Anyone ever buy a car sight unseen?

**Eric Perry** · #1 08-23-2010, 05:50 PM

Hey guys,

As some of ya know I totaled my car a few weeks ago. Since then, I've been looking at possible replacements. I could't take the plunge until I got the payout for my wreck, which I just did.

Anywho, I am craving an Acura TL. Problem is, there are no decent ones I've been able to find in like a 4 hour radius of me (and I'm too poor for a new one. Pesky mortgage!). Well, I found an absolutely STUNNING one in TX that I am seriously considering. It's an '07 and is exactly what I've been looking for in colors, options, etc. I was considering having a third party mechanic check it out, test drive it, etc. If I end up buying, I'd have it shipped to me.

Has anyone here ever done something so crazy? Haha. If so, how did it work out?

Thanks in advance.

warwick.hoy · #2 08-23-2010, 05:55 PM

I wouldn't, not necessarily because of unfamiliarity with the model so much as unfamiliarity with the specific car,... does it drive straight, signs of frame damage,...etc etc. But you can probably get a carfax report to help ease any concerns. EDIT: Get yourself another Mazda 6. Maybe they are more plentiful in your part of PA.

blendermassacre · #3 08-23-2010, 05:57 PM

Stupid question, but can you take a day or two off and fly down there to check it out and drive it back?

**Eric Perry** · #4 08-23-2010, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

I wouldn't, not necessarily because of unfamiliarity with the model so much as unfamiliarity with the specific car,... does it drive straight, signs of frame damage,...etc etc. But you can probably get a carfax report to help ease any concerns. EDIT: Get yourself another Mazda 6. Maybe they are more plentiful in your part of PA.

I'd have an independent mechanic thoroughly check it out first. I've driven several of the model, so it would boil down to the specific car, which is where the mechanic could help out.

Regarding the Mazda, there are none of those around either with the same option package I had. I've been looking at the Acuras, another 6, or a Nissan Maxima (or a fully stocked Altima even).

Quote:

Originally Posted by blendermassacre

Stupid question, but can you take a day or two off and fly down there to check it out and drive it back?

I wish I could. Not an option though. School year starts back this coming Monday and I am beyond swamped. Not to mention I had to take like a week off following the accident, so I am a little short in the time off dept.

TOOL460002 · #5 08-23-2010, 06:13 PM

i never have, but a buddy of mine did (300zx tt) and he got a good deal on a rare model (had some special suspension option i think). hes babied and modified it, and its been perfect for years.

as long as its a make/model/year that isnt known for inconsistency, and hasnt been driven around snow/road salt, then i wouldnt be incredibly worried. now you just need to make sure the third party mechanic is good. im sure thats not too hard to verify, though.

Mike N · #6 08-23-2010, 06:14 PM

Years ago I did. Bought a 73 Blazer sight unseen for $400. Put a couple hundred in to it and drove it for 5 years.

Let It Fall · #7 08-23-2010, 06:20 PM

I always do..

I believe god has blessed me..

2001 BEETLE 10,300$ OFF EBAY FLEW 800M TO FLORIDA [FOR GIRLFRIEND]

1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER DROVE 300 MILES OUT OF STATE AND BACK TO PICK IT UP.

1998 Land rover. Flew to south carolina and drove it 800m back to louisiana [big risk]

And will continue to do so. Worked out great and get great deals.

Jim Nazium · #8 08-23-2010, 06:20 PM

I bought my current car that way. Similar story, I couldn't find a used one with the exact specs I wanted locally. I found a dealer in Atlanta that had a "certified" used one just like I wanted. It worked out fine. In fact it was one of the more painless car purchases I've had.

Let It Fall · #9 08-23-2010, 06:22 PM

I always do national searches on craigslist and about 1000m is my limit.

JimB52 · #10 08-23-2010, 06:25 PM

I bought a Cadillac Concours on eBay 7 years ago. Great deal, no problems.
Went to pick it up in person, so I could have backed out if there was something hinky about the car.

Unrepresented · #11 08-23-2010, 06:43 PM

Brother picked up a Ford Focus a few years ago in Texas through eBay. It was a couple grand less than what comparable mileage/condition vehicles were going for locally. He ended up flying down with my dad to kick the tires before cash changed hands, but it was basically confirmation rather than test driving at that point considering the cost of travel.

fdeck · #12 08-23-2010, 07:43 PM

Friend of mine bought a car in the following way, by calling every dealer in town and asking: "What is your cheapest new car that I can drive away today?" He ended up with a new Ford Escort that a dealer was trying to get rid of, then he drove it for 10 years.

BlacktotheBlind · #13 08-23-2010, 08:03 PM

I flew out to Denver pick up a '78 Lincoln Continental that I purchased on ebay and drove it back to Vegas. It was risky, but based on the contact I had with the seller prior to seeing the car I was pretty confident that I was getting my money's worth. I did, and driving back was also one of the funnest road trips I've had.

ThatGermanDude · #14 08-23-2010, 08:37 PM

Where in Texas is the car. Maybe I can help you out a little?

Lackey · #15 08-23-2010, 10:18 PM

Drove out to Texas with my buddy to pick up an old Essex (like... 1920 era)... Turned out it was on a Model A frame, the body was literally composed of rust rather than metal, and the sale was already final so there was nothing he could do about. I refrained from saying "I told you so"; I didn't need to.

Still, with feedback on eBay, Carfax, and the ability to get a local mechanic to fax you a report, it could work out much better for you. Just do your homework.

PS: Get an e46 BMW.

**Eric Perry** · #16 08-24-2010, 08:55 AM

Thanks, German. It looks like it sold though, soooo, oh well.

Subrage · #17 08-24-2010, 09:21 AM

Done it once before, good truck, but trucks are not for me.

About to do it again, since I cannot find the car im looking for under a 500 mile radius.

**Eric Perry** · #18 09-17-2010, 06:35 AM

Wulp, after searching for almost 2 months, I finally got *exactly* what I wanted.... and I was able to thoroughly check it out it in person!

The car in TX never worked out, which is okay, since this one is PERFECT. I would like to again thank 5StringBlues for his help with that car though.

Anywho... Without further ado....

hover · #19 09-17-2010, 06:40 AM

man, that's a really nice Accord!

**Eric Perry** · #20 09-17-2010, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hover

man, that's a really nice Accord!

LOL! Jackhole!