Rooster OG

Or that.

Bradysdad

There is strong meaning behind the term "Sold as Is". Spend the $500 max to fly one way, and see the car. If the seller is serious, he will wait the day or two it will take you to make the trip. If he is pushing for a huge deposit, cash up front, etc... run the other way.

My best friend found a Harley on line that was one of those too good to be true deals. Long story short, he called me for advice and I ended up saving him $9,000 as the deal was a cross country scam.

Good luck to you in your search. Don't forget, there are a ton of pre-owned Vettes out there. Just don't get emotionally attached, use common sense, and all will be well.

themonk

you can't find something closer to you, why are you making life more complicated?

IndyPilot

I know with airplanes, you can do a pre-buy inspection where the seller takes a plane to a certified mechanic and then the mechanic will call you with their findings. Can you do something like that with a car? If the seller is serious, maybe they would be willing to take the car to a shop and have a mechanic look at it and give you an evaluation (obviously, at your expense).

JCar

I agree with an inspector by a corvette certified technician. Another member of the forum may or may not be capable of doing a proper inspection, and frankly, I wouldn't want to take the responsibility should I miss something if I was able to help out. I'd feel awful.
I am sure what it would cost ($100-150?) but whatever the cost, it would be worth it. Even if you went to see it yourself, are you capable of doing a complete mechanical inspection?
Just my 2 cents.

Jeff

Vetteman Jack

But remember, there is nothing like seeing the car for yourself and if needed being there when a good mechanic inspects the car for you.

keeks2915

I have a healthy vette collection and some old Shelby stuff. Many cars I have bought sight unseen after competent inspections.

I would never hesitate to buy cars far away, even if cars are close buy I could see in person. I am not a mechanic but have been in this racket a while and although o know what to look for, only a true expert can catch expensive mistakes. Th vast majority of guys on here would find obvious stuff in person but likely miss some potentially expensive stuff.

I sent a 66 GT350 to Switzerland to a guy who never saw it in person. He had it inspected, had numbers verified with registry and Howard Pardee.

I have rejected numerous cars after inspections but the $500 fee was well worth it to prevent getting into crap.

Inspectors are available anywhere and the only way to go.

Mdm23

It's all about what you're comfortable with. A guy sent me $55,000 for my 13 Shelby sight unseen. Never met and barely talked to him. It was a painless transaction for both parties. I guess I come across as a real trustworthy guy. The car was flawless.

NTMD8R

I have bought 3 Vettes from "other" parties, and 2 Camaros likewise.
I have also sold 1 Vette and 1 Camaro the same way.

Seller must provide TONS of photos of the car, and of all angles, etc., etc.

Then, in your "Sales Agreement" you state that if the car is not EXACTLY as pictured
then the deal is null and void, the Seller will re-imburse all monies paid by Purchaser.

You both sign this agreement... fax/scan copies and send back and forth.

At some point, both Buyer and Seller must trust each other.
In my cases it was always after many emails and phone calls.
Eventually the confidence just happens.

My '92 Convertible, I bought from Phoenix n '93.
Actually I flew down to look, then drove the car home.
My '07 Convertible, I bought from Rhode Island in '08, using the approach I explained above.
Great deal and car.
My '01 Camaro I bought from New York in '04, using the approach I explained above.
Great deal and car.
My '12 Camaro I bought from Florida in '12, using the approach I explained above.
Great deal and car.
My '14 Convertible I bought from Boston in '14, using the approach I explained above.
Great deal and car.

My '92 Convertible I sold to a guy in Nebraska in '99, using the approach I explained above.
The buyer is extremely happy with the deal and car.
My '01 Camaro I sold to a guy in Edmonton in '14, using the approach I explained above.
The buyer is extremely happy with the deal and car.

So... it can work.

But.... if at all possible, find someone to look at the car.

alamo1974