Buying a car at a swapmeet - how do you pay?

Whats normal practice for buying a car at a swapmeet? It sounds like here in the States guys carry around big wads of cash (cash talks, people are scared of the seller selling it from under them, etc etc). What do you guys do when you are looking to buy a car and attending a swap meet?

I dont want to carry cash if I dont need to - but if I see something I really want I dont want to miss out. Am I realistic to expect to agree on price, give a deposit and arrange pickup later in the week?

cheers
ricki

 

How about Mommy's purse?

 

thats what ive always done but its more like give $1000 or whatever is agreed on for a deposit and then usually arrange to pick the car up the following day and i usually pay with a cashiers check for the balance so i dont have to carry around a ton of cash

but it is a little worrisome to have to wait for the following day or whatever and hope the guy brings the car the next day

 

hahahahaha

 

cash- a little risky but never deal alone. Always bring a friend or group of friends. Cash talks, I've had people sell stuff out from under me and just give me a deposit back. If you don't take it right there and you don't sign contract that would hold up in court, that's just the way it works. Some people just aren't trustworthy so I don't screw with deposits anymore

 

As far as swap meets go I'd plan ahead by taking enough cash, pay the man and take it home that day.

 

Usually, I just pay through the nose...

 

CASH!

I also WILL NOT take a check of any kind without waiting for it to clear my bank. Too many crooked *******s to take any chances.

 

As the old saying goes.....

Cash talks and ******** walks


So, just bring a friend or two to help you feel secure if you want. Don't flash all the cash around until you are actually doing the deal, unless some green under the seller's nose makes the deal. Make sure you have all the paperwork, if there is any required. Most sellers are honest and you can follow up with them if you need something from them later such as a DMV form signed or whatever.

Bottom line, bring enough cash to buy what you want. have it with you, if you do not find what you are looking for, then put the cash back in the bank after the swap.

 

hehehe, I should invite the folks over for a holiday

Thanks all, its looks like cash and carry (big friends with you) !

 

Kiwi, whatchoo doin' over there?

 

cash only at the transfer, handshake for the deal. i discovered long ago that karma exists. if you're 'supposed' to get the car, you will. if not, there's a reason for it.

 

just living & working - married to a yank
I just moved to Kansas City last weekend from Saint Louis, was living in SoCal before that which was much better for the surfing - so now I need another car now to fill the lack of water time! Been away from NZ for about 7 years now.

Monsterflake - I like karma - I hope its fair to me
cheers

 

Buying or selling. CASH. I don't go alone, and I pack "my little friend"

 

Me too. Sometimes more than one "little friend". Legally of course. Don't do it in M***. CA. MD....

 

If you don't want to get short stopped you complete the deal in "cash" on the spot. I always have 2 friends side by side and my permit in my left rear pocket and the 9mm at close hand . Never a major problem just watch your back and view paper work prior to exchange on monies. If possibile make the call to ***ure vehicle is free and clear of liens and seller is true & actual owner with all rights to sell the car. Good Luck in that next purchase.

 

i'd be happy enough to find a decent swap meet around here worth going to. does anyone know of any in the DelVal area? oh, yeah, cash is the only way to go with most of these guys. you could always get a big money order and carry some smaller cash.

 

If I think it's likely I'll make a major purchase at a swap meet, I bring two things - .45 S&W under my left arm, and a wad of cash (really ticks me off that the Federal Reserve took $500 and $1000 bills out of circulation years ago...the wad used to be a lot thinner. Generally, I have a buddy or two with - after all, you're gonna need help loading/towing/carrying whatever you buy anyway.

"lunch is for wimps"

dj

 

I always wonder how much cash, and how many hand guns are at large swap meets. I bet I't would blow you mind if you knew the answer to either!

 

Cash works and if you have alot, but it in your shoes layed out flat. I noticed that your from the KC area, are you going to the show in Lawrence this weekend? I will be there on Saturday.

Chris Nelson
Kansas

 

I'm shocked by the general fear level in this thread about carrying 5-10 grand around on your person at a swap meet.

And I damn sure don't need to go the the bank to get the cash before the weekend either.

 

.................................

 

damn - this statement really makes me think - I don't have **** at the house, if everything went to pot it would be tought to get some dineros.

I really rely on the bank machines. How many people would be screwed just by the power going out. I guess the katrina victims could answer that!

It would be good to have a stash.

At swap meets - I never carry the bank. I usually expect to be able to pay up on a big deal within the week with a deposit arrangement. I believe Kharma is at play with all car deals like was said down below. If it wan't meant to be - oh well.

When I bought my 46 - I gave the guy a deposit and he let me take the car home that day. He kept the ***le and the next weekend I drove to his place and balanced out and he gave me all the extra parts he had in his shop.

It was an awesome deal.

You just have to judge the individual you are dealing with.

 

The last two cars I sold at swap meets were paid for in cash on the spot, in amounts of $2450 and $6000. The Iola old car show has check cashing services and credit card cash advance services on the grounds so there was no need to take a check. If they would have offered it but were unwilling to go and get it cashed I would have p***ed on the deal.

Last one I bought at a swap meet ($1000) I brought along $200 and paid the rest when I picked up the car a week later. I couldn't come up with enough cash to pay for the whole thing right away.

 

Your little friend, what are you worried about???

 

Lots and lots and lots (of both)

 

You ever watch the news? The swap meets are fine, but to and from, around the town with **** load of cash? My little friend has got me out of several bad situations. None at or around swap meets,(so far) but none the less I'm not about to be ripped off or ****ed up. Don't worry I haven't had to shoot anyone yet, unless you count my nieghbors pitbull I have made a coupple of s***bags back the **** off. (dumb **** brought a knife to a gun fight!) Sorry but I don't have a lot of faith in the police and court systems keeping the worthless **** off the street.

 

don't flash the cash, or look like you're carrying alot of cash and you're pretty safe. Money seems to be the only thing acceptable at swap meets. I never leave home without it. Of course I still carry 2 forms of I.D. with the cash...just in case. I also carry a .45. Usually needed for those private parking front yards surrounding the swap meet, just to get my truck out. As for the bank comment..... Banks get robbed, I don't.

 

I took 30k cash to Pamona when I bought my shoebox,unfortunatly the seller didn't agree to sell til I left,so I drove out to his shop the next day.If i'm looking to buy a car,I have the cash to influence the sell.I offered a guy 30K for a '32 5W at Longbeach swap,and had cash,and he kept fidgeting so I told him forget it! His loss...

 

Take cash and a couple of friends named Guido and Vinny