How to buy a car out of state sight unseen?

TonyCool · Mar 12, 2012

Hello,

I'm working on a deal with another forum member. We have agreed on a price and the car looks great. However because of work I'm not sure I can fly down from WA to IA and I'm flirting with the idea of buying the car sight unseen. I'm hoping some one in the area will be able to inspect the car and make sure Dodge dealer inspection goes well to give me the green flag. I'm asking in another thread http://forums.viperclub.org/threads/651753-Need-help-from-someone-near-Bettendorf-IA?p=3050252#post3050252.

Problem is I have no idea on how you do the paperwork without being present And how to get a sense of security I'll get the car to be able to send the money?

If anyone knows how could this work I'd really appreciate the help.

Thank you,

Tony

Mopar Steve · Mar 12, 2012

Invest $300.00 for airfare to inspect it yourself. Less than 1% of the purchase price. I wouldn't do it any other way.

TonyCool · Mar 12, 2012

Mopar Steve said:
Invest $300.00 for airfare to inspect it yourself. Less than 1% of the purchase price. I wouldn't do it any other way.

It would be more like 1200 for me and my wife to fly there and back + lodging expenses. But the real reason I'm looking into buying sight unseen is because as I said because of work I can't travel right now. I could probably fly there in mid April but I don't want the seller to wait that long to have a done deal and I don't want to wait that long either. Also the seller has been really kind and sent me several detailed videos of the car, the car defects, the exhaust note etc... I'm not very viper knowledgeable so in this case I don't think me seeing the car would make a whole lot of difference. I'd prefer trusting the judgement of a third party and Dodge dealer mechanic. So even though I agree with you in most cases traveling would be the way to go I'd appreciate if someone answers the question.

Tony

Flexx91 · Mar 12, 2012

The main issue is 'trusting' someone you've never met to inspect the car for you. Before you even get to that point, you should first run a VIN check through a Dodge dealership. It will show the service history. The next thing to do is to run a Carfax.

I purchase my 2005 sight unseen however, I purchased it brand new from a reputable dealer and a site sponsor of this forum. The paperwork process would be similar in that the buyer would simply FedEx the bill of sale and the signed original copy of the title to you. You'd then sign the Bill of Sale, make copies, and fax it back to him. The rest (registration, taxes, inspection, etc.) you'd take care of locally. There are companies that actually perform an escrow service to assure you'll get the car and the seller with get his/her money.

TonyCool · Mar 12, 2012

Flexx91 said:
The main issue is 'trusting' someone you've never met to inspect the car for you. Before you even get to that point, you should first run a VIN check through a Dodge dealership. It will show the service history. The next thing to do is to run a Carfax.

I purchase my 2005 sight unseen however, I purchased it brand new from a reputable dealer and a site sponsor of this forum. The paperwork process would be similar in that the buyer would simply FedEx the bill of sale and the signed original copy of the title to you. You'd then sign the Bill of Sale, make copies, and fax it back to him. The rest (registration, taxes, inspection, etc.) you'd take care of locally. There are companies that actually perform an escrow service to assure you'll get the car and the seller with get his/her money.

When you say buyer (highlighted in bold) did you mean seller?
Running the VIN and doing the carfax are good suggestions I'll definitely do that.

TonyCool · Mar 12, 2012

Flexx91 said:
The main issue is 'trusting' someone you've never met to inspect the car for you. Before you even get to that point, you should first run a VIN check through a Dodge dealership. It will show the service history. The next thing to do is to run a Carfax.

I purchase my 2005 sight unseen however, I purchased it brand new from a reputable dealer and a site sponsor of this forum. The paperwork process would be similar in that the buyer would simply FedEx the bill of sale and the signed original copy of the title to you. You'd then sign the Bill of Sale, make copies, and fax it back to him. The rest (registration, taxes, inspection, etc.) you'd take care of locally. There are companies that actually perform an escrow service to assure you'll get the car and the seller with get his/her money.

I forgot another question. At what point in the above process do you send the money to the seller?

plumcrazy · Mar 12, 2012

find a trusted viper tech in the area, pay them 4-500 bucks to look it over. many of us VCA members will look it over for free and even help the transaction go smoother

Mopar Steve · Mar 12, 2012

Mopar Steve said:
Invest $300.00 for airfare to inspect it yourself. Less than 1% of the purchase price. I wouldn't do it any other way.

