.carchex.com/
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 856
Likes: 74
From: Ave Maria FL
I bought mine over the internet from a dealer but only put down a deposit before I flew out and saw it in person and paid the balance. Heck, I don't have a problem spending 150.00 for an airline ticket if it saves me 2000.00. The car was as nice as promised in the ad.
Pete
04 LeMans mn6
Pete
04 LeMans mn6
