How bad of an idea is this?

[whtrnr]

I decided to pull the trigger on a car. The only downside is that the car is across the country. Seller has sent me whatever pics i've asked for and answers all questions. Flying in and checking the car out was out of the question so this is the only alternative.get lots of pics and lots of questions, thoughts anyone?

 

[Pops1967GTX]

I would have someone in the local area check vehicle for you before making a decision... Try a request on the site.....

 

[69redrunner]

Buying sight unseen is always risky at best. Pics are good, but don't always tell the whole story. I've purchsed 3 cars from far off lands without seeing them (other than pics) till they showed up in my driveway. On two of them I found independent appraisers in the area where the cars were, and I hired them to inspect. Cost was minimal and piece of mind was priceless.

Also, there are several members on this forum that have offered their services in their area. Did you have time to ask around? Maybe a member could have helped.

Like your sig says "What's the worst that could happen?"

Hope it works out for you.

 

[whtrnr]

I didn't ask anyone for fear that I would get the shaft. you know someone saying it wasn't that good of a deal then swoopin in on it. but doesn't matter now i guess the car is in ca, didn't give him any money any volunteers?

 

[HT413]

In any big $$$ cars, an appraiser is the only way to go because it's not much $$ in comparison to the car. If you're talking about a $3k to $10k project where you know there may be significant issues anyway, maybe it's not a huge deal. But in my experience, the body ALWAYS looks better in pix.

you might want to demand he overnight the title to you.

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What car, condition, options, $$ we talkin about?

 

[69redrunner]

Search " offer my service" on this forum. There are several ..some in Calif.

 

[whtrnr]

In any big $$$ cars, an appraiser is the only way to go because it's not much $$ in comparison to the car. If you're talking about a $3k to $10k project where you know there may be significant issues anyway, maybe it's not a huge deal. But in my experience, the body ALWAYS looks better in pix.

you might want to demand he overnight the title to you.

- - - Updated - - -

What car, condition, options, $$ we talkin about?

Was gonna demand the overnight 68rr 383 car nice options not a hemi but closer to 10

 

[HT413]

Tough call. Sounds like you're having doubts so maybe u should do it. Most guys are reasonable - ask him to split the appraisal w ya. I'd do it like this (and explain this to the owner): send the appraiser just to look for any major issues - not to try to set a price. Discuss w the owner the major issues that might be a deal killer for you - chassis rot, major body waves that dont show up in pix, whatever. If you split it its only a couple hundred bucks.

 

[coloradodave]

What town is the car in? I'm 30 minutes North of Sacramento and would be willing to look and give my opinion. My garage is already full.....................

 

[whtrnr]

Coloradodave I just saw that when posting in the other forum, the car is in bakersfield.

 

[alsant]

bought my car unseen , me dumbass, but it was as what the seller described I may have paid alittle to much for the car but I got what I was expecting.the delivery service sucked but per pics and talking to the seller it was pretty much what I expected. a good solid car with alot of potential

 

[sublimegtx]

Bought mine sight unseen/uninspected other than pic's. (To trusting DUMBASS!!) I'll never make that mistake again. It had undisclosed issues, But for what I paid for it I didn't expect perfection. Looks like a lot more expensive car than it was.

 

[64BEL]

I was looking at a '65 Satellite from out of state a few years ago. It looked good in the pics, and I even arranged to rent a trailer in the area since I thought there was a good chance I'd be buying it after I looked at it. When I got there and looked at it, it was ok - pretty much as advertised. Until I looked underneath and found the front frame rails were rotted and undercoated over. One side had been repaired nicely.....with fiberglass. Needless to say, I ran away from it. I was fortunate in that I was taking a trip through the southern states and had several other cars to look at as well. I ended up buying my '64 Belvedere in FL and towed it home to WI.

So, be careful. I agree - have someone look at it for you before you spend any money. Even if it's someone here who you don't personally know, you're better off if someone looks at it and gives you an opinion before you make a decision. Good luck.

 

[Jeremiah]

If the seller really wants to sell the car and is willing to go the extra mile to prove it's condition to you then buy it. Anything less is a roll of the dice.

 

[coloradodave]

whtrnr: Bakersfield is a bit too far for me. Maybe somebody's closer. If not, an appraisal service is money well spent. I bought one car from Virginia sight unseen and it was great. The seller sent pictures of everything I asked for and copies of maintenance records and work done. I also bought one from Florida and, although the pictures and description looked great, the car needed a lot of work. The seller in the second case was a consignment shop and they really didn't know the car. Next time I'll use a professional appraiser. Don't know why the cars I want are always on the other coast......

 

[Meep-Meep]

I'm in Nor Cal but will be in Bakersfield in about a week for a car meet. If the owner wants to drive the car to FAMOSO raceway I can look the car over for you. As someone already said, my shop is also full so don't worry about me taking it home! Hey, want to buy a 66 hemi Charger too?

 

[65 Plymouth Satellite 426]

I would have someone in the local area check vehicle for you before making a decision... Try a request on the site.....

Someone On Here Just Offered To Do That...Check On Cars On The Left Coast!

 

[70RR]

Either hire some one from FBBO or google "Car Inspections" and spend $100 to $200 to have checked out for you. ..You will NEVER regret it..If you do not and it turns it is a Pile of **** you will ALWAYS regret it..Good Luck..My $0.02

 

[shag766]

i have bought many cars sight unseen. pretty much only screwed up on one, e/bay, but i got out of it locally and all i was out was the cost of the trip to get it. the last 3 i bought from people on here, either they owned it or knew its origin. all were as stated.
a trick i would try is settle on a price, say 5000.00, offer a 1000-1500 down stroke now with a certified chq on p/u for the balance. if the guy is honest about it he should go for it. saves you being out the full pop. its a crap shoot anyway. as stated before, have an appraiser look if its being shipped.
.02 cents

 

[whtrnr]

coloradodave sorry, I just saw how far away you are thanks for the offer. In hindsight I now know I could have had someone look at it. We have been emailing and talking for about two weeks. I was the first one to call so I got first crack at it, and since it is a 68 all original, I didn't think it would last long. Like I said he took any pics and answered every question. I spoke to him yesterday said no problem that if I wanted someone to come and look at it fine by him. I bought it and we are working out the details.I found it in the other mopar forum so you would think your odds are better and I could also read all of his posts about what issues he had with the car.