TonyCool said:
It would be more like 1200 for me and my wife to fly there and back + lodging expenses. But the real reason I'm looking into buying sight unseen is because as I said because of work I can't travel right now. I could probably fly there in mid April but I don't want the seller to wait that long to have a done deal and I don't want to wait that long either. Also the seller has been really kind and sent me several detailed videos of the car, the car defects, the exhaust note etc... I'm not very viper knowledgeable so in this case I don't think me seeing the car would make a whole lot of difference. I'd prefer trusting the judgement of a third party and Dodge dealer mechanic. So even though I agree with you in most cases traveling would be the way to go I'd appreciate if someone answers the question.

Tony

I still stick to my first comment.

1. why do both of you need to go? this trip would only to be sure the car is, as represented, and be sure there is nothing "funny" going on.

2. Lodging? this doesn't have to be a long trip. just out and back and possibly an overnight but not necessary. If it is that far of a trip, sleep on the plane.

3. Time off work? Air travel is 24 hours, seven days a week.

4. I understand wanting to get a professional inspection by someone more knowledgeable, and I recommend that as well, but it is nice to plant you ass in the seat and be sure you like the way it drives and sounds yourself before spending the money.

5. personal visits allow you to deliver money and collect the paperwork before the vehicle is shipped. This allows you to be able to insure it yourself to protect your interests rather than relying on someone else.

Sometimes it makes sense to buy it sight unseen but if at all possible I always try to visit in person. Good luck!

Mr. Mom · Mar 12, 2012

This may be adding too much to the cost, but I'm in the same situation where I don't think there will be time to make the out of state trip.
I've talked to 2 dealerships local to me that have agreed to purchase the car for me and ship it (pending a signed purchase agreement). Getting the Viper inspected through trusted resources is up to me, but still does not require travel. All paperwork will be handled through me and the local dealership. They will act as the go-between (for a fee, of course) and in one case will deliver the car to my door after it reaches them free of charge. They told me they'll pick the Viper up where ever it is and bring it in town for $1.50 per mile, all enclosed.

Flexx91 · Mar 12, 2012

TonyCool said:
I forgot another question. At what point in the above process do you send the money to the seller?

At some point, you're going to need someone's physical presence to help you transact this deal if you cannot do it yourself. Verifying the condition of the vehicle is one thing but I personally would not send funds to anyone without some measure of security (broker, etc.). In the real world, you should not send any money until the car, bill of sale, and title are simultaneously exchanged. Any other way, you're taking a chance.

plumcrazy · Mar 12, 2012

tonycool, what town and state is this car in ?

bushido · Mar 12, 2012

Mopar Steve said:
Invest $300.00 for airfare to inspect it yourself. Less than 1% of the purchase price. I wouldn't do it any other way.

This,and I also had a forum member in the area to go look at my new ACR. He even test drove it before my arrival. This is on a brand new car too..

TonyCool · Mar 12, 2012

plumcrazy said:
tonycool, what town and state is this car in ?

Bettendorf, Iowa

Chemeng · Mar 12, 2012

Just bought a 2006 Coupe sight unseen. Lots of phone calls in addition to the Carfax. It has some history with Heffner Performance that I confirmed. After getting comfortable with the dealer I sent the money. They overnighted all the paperwork and everything turned out great. Car ever better than described. Maybe I got lucky, it is a whole lot of money.

Y2K10 SRT#39 · Mar 12, 2012

TonyCool- As one WA resident to another, I have a solution for you. Have the owner drive the car to Blair Nebraska (about 250 miles) to Woodhouse Dodge and have Mark J take a look at it. Give the owner Gas money for two vehicles, in case Mark says yes....
If Mark says yes....then buy the car. Have the owner leave the car at Woodhouse, and you can get the paper work done (fed-x can help do this quickly), and have Woodhouse deliver the car to you in one of their enclosed transports.
I have had Woodhouse deliver a new car to me, so I know what they can do. I have also sold a car to a person in Alberta, and they bought it sight unseen as well. At least you won't be working with the added complexity of the exchange rate.

