Purchasing a car from a great distance
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
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From: Sacramelto, home after 10 years in Texas
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
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
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.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,925
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From: Sacramelto, home after 10 years in Texas
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.
more likely I find a west coast car and go get it.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 0
From: Sacramelto, home after 10 years in Texas
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.
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.
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.

---------- 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.


