Buying a car thousands of miles away

[xRide]

The furthest ive purchased a car was in virginia from my brother so I dont even count that as anything. Ive also purchased in NJ and CT. I live in NY. But how about purchasing in say California from a dealership? I know that its easy to say you can fly out and drive it back or how would you ship it back if you dont decide to drive it back? What do you guys do in terms of inspecting the vehicle to make sure its in proper mechanical state to drive back, making sure its actually in the that it was advertised, price negotiation....etc,.

Im always curious about this phenomenon because ive seen too many car which does not stood up to their advertised condition when actually looking at them.

[tmv]

You had a PPI done at the (manufacturing) dealer or reputable Indy.
I bought my Z32 Straman verTT from California. I didn't even fly out to test drive it. I had Specialty Z (one of the best in the US) check it out, then have it shipped.

[xRide]

Originally Posted by tmv

You had a PPI done at the (manufacturing) dealer or reputable Indy.
I bought my Z32 Straman verTT from California. I didn't even fly out to test drive it. I had Specialty Z (one of the best in the US) check it out, then have it shipped.

so you just trust the ppi without actually seeing the condition in person?

[J.Belknap]

You have to assume the risk or take the expense of flying out to check it out in person. It's part of getting that deal or that specific car you're after.

[blktoptrvl]

I would never do it. I think that anyone who would buy a car without personally inspecting it is taking a chance. It works out for some. Many get screwed. I don't know the ratios but only you can say if it is worth the risk.

I also wouldn't trust a dealer any more than Joe Bagodonuts down the street.

Using an agent might work for you but it would have to be well worth his effort financially and that would eliminate most if not all of your savings.

[AquilaBMW]

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.

[admranger]

I've bought 4 long distance. Well, three were euro delivery new from the factory, but it was a really long distance. The other one was my X5. Had an online 'acquaintance' check it out for me and it was a CPO car at a dealer so I felt I had a warranty should anything be desperately wrong. Acquaintance said no smoke smell and it looked and drove fine. Good enough for me at that point. Maintenance records were gathered from the selling dealership and all was arranged via email for the sale. Easy peasy. Much harder from a private party…definitely get a PPI, but try to find a local club member for a recommendation on a good shop to do the PPI.

[xRide]

How does money transaction usually work? express a certified check?

[tmv]

Or you can do escrow.
Personally, I think the reputable manufacturing dealer or very well-known Indy can inspect the car better than I do. The important factor is to find someone who knows what he/she doing.
I bought my 4.8iS without seeing and driving it in person also. A member on here found it, had it inspected by BMW dealer. He decided to pass on it. I got in touch with him and the selling dealer. Share some cost of the PPI and had the report. I looked over it and decided to take it. Called the selling dealer. Put down the deposit. Booked a flight that weekend and drove it home from Chicago. There were 2 issues: blinking tamper dot (due to cluster replacement), and intermittent Self.Level.Susp Inact (battery). I coded the cluster and replace the battery. All is good.

[xRide]

Originally Posted by tmv

Or you can do escrow.
Personally, I think the reputable manufacturing dealer or very well-known Indy can inspect the car better than I do. The important factor is to find someone who knows what he/she doing.
I bought my 4.8iS without seeing and driving it in person also. A member on here found it, had it inspected by BMW dealer. He decided to pass on it. I got in touch with him and the selling dealer. Share some cost of the PPI and had the report. I looked over it and decided to take it. Called the selling dealer. Put down the deposit. Booked a flight that weekend and drove it home from Chicago. There were 2 issues: blinking tamper dot (due to cluster replacement), and intermittent Self.Level.Susp Inact (battery). I coded the cluster and replace the battery. All is good.

This car is at BMW dealership. Its a e39 530.

Are dealerships such as bmw, audi, lexus, nissan, toyota more reputable than independent dealerships?.....or bottom line is a stealership is a stealership?

BTW tmv, can you post a good pic of your e39. Beautiful car/color.