If you want, we can talk more- send me a PM with our contact info...and I'll call ya.

PBR

wikkid · Mar 12, 2012

I did this once, and i will never contimplate it again. Always and i mean Always check out the car yourself. you of course can bring it to a tech, but when dropping that kinda dough i want to see what im buying.

ViperTony · Mar 12, 2012

I purchased mine site unseen. I consider myself lucky because the dealer I worked with was very good, professional and worked with me to make the transaction happen. I had it checked out locally as well. This on top of all of he pics, videos, documentation I requested. We worked it out so that I could inspect the Viper on the transport and if I didn't like it the deal was off but I would be on the hook to pay for 1/2 of the delivery charge. Even though the battery died the next day, the dealer cut me a check for a new battery and cost to install and overnighted it to me.

"I'm not very viper knowledgeable so in this case I don't think me seeing the car would make a whole lot of difference."

Anyone can check out a Viper for you but it helps to use someone that knows Vipers and knows what to look for especially trouble signs.

Matt · Mar 12, 2012

My two Viper purchases were both from long-standing forum members here and the second was purchased sight unseen from across the country. It all comes down to your comfort level and risk tollerance.

When I sold my last Viper, it was also bought sight unseen - again from across the country - by another forum member here.

Honestly, this forum, its members, and their cars can be some of the best resources available.

2003 Viper · Mar 12, 2012

I live in WA st and may put my 03 Viper up for sale this summer. No way I would sell to someone out of state unless they came to look at the car. I think you would be crazy to do so also!

VYPR BYT 94 · Mar 12, 2012

Y2K had a good suggestion but perhaps you can take his idea and find something closer. Try posting in the Illinois thread since you're right on their border.
http://forums.viperclub.org/forums/208-Illinois
Ask those guys where they take their vipers for trusted work. I'm sure guys around Peoria and such should have a good lead for you.

FYI... I bought mine out of state but not sight unseen. I was able to get my insurance on it 2 days before I left to go see it so everything was cool when the auto transport picked it up.

Good Luck, Mike

2003 Viper · Mar 12, 2012

Y2K10 SRT#39 said:
TonyCool- As one WA resident to another, I have a solution for you. Have the owner drive the car to Blair Nebraska (about 250 miles) to Woodhouse Dodge and have Mark J take a look at it. Give the owner Gas money for two vehicles, in case Mark says yes....
If Mark says yes....then buy the car. Have the owner leave the car at Woodhouse, and you can get the paper work done (fed-x can help do this quickly), and have Woodhouse deliver the car to you in one of their enclosed transports.
I have had Woodhouse deliver a new car to me, so I know what they can do. I have also sold a car to a person in Alberta, and they bought it sight unseen as well. At least you won't be working with the added complexity of the exchange rate.

If you want, we can talk more- send me a PM with our contact info...and I'll call ya.

PBR

Would someone really do that? Im in N Seattle and I wouldnt even drive to Olympia to sell my car!

TonyCool · Mar 12, 2012

2003 Viper said:
Would someone really do that? Im in N Seattle and I wouldnt even drive to Olympia to sell my car!

I'm pretty sure the owner wouldn't have any problem with this he has been extremely helpful so far. But I'm not sure I want to put him into that much trouble... I'm trying to see if there is a way to do the same at a more convenient location for him.

TonyCool · Mar 12, 2012

May be I'm being a bit naive but I trust the seller of the car, he is a well respected member of this forum. And it seems people who know him are willing to vouch for him.

Matt said:
My two Viper purchases were both from long-standing forum members here and the second was purchased sight unseen from across the country. It all comes down to your comfort level and risk tollerance.

When I sold my last Viper, it was also bought sight unseen - again from across the country - by another forum member here.

Honestly, this forum, its members, and their cars can be some of the best resources available.

TonyCool · Mar 12, 2012

This is very interesting I'll look further into this as a good possibility. I might PM you with questions.

