Or do that wonderful thing that forums like this help facilitate. Find a member who is close by to drop by on your behalf to check it out and report back to you. Possibly call you on the phone while the person is there checking it out.

Depending on your relationship with the person, it could be a free favour. You still bear the risk of trusting someone across the country to help your decision, but it is an option.

I have bought a car from MA before like this and it was initially a head ache, but it worked out to be a great buy. I have also done the same favour for people in the past - sometimes going to see the car with a DIS / INPA scanner and sending the results along with a PPI sheet to the prospective owner.

There is also a guy in OR that has inspectors across the country who do this as a service. There will always be a risk involved - but you are still taking a more mitigated risk if it is a reputable dealer and is willing to fully warranty the car.

Car shipping across country ranges from $700 - $1500 depending on the carrier. Where in California is the car? I know a few dealers and dealer employees - you never know, might know someone there.

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