How do you buy a car remotely?

[DWRS4]

I’m in the process of buying a car that is several states away from me. The seller is an individual, not a dealer. He has the title free and clear and I don’t need financing. How do people do this safely? The guy seems trustworthy, but obviously I don’t want to wire a large amount and never get the car. Thanks!

[Audibot]

I've purchased 3 cars that were several states away, two of which were private sellers. I recommend having a 3rd party do a pre-purchase inspection if you're not sure (and they lack sufficient photos) and receipts. Anything electronic, ensure you have purchase protection. Maybe most importantly: Go with your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

I've done it two ways.

First one: Using written communication (e.g., emails or even PM on here), I've sent a deposit using PayPal "for goods and services" and a note stating it's a deposit. Seller and I agreed on terms and dates, exchanged agreed upon Bill of Sale (2 copies) and terms (including vehicle representation), which included how long I had to pick up the car or render payment and have it shipped to me. After all that and final price was agreed, I got a certified check from my bank with the seller's info. Flew to SeaTac, got picked up, saw the car and agreed everything was on the up and up. Signed BoS, handed over check, and we went to the DMV to get me a "trip permit" so I could drive the car nearly 3000 miles home.

Note: Had there been misrepresentation, price would have knocked down, and he would have sent me money back and gotten the check.

Second one: Up front, I hate Massachusetts RMV. No clean way for me to go to the car and drive it back on a trip permit. So after the usual back and forth, lots of photos and videos, including ones I specifically requested, we agreed on terms and a Bill of Sale. I USPS priority mailed a certified check to the seller with a copy of the Bill of Sale, and a return Priority envelope. I got back the signed BoS and the title. So after titling and registering it in MD, I took the title and plates and flew up to CT, seller picked me up, and after checking over the car and verifying it all (he was a stand up guy), I drove it home.

[jbain2]

Absolutely get a PPI. It’s really a great form of protection. And worth the couple hundred you will pay depending on how deep you ask the shop to dig. I would also do some sort of FaceTime or similar call with the seller.

I have purchased several cars from out of state. All but one of them I had shipped. If you are shipping the car, send the seller an Apple air tag to throw in the car so you can track it. Cheap peace of mind.


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[DWRS4]

I had a super detailed FaceTime call with the seller and also talked to the shop that services the car (local Porsche dealer). My question is, how do you guys avoid the risk of the seller failing to ship the car after they receive payment. Is there a type of escrow service you’ve used?

[Audibot]

I had a super detailed FaceTime call with the seller and also talked to the shop that services the car (local Porsche dealer). My question is, how do you guys avoid the risk of the seller failing to ship the car after they receive payment. Is there a type of escrow service you’ve used?

You should have sufficient evidence of fraud and the lingering threat of litigation on your side. It's usually on the buyer to arrange the shipping, so if your shipper shows up and there's no car, that's an issue. Shippers tend to do a walk around with photos and/or note the condition so that they are not liable for anything when dropping it off. You could consider giving the shipper a copy of the PPI.

And if you are sending the whole payment electronically with purchase protection, you could file a claim to get your money back. Usually you have 30 days.

[STXA7]

I’m in the process of buying a car that is several states away from me. The seller is an individual, not a dealer. He has the title free and clear and I don’t need financing. How do people do this safely? The guy seems trustworthy, but obviously I don’t want to wire a large amount and never get the car. Thanks!

why not fly in and complete the buy at a bank? drive it home? not crazy idea... trailer company might damage it annoying to deal with

[R8TDRRR]

Yeah, why don’t you fly in and do the wire transfer at the sellers local bank? I’ve purchased a car cross country and wired the cash after looking at it in person and told the seller text me when the truck arrives.

[DWRS4]

Thanks everyone. I’d like to avoid flying out there, as things are quite busy at work at the moment. I’m probably going to use an escrow agent called Key Savvy. They get good reviews on Rennlist.

[jbain2]

I used key savvy for the last car I sold. It works well.


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[DWRS4]

The new whip has arrived (911 C4S 991.2 MT). It looks good next to the RS4 :-)

I used KeySavvy for the transaction and Intercity Lines for transport. Everything went smoothly — very pleased with both and grateful to Audizine for the recommendations.