eBay and drive back to CA
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
eBay and drive back to CA
Am I totally crazy if I were to buy a 964 C2 over eBay and drive it across the country, over the rockies, back to California?
Assuming PPI of flying colors, what are my chances of getting a car that will not get me stranded and successfully passing California smog tests?
And, how does one go about registering the car while still outside of CA?
This is something I would have considered, but it was a C4.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331260197521?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Assuming PPI of flying colors, what are my chances of getting a car that will not get me stranded and successfully passing California smog tests?
And, how does one go about registering the car while still outside of CA?
This is something I would have considered, but it was a C4.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331260197521?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Banned
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 43
From: East Bay, CA
I can answer the last question because I did it recently. You can get a 2 week or 1 month temp registration in the state where you buy the car. It's valid across all the states. In Illinois it was $25 or something and is a sticker you affix to your window.
When you get to CA you can register just like any other car. Pretty easy.
When you get to CA you can register just like any other car. Pretty easy.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 146
Likes: 7
From: Idaho
I bought mine locally, however I lived on the porsche lust fueled edge and didn't do a PPI (or really any kind of inspection), handed the seller my cash, got in and drove it damn near to the Canadian border from southern Idaho and back. Other than blowing out a rear tire, the drive went swimmingly. Maybe buy a DME relay before you go and throw it in the glove box?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
I can answer the last question because I did it recently. You can get a 2 week or 1 month temp registration in the state where you buy the car. It's valid across all the states. In Illinois it was $25 or something and is a sticker you affix to your window.
When you get to CA you can register just like any other car. Pretty easy.
When you get to CA you can register just like any other car. Pretty easy.
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 99
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From: Dublin, Pa
I flew from philadelphia to Omaha Nebraska to drive back a 92 c4 back in October. 1300 miles of smiles! Bought off of ebay. Paid to have PPI done before I finalized deal. 1st time driving a 964 was on my way back. Great experience.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Mountains
As long as you're getting a ppi from a reputable shop you should be good to go. These cars love road trips. It will also give you time to get to know it.
The ebay cars are tempting. I don't understand how you can do the ppi while the auction is still going. Seems like if you want the car you have to do a post-purchase inspection.
The ebay cars are tempting. I don't understand how you can do the ppi while the auction is still going. Seems like if you want the car you have to do a post-purchase inspection.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 0
From: Switzerland
I drove mine 450 miles on its 1st trip, then from London to Geneva on its 2nd trip.
I was unsure, myself, asked the previous owner what he thought and of course he said no problem.
Looking back on it, the car was regularly serviced etc, why wouldn't it be able to do a long drive.
I was unsure, myself, asked the previous owner what he thought and of course he said no problem.
Looking back on it, the car was regularly serviced etc, why wouldn't it be able to do a long drive.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Prague, Czech Repulic
Mine was shipped from LA to Rotterdam, serviced there and then drove the 550 miles to Prague. Only issue was topping up the brake fluid when the abs/4wd warning lights came on. Thanks to Rennlist I knew that the c4s are really sensitive when it comes to brake fluid level being spot on
Banned
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 43
From: East Bay, CA
Nope. It was an '05 pickup too. If they have emissions in the state you're buying it's probably worth it to have that done in combo with the ppi. I think emissions give you a good metric on the health of the engine.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 141
From: Michigan
Wholeheartedly agree with the others. I've done this multiple times and as I look back on it, they've been some of the best drives of my life. My advice is to take an extra day or so to breath and enjoy your travel. Each time I've done a fly and drive, I have meetings stacked up and a rush to get back to my office. Were I to do it over, I'd take an extra day or two and drive 6 to 8 hour days vs. 16 hr days. Enjoy it. Also, take one and only one, of your kids along. Great one on one time.