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!