buying a used car from another state

rmcc520 · 11-08-2006, 03:41 PM

Anybody have tips on buying a used car from another state. I am not going through ebay but rather another car forum.

I don't want to put all the money up front and get burned so any help would be much appreciated.The car looks great from the pictures, has 40k miles, and the owner says it is in great condition.

Seller agreed to pay shipping, but it will take almost 2 weeks from date of sale for me to receive the car without actually seeing it.

What do you think? I really want it as they are hard to find in my state. Thanks!!!

Quantum · 11-08-2006, 04:12 PM

I bought my 99 civic sedan from new jersey. I took the amtrak up there and drove it back. It worked out well, however because picked it up at night I didn't notice some cosmetic defects that would have been more visible in the day time.

If the seller is willing to pay for shipping, why not ask him if he would use the same amount of money to pay for you to fly to him, with you paying the difference? If he doesn't agree, there may be a problem with the car he is trying to unload on you without inspecting it.

mikepesikan · 11-08-2006, 04:38 PM

I would be weary, and only agree if

1.) I went there and test drove/Inspection

2.) The seller would give me an Inspection return period (3 days or a week), in writing.

Better safe than sorry.

rmcc520 · 11-08-2006, 05:30 PM

Thanks for the advice!

Flying out and driving back is not an option because of school/work requirements, it is a 2 day drive and weekends are filled up until Dec 15th.

Perhaps the inspection/return period in writing is a better bet. If the car doesn't live up to what was originally proposed, I could pay for it to be shipped back for a full refund minus my return shipping costs. If the seller is worried about my returning it, then maybe the car isn't in as good condition as stated. Perhaps, a list of qualifying defects wrong with the car would have to be met in order for the return to be justified...

Please keep the thoughts/advice coming!!

hatchbac_smokin_you · 11-08-2006, 05:36 PM

take your time and find something more locally.. i mean there is just too much at risk buying a car that way... i mean that is like asking a wifey to marry you without tasting the product first.. it may look great on the outside, but when the clothes come off its a disaster!! just be smart and good luck!!!

hatchbac_smokin_you · 11-08-2006, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmcc520

Thanks for the advice!

Flying out and driving back is not an option because of school/work requirements, it is a 2 day drive and weekends are filled up until Dec 15th.

Perhaps the inspection/return period in writing is a better bet. If the car doesn't live up to what was originally proposed, I could pay for it to be shipped back for a full refund minus my return shipping costs. If the seller is worried about my returning it, then maybe the car isn't in as good condition as stated. Perhaps, a list of qualifying defects wrong with the car would have to be met in order for the return to be justified...

Please keep the thoughts/advice coming!!

what kind of car are you looking for by the way?

I am selling my audi thanksgiving weekend in Yuma AZ!! you should buy mine!!! lol

rmcc520 · 11-08-2006, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatchbac_smokin_you

take your time and find something more locally.. i mean there is just too much at risk buying a car that way... i mean that is like asking a wifey to marry you without tasting the product first.. it may look great on the outside, but when the clothes come off its a disaster!! just be smart and good luck!!!

would you marry halle berry without first tasting the product???

The inspection clause seems to be the best bet...

What does everyone think about it??

AutoXfire · 11-09-2006, 08:00 AM

Something else to consider might be if there is a message board for the type of car you are looking for see if someone in that community is in the area and would mind checking it out for you. Lots of times people are happy to go look at a car for a future family member.

Just a thought.

10kcivic · 11-10-2006, 06:35 PM

Just don't buy from New Orleans

raycl · 11-11-2006, 08:04 AM

I'm a car appraiser, whats that you ask?
Wel Insurance companies, Finance Companies, Manufactures and Auto Auctions hire me to appraise cars. Now if you want to be 100% on this car do this.

Car Fax it
Do a Title History search
Do a service history at a Dealership ( Body and Mech)
Have a pro go over the car (not a friend of a friend that watches DYI on cable, someone that does it for a living.)

All that would run you about 200.00.
It would take you doing your part.

11-08-2006, 03:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
rmcc520 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 12 iTrader: 0 / 0%	buying a used car from another state Anybody have tips on buying a used car from another state. I am not going through ebay but rather another car forum. I don't want to put all the money up front and get burned so any help would be much appreciated.The car looks great from the pictures, has 40k miles, and the owner says it is in great condition. Seller agreed to pay shipping, but it will take almost 2 weeks from date of sale for me to receive the car without actually seeing it. What do you think? I really want it as they are hard to find in my state. Thanks!!!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
HONDATA REFLASH REVIEW	sickyute	Bolt-Ons And All-Motor	336	09-30-2008 03:17 PM
so my si is going to be stolen	fhound258	Water Cooler	50	08-01-2007 04:37 PM
almost had a car accident! i heard BIG BANG from my car!	NoMoreHonda	Mechanical Problems & Technical Chat	15	10-25-2006 02:24 AM
Kind of interesting - Honda Chronology 1946-2005	webby	Water Cooler	4	10-04-2006 09:39 PM
2006 Si's: Of the asking price, one dealer says...	GlennS	Driving Experience	47	06-05-2006 02:04 AM

11-08-2006, 04:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
Quantum Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 303 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I bought my 99 civic sedan from new jersey. I took the amtrak up there and drove it back. It worked out well, however because picked it up at night I didn't notice some cosmetic defects that would have been more visible in the day time. If the seller is willing to pay for shipping, why not ask him if he would use the same amount of money to pay for you to fly to him, with you paying the difference? If he doesn't agree, there may be a problem with the car he is trying to unload on you without inspecting it.

11-08-2006, 04:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
mikepesikan Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: N. Texas Posts: 410 iTrader: 2 / 100%	I would be weary, and only agree if 1.) I went there and test drove/Inspection 2.) The seller would give me an Inspection return period (3 days or a week), in writing. Better safe than sorry.

11-08-2006, 05:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
rmcc520 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 12 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Thanks for the advice! Flying out and driving back is not an option because of school/work requirements, it is a 2 day drive and weekends are filled up until Dec 15th. Perhaps the inspection/return period in writing is a better bet. If the car doesn't live up to what was originally proposed, I could pay for it to be shipped back for a full refund minus my return shipping costs. If the seller is worried about my returning it, then maybe the car isn't in as good condition as stated. Perhaps, a list of qualifying defects wrong with the car would have to be met in order for the return to be justified... Please keep the thoughts/advice coming!!

11-08-2006, 05:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
hatchbac_smokin_you Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,113 iTrader: 0 / 0%	take your time and find something more locally.. i mean there is just too much at risk buying a car that way... i mean that is like asking a wifey to marry you without tasting the product first.. it may look great on the outside, but when the clothes come off its a disaster!! just be smart and good luck!!!

11-09-2006, 08:00 AM	#8 (permalink)
AutoXfire Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 48 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Something else to consider might be if there is a message board for the type of car you are looking for see if someone in that community is in the area and would mind checking it out for you. Lots of times people are happy to go look at a car for a future family member. Just a thought.

11-10-2006, 06:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
10kcivic Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 14 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Just don't buy from New Orleans

11-11-2006, 08:04 AM	#10 (permalink)
raycl Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West Des Moines Age: 40 Posts: 612 Ray iTrader: 0 / 0%	I'm a car appraiser, whats that you ask? Wel Insurance companies, Finance Companies, Manufactures and Auto Auctions hire me to appraise cars. Now if you want to be 100% on this car do this. Car Fax it Do a Title History search Do a service history at a Dealership ( Body and Mech) Have a pro go over the car (not a friend of a friend that watches DYI on cable, someone that does it for a living.) All that would run you about 200.00. It would take you doing your part.