Looking for tips on long distance purchases

[King Hooter]

I've been thinking of asking this question for awhile now. And maybe this can also help someone else that have the same concerns as I.
I've came to the conclusion that if I'm going to find the "right" C, I'm going to need to look outside the area. Since I can't travel far due to work and aging family issues. My biggest concern is actually sealing the deal. And not getting scammed or worse.
For those who have bought your car sight unseen how did it go? Thanks in advance.

 

[LocuMob]

I've bought three cars before seeing them, and I had a member look at them two out of the three. Only one was sketchy, but a friend was local and actually paid for the car a week before I took the trip out to pick it up.

Communication is key, along with someone putting eyes on the car first. When @carrman sent me a text that the car was solid, and I should buy it, I didn't need any pictures. Another car was posted by @boostedvan and his buddy selling the car was a stand up guy, kept it for me until I figured out how to get it out of Canada, which is easier than I thought. The latest car was paid for right away, and I had to wait for funds to transport it to me. But I kept in touch with the seller the whole time.

Trust your gut instinct, be thorough when asking questions. If the seller doesn't want to answer them, then something may be amiss.

I've only bought two cars locally, my base Polara that I knew of from the day my roommates sold it, and a parts car I found out about at the local brewery.

Since February 2018, I've been to:

Oregon, Polara 500 posted in for sale section
Lincoln Nebraska - Monaco 500 posted in the for sale section
Indianapolis '68 Monaco 500 from a member
Missouri - Monaco 500 parts car CL
Blaine Washington - Monaco 4 speed posted by @boostedvan

I've had one parts car delivered from the Omaha area, and the latest Monaco 500 shipped from Seattle. I would have gone myself if it was as cheap as transporting it.

I was also in contact with the owners within hours of seeing the cars listed, I got lucky in that regard. But I didn't dick around, asked the important questions I had, and made fair offers to the sellers. The Missouri car I did wait out for a lower price, but it was still fair to the seller.

If you want it, go get it, or arrange for shipping. I'm happy I have, I got to travel the country, and have adventures each time. Going to get a new car always puts a smile on my face, and I smile when one shows up on a trailer too.

Good luck!

 

[Big_John]

I can tell you what I've done, although it's not me buying the car...

I've been contacted and/or volunteered to look at cars in my area. I've done it for four or five members here and I think it's worked out well. I've taken pictures, looked at areas of concern etc..

Here's what I've experienced. Most people are honest, but not knowledgeable about what they are selling. To give an example, one car was said to have the original paint and I really think the seller thought it was just that... Overspray and some pop rivets showed different and my report to the potential buyer reflected that. Another seller was very knowledgeable and honest (also a member here) and the car was as good, if not better than represented. They were not afraid to point out issues, including ones I hadn't seen on my initial "once over".

So, my recommendation is to see if there's someone here that can look at the car.

If you should happen to put a small deposit, let's say $100 on the car and it turns out bad... Understand that $100 might be gone. Small price to pay.

 

[carrman]

I bought my Newport sight unseen but it was from a very well known and respected C- body guy. Car was everything he said it was and more, and it was up to snuff to drive it 1500 miles home across the deserts of Nevada and Arizona.

 

[cantflip]

All good advice so far...

As already stated, if the seller makes your "Spidey Sense" tingle... back off. Price of the transaction should be a consideration when determining what to spend on inspections.

I bought my "Parts Car" several years ago from a member who makes an occasional visit, between the plane trip to pick her up and the expense of driving her home, it would have made sense to just put her on a transport and go sight unseen... the way I went, I got to make a friend, enjoy a road trip, visit family and I took her to Carlisle 2016... Plus I used the hitch on the car to bring home a trailer full of parts from PA. All things considered, it was the cheapest possible way to acquire the car I wanted and by the end I loved her too much to part her as I'd originally intended. Thanks Eddie!