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Purchasing a car from a great distance

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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 09:27 AM
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Default Purchasing a car from a great distance

Am looking for a new DD, and have narrowed things down quite a bit. I have the benefit of being able to scour the country, but then you find something you want 2500 miles away.

Some thoughts of mine. I think paying to have the car checked out by a mechanic/dealership local to the vehicle, then having it shipped would be the most expeditious way to do this. If the car is solid, I don't feel the need to physically look at it myself, as long as a reasonable third party could do so.

Any thoughts or experiences regarding accomplishing something like this
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 09:29 AM
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It would have to be an extremely important car/wish to go to those lengths.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 09:44 AM
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How do you know the seller and the mechanic aren't in cahoots?
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 09:54 AM
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they have car inspectors for such occasions. I bought both of my cars long distance these past two years and it went smooth, but of course they are brand new. My friend just bought a used porsche in cali and got it inspected for 140 bucks.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 10:00 AM
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I pick the shop. It is not really all that much of a stretch to do the inspection and ship thing, but it adds a few grand to the total price.

more likely I find a west coast car and go get it.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 10:04 AM
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the cost to ship my car from North Carolina to New Orleans was about 500 and the cost to ship my wife's car from San Jose to New Orleans was about 1000 bucks.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 10:21 AM
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looking at 1500 for shipping for the one in Florida. If I get one that is less than a thousand miles away, I cash in the frequent flyer miles and drive home, knocks at least a grand off total cost. Found a few closer that are the wrong color, but I can live with charcoal grey.

Last edited by Tobra; Jun 9, 2011 at 10:22 AM.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 10:26 AM
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I say, buy what exactly you are looking for, especially when it comes to colors. Sometimes I wished my wife's car was white. Black gets dirty quick, but when it's nicely washed and waxed, man they are beautiful.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 10:47 AM
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What kinda car?

I been jonesing for a TDI Golf recently.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 12:02 PM
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I bought my M3 from Chicago and had it shipped to AZ. Luckily, Drew was nice enough to go check it out for me.

---------- Post added at 01:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:00 PM ----------

It cost me $800 to have it shipped in a covered car carrier.
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