Y2K10 SRT#39 said:
TonyCool- As one WA resident to another, I have a solution for you. Have the owner drive the car to Blair Nebraska (about 250 miles) to Woodhouse Dodge and have Mark J take a look at it. Give the owner Gas money for two vehicles, in case Mark says yes....
If Mark says yes....then buy the car. Have the owner leave the car at Woodhouse, and you can get the paper work done (fed-x can help do this quickly), and have Woodhouse deliver the car to you in one of their enclosed transports.
I have had Woodhouse deliver a new car to me, so I know what they can do. I have also sold a car to a person in Alberta, and they bought it sight unseen as well. At least you won't be working with the added complexity of the exchange rate.

If you want, we can talk more- send me a PM with our contact info...and I'll call ya.

PBR

mattdillon · Mar 12, 2012

VYPR BYT 94 said:
Y2K had a good suggestion but perhaps you can take his idea and find something closer. Try posting in the Illinois thread since you're right on their border.
http://forums.viperclub.org/forums/208-Illinois
Ask those guys where they take their vipers for trusted work. I'm sure guys around Peoria and such should have a good lead for you.

FYI... I bought mine out of state but not sight unseen. I was able to get my insurance on it 2 days before I left to go see it so everything was cool when the auto transport picked it up.

Good Luck, Mike

Exactly, just contact the local region (I'm sure somebody would be more than glad to help you out). I also bought mine sight unseen (except the pics). When it got here, I thought what the hell did I do (sitting cockeyed in the drivers seat, Lol) I've NEVER looked back since! They're Awesome cars, just not for everybody. And, if I was you I would Definitely get it delivered in an Enclosed trailer. jmo

VIPERUSA · Mar 12, 2012

Y2K10 SRT#39 said:
TonyCool- As one WA resident to another, I have a solution for you. Have the owner drive the car to Blair Nebraska (about 250 miles) to Woodhouse Dodge and have Mark J take a look at it. Give the owner Gas money for two vehicles, in case Mark says yes....
If Mark says yes....then buy the car. Have the owner leave the car at Woodhouse, and you can get the paper work done (fed-x can help do this quickly), and have Woodhouse deliver the car to you in one of their enclosed transports.
I have had Woodhouse deliver a new car to me, so I know what they can do. I have also sold a car to a person in Alberta, and they bought it sight unseen as well. At least you won't be working with the added complexity of the exchange rate.

If you want, we can talk more- send me a PM with our contact info...and I'll call ya.

PBR

Best suggestion so far,,, IMO

ulllose · Mar 12, 2012

TonyCool said:
May be I'm being a bit naive but I trust the seller of the car, he is a well respected member of this forum. And it seems people who know him are willing to vouch for him.

Tonycool--- I don't think you are being naive, you want to hope everyone is a "good guy." Having people vouge for him is a good sign he probably is a stand up guy. Ive bought several cars out of state but I flew to make the deal then drove them home (not much paper work either, probably because they were cash deals).
Im sure like others mentioned if not woodhouse call another dealer (look for a large dealer) and call and talk with the service manager/and manager, Im sure they have someone that can look at the car and do all the paperwork for you. Sure they will charge you but it will be money well spent to have that piece of mind. Actually thats exactly what I would do if I could not get there myself. Truly you feel comfortable with the seller, so really you having the dealer finish the transaction would be not big deal and you would have that added comfort. Good Luck

KDR83 · Mar 12, 2012

I am also in the process of buying a car sight unseen. I had the owner drop the car off at a Viper tech recommended by another VCA member today. He also provided me with a lot of pictures, any scuffs, etc. This will be my first car that I am buying sight unseen. Hopefully it all all goes well

mattdillon · Mar 12, 2012

I doubt very seriously the owner is going to want to drive 10 hrs (round trip) just for a 3rd party to look at it & say yea or ney just to sell it, Unless he's very desperate to sell it (I know I wouldn't). I mean could you imagine driving 5 hrs & Mark say's no, then drive 5 hrs back, not to mention putting an extra 500+ miles on your car that you still have to sell. Just looked back at OP, & I noticed he's getting it from another forum member, so that DOES change things a lil'!

rosco · Mar 12, 2012

no need to. hire a professional inspection company. i bought mine in california and i live in florida. they check EVERYTHING and it is only about 200 bucks. they check stuff you wouldnt think of checking even if you were there.

best 200 bucks i ever spent on a car.

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