buying a car remotely

andyt11 · 06-23-2014, 08:43 AM

I'm looking at buying a used car that is 25 hours drive away. When I bought my Porsche, it was off a really great guy, we agreed a price and I flew down the very next day and picked it up in person. This time though, I might not be able to collect for perhaps 2 weeks.

Is it reasonable to send a deposit and ask the seller to photograph the ODO and ask him to park it and consider it sold? Any other thoughts on how to do this?

stomachmonkey · 06-23-2014, 09:16 AM

Are you 100% committed to buying it or are you making the final decision when you see it in person?

andyt11 · 06-23-2014, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Are you 100% committed to buying it or are you making the final decision when you see it in person?

I talk to the guy tonight when he gets home from work. I will commit based on photos and discussion with seller and then fly out. But the flight would be a one way ticket. If I fly out, I'm definately bringing the car home.

Paul_Heery · Paul_Heery's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyt11

I talk to the guy tonight when he gets home from work. I will commit based on photos and discussion with seller and then fly out. But the flight would be a one way ticket. If I fly out, I'm definately bringing the car home.

If you decide that you want to buy the car tonight, ask the seller if he will hold it for two weeks with a deposit. Then post here and see if someone in the area where the car is located can help you out. Then, you can have your Pelican buddy check out the car in person, take a pic of the odometer and also hand over the deposit to the seller within the next few days.

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

Until the deal is finalized and the car is paid for, it is his to drive if he wishes. All your deposit does is hold the car from other prospective buyers. If your deposit is substantial enough and he is a nice guy, he might agree to not drive it for the time period. Entirely up to him.

stealthn · 06-23-2014, 06:24 PM

I bought mine sight unseen, gave a deposit and had a PPI at a well known dealer. Spoke to the mechanic and the rest is a happy story..

Good luck

john70t · 06-23-2014, 06:38 PM

A Pelican or two might be able to help with your journey.