Question about out-of-state purchase process
12-04-2007, 06:47 PM
#16
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I've had two experiences... one good, one bad.
The good: I traveled to see the car in person and test drove/inspected it. Also inspected the title. Then we made a deal. I had not planned to bring the car home that weekend mainly because I didn't want to commit until I saw it and drove it. I was prepared to leave without making a deal if the car wasn't right. I then went back the next weekend one-way to deliver funds and pick up the car. But it was not so far away that it wasn't too expensive to travel there, so I didn't mind two trips.
the bad: Long ago, in the days of infancy for the internet, I agreed to buy a 78 silver anniversary Corvette (L82/4spd) long distance based on photos and lots of phone conversation with the seller. I sent him a deposit in the form of a personal check. I bought a one-way ticket for myself and my daughter thinking it would be fun to make the return trip a father-daughter event. Seller picked us up at the airport, drove us to his house where the car was. The car was nothing like he had said it was. The photos had made it look much better than it did in person and it needed work that he failed to mention. I was really upset because there I was with my daughter and no plane tickets home. I told the guy that he misrepresented the car to which he disagreed. I asked him to drive us back to the airport and give me back my deposit. It was an uncomfortable ride back to the airport with me thinking the whole time this guy could just tell us to hitch hike. Then a couple of hours trying to get on a flight at full retail price. That one was a learning experience.
The good: I traveled to see the car in person and test drove/inspected it. Also inspected the title. Then we made a deal. I had not planned to bring the car home that weekend mainly because I didn't want to commit until I saw it and drove it. I was prepared to leave without making a deal if the car wasn't right. I then went back the next weekend one-way to deliver funds and pick up the car. But it was not so far away that it wasn't too expensive to travel there, so I didn't mind two trips.
the bad: Long ago, in the days of infancy for the internet, I agreed to buy a 78 silver anniversary Corvette (L82/4spd) long distance based on photos and lots of phone conversation with the seller. I sent him a deposit in the form of a personal check. I bought a one-way ticket for myself and my daughter thinking it would be fun to make the return trip a father-daughter event. Seller picked us up at the airport, drove us to his house where the car was. The car was nothing like he had said it was. The photos had made it look much better than it did in person and it needed work that he failed to mention. I was really upset because there I was with my daughter and no plane tickets home. I told the guy that he misrepresented the car to which he disagreed. I asked him to drive us back to the airport and give me back my deposit. It was an uncomfortable ride back to the airport with me thinking the whole time this guy could just tell us to hitch hike. Then a couple of hours trying to get on a flight at full retail price. That one was a learning experience.
12-05-2007, 12:22 AM
#17
Rennlist Member
I've bought and sold cars long distance. All were done sight-unseen without a PPI. Risky, I know, but everything worked out. I asked a ton of questions and throughout the process tried to get a feel for the seller. I was fortunate enough to have a Rennlister look at and drive the SC for me before I bought it. I wired the money and the seller sent me the title. I had it shipped due to time and family constraints that prevented me from spending several days driving from California to Kentucky.
When I sold the 964, the buyer called me and asked a bunch of questions, requested additional specific pictures, and inquired about the price. He called me back about 4 days later and said he wanted the car. He wired me the money the next day and had the car picked up by a transporter a few weeks later. I mailed him the title and he was able to register and insure the car before it arrived.
When I sold the 964, the buyer called me and asked a bunch of questions, requested additional specific pictures, and inquired about the price. He called me back about 4 days later and said he wanted the car. He wired me the money the next day and had the car picked up by a transporter a few weeks later. I mailed him the title and he was able to register and insure the car before it arrived.
12-05-2007, 02:27 AM
#18
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Nat,
I’m here in Oregon too and I had the same reservations as you for buying out-of-state. That was why I bought my first 964 local.
For my 2nd, I located a Bay-area car and did end up buying it sight unseen. While it was not private party, I still had the same worries not being there in person. Everything worked out great though. I negotiated the price I felt to be fair after getting a VERY thorough PPI done. I asked the Rennlister’s 964 board and someone offered to go to the shop and check the car out for me. Others helped by suggesting the best Bay-area shop for PPI and this ended up being Rob at S-CAR-GO Racing.
After this, I wired the funds and had a covered transporter pick the car up. A signed-over title (copy) came a week later (original took 6+ wks to process through CA DMV due to buying from a dealer).
I’d suggest finding a good P-car specialist to do a thorough PPI (compression and leak-down tests) and really go through the car. Use Adrian’s 964 bible for the hit-list of PPI questions. Then post a thread here asking for any Utah/SLC area Rennlister’s to check the car out for you. They could cruse by the shop doing the PPI. Then you’ll really know what you’re buying and can decide to fly out or hire a transporter to bring it back.
-Morgan
I’m here in Oregon too and I had the same reservations as you for buying out-of-state. That was why I bought my first 964 local.
