TIps on buying car from private seller

[JOZW30]

Any advice on how to pruchase a car if I cannot go to see it or complete the transaction in person?

First it's a project shell with no drive train, missing front seat, and a broken windshield etc. It's not a big money finished car, otherwise I woudln't consider doing this without seeing it in person.

I guess I probably still should pay someone to at least go verify that the car exists. Is there a safe way to make the transaction. Like an escrow service if there is such a thing?

Car is in S Dakota, I'm in Ohio.

Thanks!

Joe

[Tracker1]

Well, you'll probably get a number of people saying never buy a car sight unseen. Just don't do it. It is excellent advice, but if I did that I'd be a hypocrite, because I've bought a few cars that have been far, far away from me. I usually find a club associated with that brand of car in the area, so if I'm looking at a GTO in Wisconsin, then I find the chapter of the GTOAA in WI and start contacting members. Guys are usually up for checking out their favourite cars, especially if they are in their own backyards.

Offer to cover expenses and a little more for their trouble. I've had guys offer to take pics and video and even do a walk-around of the car with me on the phone while they point out the strengths and weaknesses of the car. People are pretty helpful when it comes to this hobby.

Some will get in the middle of the money exchange, some won't. But as far as just getting the car checked out and getting a thumbs up or thumbs down, this method has served me well over the years and I've made a few good friends to boot. As far as the money is concerned, it's trickier. Personally, I've always just had faith in the person selling the car and sent them the money, then called the trucking company. I haven't been burned yet and I've bought 7 or 8 cars this way. But that may not be for you.

If not, find a lawyer - again one in the area - through that region's online yellow pages. Check he or she out on lawyerratingz.com to be sure they are honest. Have them do it or they can certainly advise of go-betweens who do it all the time. Good luck.

[XXXGoldL34M20]

From my experience don't ever buy a car sight unseen,
you will regret it.
It is a must to go see something before purchase.

Just hop on a plane and go see the car on a Saturday, if you don't buy the car it is money well spent for the plane because you would of lost money anyways if you got the car at home and it did not meet your expectations.
If you buy the car then the plane fare was served.
I always get the owner to pick me up at the airport,if he does not want to then i tell him i won't come and see the car.

Hope this helps.

[Canuck]

I agree that the investment in trip is well worth while. I bought my Crysler 300 and my Hurst Olds by doing an advanced inspection trip, in both those case, by establishing a raport with the sellers I struck a better deal than if I tried negoiating over the phone. By showing up I demonstrated that I was serious about buying the vehicle.
I bought a W30 ragtop based on the internet ad, some photos and verification of its authinticity, paid for the car and had it shipped to a friends location in Cleveland. I flew to Clevelnad a month later to trailer it home (2600 miles). I was dissappoited when I saw the car and just outside of Toledo I had the worst case of buyers remorse, that I was willing to include my 1 year old flat deck trailer if someone along the way made me an offer. No offers but I did resote the car and just recently sold it for a six figure price.
Conversely, of the 5 cars I have sold in the past 10 years none of the buyers came to look at the car first, however I provided extensive photos, videos and documentation before hand. In addition the restoration guy I use has a strong reputation for quality and has produced several award winning restorations.

Paul

[JOZW30]

Thanks guys,

Funny story (well, funny to me..... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif), the seller places the Craig's list ad with &quot;Dakota&quot; as the location &amp; the link has &quot;Rockford&quot; in it. So I search &quot;Rockford, Dakota, and end up in Rockford, South Dakota (Serious BFE, no offense to anyone that might actually live there......).

Oh, and the ad says the car is a South Dakota car........

Called the guy a bit ago.

Guy has a residence in Dakota, ILLINOIS, but the car is at his other property which is in Rockford, ILLINOIS!!!! And the car really did spend most of it's life in South Dakota.

Anyway, seller promised to take a few more pics this weekend for me, but it looks like a very solid original paint 55 Olds 88 post car hot rod project. If it is as solid as the first few pictures indicate, I will make a road trip to check it out and bring it home.

SInce it's no longer just Northwest of Mount Rushmore.........