Ahmet

Hello guys,

I'm interested in several cars that are over 2000 miles away from me, I'm sure some of you have purchased cars from different states than your own... Is there a suggested/safe procedure for this sort of thing? How is payment/transport usually handled?
Thanks
Ahmet

eniac

Not much help but the only experience I have is with a 325iX I bought a few states away. I drove there with a trailer to get it. Had to drive from MI, to IN, IL, WI, then finally MN where the car was located. I brought a couple firends which it turned out to be a really fun road trip.

As far as payment I sent the seller a small deposit through paypal and gave him a certified check for the rest when I picked up the car.

I know of some people who will have someone nearby inspect the car then they would fly to whereever the car is and drive it back.

dmw44

I found my '86 42k 944 on e-Bay. I'm in Florida, the car was in Wexford, Pennsylvania. I talked to the owner several times and exchanged e-mails
(even talked to his secretary about the car). I felt comfortable about the car and the seller. The auction ended without meeting his reserve and I bought the car from him off-auction. I sent him a deposit of $1,000. We spoke on the phone and I sent him a certified check and he sent me the title and other documents. Again, I felt comfortable with him. I used the transport service which e-Bay uses after exploring several options. There are numerous car transporters and I suggest you contact them and get quotes. You also need to know if it will be an open or closed transporter. My car arrived in Florida safe and sound and I have been thrilled! The seller still e-mails me to see how the car is doing...Hope this helps a little.
Regards, Doug

This is the result:

Bill Gregory

After negotiating and getting a PPI, I flew to the car and drove it home (900 miles).

InTheAir

I bought my 993 C4 Cab from Penn. and I live in Michigan.

I found it on Autotrader (1 hour after it was listed) and agreed to buy the car sight-unseen, subject to a PPI. We agreed on a price and conditions and put them down in a signed Agreement (no money sent yet). The seller brought the car to a dealer of my choice for the PPI, which came back with no issues.

After updating the Agreement with various particulars, I arranged for the car to be picked up by a shipper. He faxed me a copy of the front and back of the Title and I wired him the full amount for the car. It is probably worth noting I did some research on the seller himself--he was Vice President for a large financial institution. I also confirmed his identity through emails and office calls.

He FedEx'ed the title, manuals, service records, a built in cell phone, and other misc items to me overnight (and provided the tracking number).

The shipper picked up the car a few days later and delivered to my home:

Daniel Dudley

I have purchased several cars from across the country. Have them checked out unless you are absolutely positive about the car, and even then it might be worth a 99 dollar airplane ride just to be sure. It isn't the honest sellers you have to worry about. Shipping isn't a problem. And don't use the seller's mechanic as a reference. Ever.

Ahmet

Eh, this puts me in a tough spot. The plane ticket to LA is usually not under $600. It appears to be too dicey of a situation. Too bad, I love the car...
Ahmet

Schuey

I purchased 3, one in Florida shipped, one in Michigan (flew in) and my latest one in Oregon, shipped via DAS...

shipping cost me around $1400 each time, but was worth it (time off, ticket, gas, hotel, meals)

MeloYelo

Too bad it won't work out. Don't give up though ... I found my Boxster on eBay, and it was a very good experience. I'm in Canada and the car was in Penn.

When the time comes, why not fly one-way and enjoy the ride home? (of course, mine was only a 7 hour drive away). Roadddddddd Trriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip!

Good luck, Jeff