Advice on buying cars from a private seller over the Internet

Tokyo Torquer · Aug 2, 2003

I was wondering if anyone could provide advice on how to buy a car from a private seller. The car is on the other side of the country. I was going to use an inspection service because I can't see the car myself. I can have a transport service go pick up the car, but what is the best way to pay the seller? He isn't going to want to release the car until he has the money and I don't want to wire the money not knowing if he is going to take the money and run.

What system have others worked out? Any advice?

deejaygee · Aug 2, 2003

I bought a car thru an ad on the Internet. The car was in New Jersey so I called Jerry MacNeish to go inspect it. It cost me $300 for the inspection but he authenticated the car as a heretofore uundiscovered 67 Z28 and, based on his appraisal, I negotiated a $10K reduction from the asking price.

When the seller and I agreed on a price, I contacted a transport company and gave the driver a cashier's check. He then gave the seller the check upon safely loading the car and receiving title and the keys.

Mty wife bought a 70 Boss 302 at the same time, from New York. We contacted a "generic" appraisal guy to go inspect it. He found nothing surprising so we bought the car. Unfortunately, he didn't know much about Boss cars and neglected to find out the engine was not original to the car. Lesson there is get the car inspected but make sure the inspector is both reputable and knowledgeable.

Tokyo Torquer · Aug 3, 2003

Thanks deejaygee..so you give the cashier's check to the transport company. I guess that is the most common way. Funny..the car I'm looking at is in Tacoma Washington and I need it shipped to NY..go figure. What did they charge you for shipping from NY to Washington and how long did it take?

many thanks,

deejaygee · Aug 3, 2003

I know a reputable local muscle car dealer who is qualified to appraise the car if it's in Tacoma. It's a short distance, within 20 miles, of the guy.

We paid approx $1200 to ship a car cross-country, but that was an open bed trailer. Enclosed will run closer to $1500 but prices vary with carrier and the current gas price.

I know an excellent transport company that's locally based, with enclosed trailer(s), if you need someone. How long it takes to receive the car varies with the driver's schedule. Usually, they try to coordinate delivery with other cars going the same way.

Advice on buying cars from a private seller over the Internet

Tokyo Torquer

deejaygee

Tokyo Torquer

deejaygee

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