As the title says how many of you have bought cars out of the states either from a dealer or privately without seeing them in person. I'm a little nervous about making an offer on a low mileage car even with alot of pictures/questions asked etc. Very few cars are any where near where I live making it impossible/too expensive to view. Any and all advice is welcome. thanks
Where ever the car is, there are people on this site that will go and look for you. I've had Forum members check cars out for me in Philly, New York & New Haven CT. Very honest people, that have never steered me wrong.
I felt the same way. I bought my car from New Hampshire but I didn’t do it site unseen. I did all the research that I possibly could from my computer – emails – carfax – autocheck - many pictures. (look very closely at pictures and ask questions) Step two was to find some one near the car to look at and drive it for me, this forum has a list of members that will do that for you.
When I was comfortable with the information I booked a flight (return flight), took a bank draft with me and had a look at the car. It turned out to be exactly as represented so I bought it and drove it home.
Just my luck nobody any where near where this car is located. There is a supporting dealer there but they are in the business of selling their own cars. Would it be inappropriate to pm them asking to inspect this car. If they want to charge me for it what would a fair price be and how extensive should the inspection be?
Location: Calgary Ab/Cabo Mx 10 yrs & over 20,000 posts! 4 time Avatar King of the year!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire 22
I felt the same way. I bought my car from New Hampshire but I didn’t do it site unseen. I did all the research that I possibly could from my computer – emails – carfax – autocheck - many pictures. (look very closely at pictures and ask questions) Step two was to find some one near the car to look at and drive it for me, this forum has a list of members that will do that for you.
When I was comfortable with the information I booked a flight (return flight), took a bank draft with me and had a look at the car. It turned out to be exactly as represented so I bought it and drove it home.
Bought 12 vehicles from the US, only one I had someone look at. (It is a great idea though). You can also use a third party company called carchecks.com (sp?)They take pics of anything iffy, they drive it and right a report on it. I think they charge around $100. I only looked at vehicles that came with LOT'S of pictures and details. Also, how the seller answers your questions is important too. I would say all the vehicles I bought had no surprises, maybe I was/am lucky or maybe I am have a good sense or eye for them, who knows. The post I quoted is good, but..not everybody has the luxury of flying down then paying...I needed the paperwork at the border before I left to pick it up, so I have always sent Bank wires. Lot's of people will take a check, but they would want it to clear first or they would have to pay off their loan before they can get title, that is all time you are stuck down there waiting....Also, my flights are always "one way". I am not paying for return flights when I feel confident about my due diligence. Maybe someday I will get burned?? Maybe, or, probably not.
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Yep---big scarry thing---buying a car site unseen---did last year in Cooperstown, NY----lots of sleepless nights!!!--But it was all fornaught---car was excellent!!! Good deal all the way around!! Kokomo Kid
Location: Calgary Ab/Cabo Mx 10 yrs & over 20,000 posts! 4 time Avatar King of the year!
Quote:
Originally Posted by DSR
I would never buy a car without seeing it first. Your time & cost to travel will be cheap insurance if the car turns out to be junk.
Dave
Now, the quote above is from someone that has NEVER done it, so not really a valid reason not to. Myself and the other posters HAVE done it with great success. Again, it has to be your decision.
I just did buy sight unseen from a dealer in Texas. Will receive the car in about 2 week and will know then if I did the right thing!
The key is to do your Due Diligence before. Buy from a well established dealer that lists a car with a lot of pictures and details, do your research (Carfax, GMVIS Claims Summary), and have the car inspected. That's what I did, and I'm not worried.
You have to do what you are comfortable with, a friend of mine bought a Boxter off of fleebay and flew down to Texas to drive it home. He was less fussy than me, as long as it was a Boxter and was in his budget. It worked out fine for him, no problems. I was very specific with what I wanted and wasn’t going to make too many compromises.
I didn’t mention it but I purchase from a dealer, not privately.
Remember the seller has a prospective of what they are selling, you have one of what you are buying and then there is the actual condition of the car. And minor issues that are not fixed by the seller are not minor otherwise they would be fixed.
If I did it again, I would be a little more comfortable with the process and my research and may book a one-way flight instead of a return.
Had a certain someone on this here forum (cdn section) go out of his way to help me out, took time out of his day, took pictures, sent me an email of his thoughts and then phoned me. Grade A guy. Also had other offers to help me out too.
His name is Mo.
( we need one of these dudes with the cdn flag eh?)
PS. Ive had the car over 2 years and its been GREAT!!
Corvette Store
Buying a car sight unseen
Kokomo Kid
