I sure can use some help on this deal. I am looking to buy a vehicle that is out in San Diego. I have never purchased a vehicle sight unseen. I'm concerned about being scamed. I wonder how the exchange of money and transfer can be ***ured? In addition I need to find a reputable transport company to get it back to Kentucky. That seems to be another can of worms. I can use advice on the transport end also. If anyone in the San Diego area could check out the vehicle I would appreciate it.
I wouldn't do it...too much potential to get beat...btwn. the unseen part, and the auto carriers...I would give you a 85/15 % fail to succeed ratio.
Even if someone looks at it for you it is never the same as seeing it yourself. Really consider all of what is there and not there and figure what it will cost to get it up to what you want it to be. Do you really love the West Coast style? Plus, getting a reliable transport company will cost. But, it is your money do as you please.
I thought about buying a car from back east and checked on #1 - inspection company #2 - Transport Inspections run from $99-250. They don't test drive cl***ic cars but you get a full report and pics. The cheaper companies only verify the car is there. Transports from coast to coast run around $1K-1.5K. Depends on if it's open or enclosed, load on top or on bottom and if its to your door. DAS does it.
The last car I bought without personally inspecting it was the last car I'll ever buy without personally seeing it or having a trusted set of eyes look at it. It was a $1500 buy price plus $800 for shipping from New Jersey to end up with a $500 car. D'OH!! I would advise against it unless your dear friends with the seller. Anything sight unseen is a **** shoot.
A purchase of this sort can be done if your knowledgeable about the car your interested in and cars in general. Your questions must be crystal clear! "Is the car rust free ? " is not a question to ask, instead, "Has the car ever had any rust repaired. If so, Where ? How? By Whom? When? . ect. If you had to spend $X on the car what would you do first?" Get lots of clear ,detailed pics, especially underneath, engine compartment. door jambs, suspension. If they hesitate on supplying info, walk away. Hiring a professional inspector can be just as much of a "**** shoot". Have the seller take the car to a local mechanic of your choice ,on your nickle, and have him go over the auto. Dont forget to have a compression and leakdown test done on the engine. Then have him call you with the findings. Reputable mechanics can be found thru the Automotive Service ***ociation (ASA). Most of the guys that belong to this group are good business people concerned about their customers and the industry. Figure about $250 .00 to $500.00 for a proper inspection and be prepared to walk on the car if things are not right. Even if you spent the $500.00. This inspection also provide a good bit of info to negotiate the price of the car especially if things are not as proposed. Paypal can have advantages for you as a buyer but I believe the seller may have to pay a % of the sale for the transaction. Get a copy of the ***le , a pic of the VIN, and a bank account # to wire the money from your bank to his. No account no sale. Watch for new accounts, I think the bank can confirm if their account is an established one. While none of these suggestions are foolproof they can help to guide you through the purchase. Use your head , but dont want it so bad you cant walk away . Thats usually when youll get burnt. I've used Blue Highways for transportation in the past. Call them for a quote . Expect to spend $1000.00 to $1600.00 depending on how you ship. Best regards
There are plenty of trustworthy HAMBers in that neck of the woods that could check it out. I bought my Intl' after a HAMBer checked it for me. Maybe redo the subject to say "can someone check out a car in San Diego for me".
Make sure whoever looks at the car has the same idea of what is acceptable as you. I just learned that my opinion of "it looks pretty good", is not necessarily the same as other peoples. I'm pretty convinced that I can usually fix anything,,, so I don't mind buying a piece of ****,,,, but, when I had a few guys check out a car for me, and heard that it looked really good,,, I expected a good car. I spent way more than I should have. If they told me it looked like ****. I may have still bought it, but saved a couple of bucks to fix the issues. Now I'm broke , and the car needs a ton of work, because their opinion of what is acceptable wasn't quite the same as mine. live and learn...
What's the cost of a red eye flight, and car rental, compared to hiring a mechanic to look it over. Not likely anymore, may even be cheaper. Even if you don't end up buying it, you bought a little 1 or 2 day holiday instead, at least you get something for your money. The up side is you get to do a face to face with the seller, and you will likely get as much info from that, as hearing what he has to say. Body language can say a lot. Best of luck to ya! Rob
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