Advice for buying car out of state?

Ervin Overbee: Depending upon the amount of money that'll be involved, sometimes it's well worth the cost of buying a plane ticket and flying to see the car yourself. Often, the dealer is willing to meet you at the airport with the car, so you can hop on a return flight within hours. That's what I've done in the past.

Marcel Then: The whole reason why I'm not going to look at it in person is I have military obligations and can't go look at it. And the dealer does specialize in classic and collector cars. Not just some shady used car lot.

Venetta Coulbourne: I'm assuming this is a vintage car and is being sold by a legitimate vintage car collector or dealer.Me? I'd take two days off and fly up to MI and inspect the car myself before I gave anyone a dime. Then I'd pay to have it shipped back to FLA. But if you can't do that I'd call the seller on the phone. Talk to them and have them explain every detail about the cars condition and what to expect when the ca! r arrives. Have them fax you copies of the paperwork to inspect proving the car is what they claim it is. If you are satisfied that the car is not being misrepresented then go ahead with the transaction. But you must do everything possible to make sure that the car is what they claim it is and that the seller is not misrepresenting the condition of the vehicle in any way. Trust isn't something that comes easy. It must be earned. Make them earn it or they don't get your business....Show more

Gaynell Pizzaro: I have never done it but know people who have. Expensive classic cars and collectibles are bought/sold this way all the time. The buyers and sellers are nearly always respectable honest people who have a like mind and are able to establish a mutual trust.My concern in your case is that you are buying from a dealer, not a collector or an owner/driver. Is the dealer simply a used car dealer, or does he specialize in classic cars? It makes a big difference. Will the! dealer put you in contact with the previous owner (he does ha! ve all the documentation, right). Can he put you in contact with the person or company that did the restoration work?In short, you are taking a big chance buying a car sight unseen. The fact that it's coming from a dealer makes it even more so, unless the dealer is a specialist in collectibles. If I were you, I would make every effort to see the car, talk with previous owners/restorers, examine the paperwork, talk at length with the dealer. If you can't go see the car, hire an inspector in Michigan to go look at the car. If you decide to buy after all that, use an escrow service to hold the money for you until you've had time to look over the car after it's been transported to you. Put the inspection clause in the Bill of Sale you and the owner agree to. Agree to who pays shipping if you decide you don't want the car....Show more