I've bought them both from pictures and with inspections. If it's a project car or I know or have a good feeling about the seller, I'll settle for GOOD pics. If it's a bigger dollar car or the seller seems to be hiding something, I hire a friend to set eyes on it for me. I used to fly to look at cars and it just takes to much time and costs too much money... been to Texas, Idaho, Ohio and Florida on wild goose chases...won't do that again!
I also view a co-operative seller with good quality pics much differently than someone that you have to pull teeth from to get info. I had it happen to me this week with an '03 Z06...nice car, fair price, and about 6 hours away one-way. I ask for some pics to ensure that the car is as described before making the trek to see it and buy it. I get two side shots....ask for a few more to show more details...I get two more - one hood and one rear bumper...how about the interior?...I get one pic of the driver's seat and the guy seems a little miffed that I want pics??? There are too many cars out there for sale for this BS, so I pass. Car is still for sale