For my 2nd, I located a Bay-area car and did end up buying it sight unseen. While it was not private party, I still had the same worries not being there in person. Everything worked out great though. I negotiated the price I felt to be fair after getting a VERY thorough PPI done. I asked the Rennlister’s 964 board and someone offered to go to the shop and check the car out for me. Others helped by suggesting the best Bay-area shop for PPI and this ended up being Rob at S-CAR-GO Racing.
After this, I wired the funds and had a covered transporter pick the car up. A signed-over title (copy) came a week later (original took 6+ wks to process through CA DMV due to buying from a dealer).
I’d suggest finding a good P-car specialist to do a thorough PPI (compression and leak-down tests) and really go through the car. Use Adrian’s 964 bible for the hit-list of PPI questions. Then post a thread here asking for any Utah/SLC area Rennlister’s to check the car out for you. They could cruse by the shop doing the PPI. Then you’ll really know what you’re buying and can decide to fly out or hire a transporter to bring it back.
-Morgan
12-05-2007, 03:36 AM
#19
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Nat,
I’m here in Oregon too and I had the same reservations as you for buying out-of-state. That was why I bought my first 964 local.
For my 2nd, I located a Bay-area car and did end up buying it sight unseen. While it was not private party, I still had the same worries not being there in person. Everything worked out great though. I negotiated the price I felt to be fair after getting a VERY thorough PPI done. I asked the Rennlister’s 964 board and someone offered to go to the shop and check the car out for me. Others helped by suggesting the best Bay-area shop for PPI and this ended up being Rob at S-CAR-GO Racing.
After this, I wired the funds and had a covered transporter pick the car up. A signed-over title (copy) came a week later (original took 6+ wks to process through CA DMV due to buying from a dealer).
I’d suggest finding a good P-car specialist to do a thorough PPI (compression and leak-down tests) and really go through the car. Use Adrian’s 964 bible for the hit-list of PPI questions. Then post a thread here asking for any Utah/SLC area Rennlister’s to check the car out for you. They could cruse by the shop doing the PPI. Then you’ll really know what you’re buying and can decide to fly out or hire a transporter to bring it back.
-Morgan
I’m here in Oregon too and I had the same reservations as you for buying out-of-state. That was why I bought my first 964 local.
For my 2nd, I located a Bay-area car and did end up buying it sight unseen. While it was not private party, I still had the same worries not being there in person. Everything worked out great though. I negotiated the price I felt to be fair after getting a VERY thorough PPI done. I asked the Rennlister’s 964 board and someone offered to go to the shop and check the car out for me. Others helped by suggesting the best Bay-area shop for PPI and this ended up being Rob at S-CAR-GO Racing.
After this, I wired the funds and had a covered transporter pick the car up. A signed-over title (copy) came a week later (original took 6+ wks to process through CA DMV due to buying from a dealer).
I’d suggest finding a good P-car specialist to do a thorough PPI (compression and leak-down tests) and really go through the car. Use Adrian’s 964 bible for the hit-list of PPI questions. Then post a thread here asking for any Utah/SLC area Rennlister’s to check the car out for you. They could cruse by the shop doing the PPI. Then you’ll really know what you’re buying and can decide to fly out or hire a transporter to bring it back.
-Morgan
12-05-2007, 09:35 AM
#20
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Not much to add, but, even though this particular car isn't for you, I recommend that you purchase a round trip ticket when you go and look at the car. Its worth the peace of mind.
I looked at two out of state cars when I was searching for a 964. One was in Birmingham, Ala.and looked great in pictures, passed the PPI with a few nits but when I got there just didn't look right in person.
Although the color scheme looked good in photos, it just wasn't my preference in person. I got back on the plane three hours later...I might have been tempted to "talk myself into" liking the car if I was faced with the hassle of getting a ride home.
Second car was in NC, worked out perfect. We did our electronic butt sniffing, PPI, etc...he picked me up at the airport, I drove the car and loved it. We drove back to the airport and was able to get my miles credited back into my account (ff purchase)!
Good luck.
I looked at two out of state cars when I was searching for a 964. One was in Birmingham, Ala.and looked great in pictures, passed the PPI with a few nits but when I got there just didn't look right in person.
Although the color scheme looked good in photos, it just wasn't my preference in person. I got back on the plane three hours later...I might have been tempted to "talk myself into" liking the car if I was faced with the hassle of getting a ride home.
Second car was in NC, worked out perfect. We did our electronic butt sniffing, PPI, etc...he picked me up at the airport, I drove the car and loved it. We drove back to the airport and was able to get my miles credited back into my account (ff purchase)!
Good luck.
12-05-2007, 10:44 AM
#22
Addict
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Not sure if I missed this but you also need to clarify whether the plates will remain on the car for the drive home. In some States, they go with the car--in others, they stay with the seller. You should be able to get a temporary plate from your local Dept of Motor Vehicles if necessary.