How do you purchase an out of state vehicle?

[Tony_SS]

I'd like to hear how it's done. I'm shopping around for something, but the whole process of buying long distance is stressful. I can either wire the funds and hope the seller sends the title or fly with cash and drive it home. Neither of which sound appealing for different reasons. So I'd like to hear some experiences, good and bad, and some suggestions on how it should be done. Thanks! :smoke:

[carbuff]

I've purchased 4 cars out of state. And I've sold 2. In all cases, I've done the payment by wire transfer or cashiers check long distance. I have the seller send me a copy of the title to see that it's in their name and I write up a Bill of Sale that we both sign before money is exchanged. This does rely on the integrity of the seller though, it does require a bit of a 'leap of faith'.

Depending on the car, though, you really would be well served to see it with your own eyes before purchasing. In all 4 of my cases, no matter how many questions I asked, pictures I saw, etc, each of the cars had issues that the sellers did not describe to me but that I would have immediately picked up on. I'm a picky car buyer, and I know the 'usual' issues on the cars that I buy. So it is frustrating to have a car arrive and not be exactly what you expected or were told you were receiving...

You can fly with a bank check, or arrange to meet the seller at a bank to handle a wire transfer if they are willing to go that route.

Best of luck!

[newmexicosaint]

Ron, I have bought multiple cars from out of town and has been good experience for me. I actually enjoyed doing the buy and going to get them...its kinda like a mini adventure. After finding a car call and visit with the seller and ask him/her about acceptable payment. Every transaction I have done was with a Certified bank check that I would personally hand to the seller. Some will require the check to clear before you take possession of the vehicle (understandably so). This way is good because pics don't tell the real story of the car and personally checking the car out before you hand over the money is simply the best thing you can do. Think of the options, you buy a car based on the story and the pics of a seller you don't know anything about and have it shipped...the odds are you will be disappointed when you get the car IF YOU GET THE CAR! The other option is to have an agent you hire to go and inspect the car. This can be done fairly cheap. They can send additional pics and drive the car. Often you can call a local mechanics shop to do this as they are a knowledgeable source to inspect the car. If you go out to see the car with the intent to buy and It is not what was described or doesn't meet your standards the only loss is a bit of time, MAYBE a small deposit and possibly a plane ticket but isn't nearly as bad as losing the cost of the car and the expense to get there. Lastly, ask seller about titling in their state and check with your motor vehicle division that handles registering your car to make the transfer seamless.

Also dont forget to add the costs of the trip out, inspection and trip back to the price of the car as this would be the true cost of the car. GOOD LUCK buddy, hope this helps!!

[Tony_SS]

I was told to use postal money orders. That way I can buy them and leave them blank. If I don't like the car I can deposit them into my account or cash them back in. I think its a good idea instead of traveling with that much cash. I believe they are protected if they're lost or stolen, but I need to check on that.

[nekkidhillbilly]

i payed when i got there on my car. paypal is a good secure option if you having it shipped though.

[Off Duty]

Do you have a laptop? Iphone (Evo, droid, etc)?

If so, and you want to see the car yourself, take it with you.
Once there, if all is well, do a transfer into their account right then and there.

You see it happen, they see it happen and both can confirm with their respective banks on line:)

As for sight unseen buying, I'm not really all about that unless the car's really cheap....I mean REAL CHEAP, and I don't mind losing the purchase price.

I at least have someone I trust, go out and put eyes and hands on the car for me.
You can usually find someone on these sites that will do so to help out. I've checked over several 4x4's and corvettes for people out of state buying in my area of Florida. Most of us will do it for free just to help out. Even if it cost a few bucks (which it shouldn't), it's worth it in the long run.

Once they've confirmed that the car and title actually exists and are in the seller's name (eliminating the fraud aspect), you can get on the horn with them, maybe even a skype link, and do an on scene inspection from where you are:)

Just some thoughts using today's technology.

Going to get it?

If it's solid and driveable, bus and train tickets are not nearly as expensive as air fare depending on where you're going. And as someone else said, it's an adventure:)

[Tony_SS]

Yes I have a Droid but I've never done any sort of money transfer with it. I'm pretty sure the dealer won't accept paypal either. I will do the postal money orders and fly down if I decide.

I'm still tossing around the idea. The pictures look great, but it is priced a little high for what it is... still mulling it over...

[nekkidhillbilly]

rather than fly take a bus/train id drive with trailer just for the fact it is an old car it could break down and you may not be able to just get that part anywheres

[Off Duty]

Flying, unless you can find a cheap airfare, is a waste of money unless you're sure you're going to buy it and have a way to get it back.

...but it's you're money.

[Trevon]

My situation is a little different...As I didn't have much time to get off of work, I contacted the seller asking questions for a couple days/weeks and was able to have my father go check it out (it was only a few hours from my parents so I was lucky), but after checking it out once or twice I wired him the money and had him go pick it up... It sat in their home for more than a month till I had the time to fly home and drive it back.

My point is, if you have someone that you can have check it all out first it would help a lot...this forum may even help with that.