Buying a car long distance

[spikeball]

As I get older I'm starting to become more and more particular about what I enjoy and need in my vehicles. I've found a few models and the correct trim that fit the bill, but are limited locally. So now, I've expanded my search.

What should I look out for when buying a car from a state that I can't easily get to? How do I get it inspected? Are there some specific questions I should ask the seller?

I'm likely going to be buying through a dealership so I can arrange things easily if need be. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Lt. head-shot]

Dealership definitely makes it easier. I recently bought a car through Bringatrailer.com. My advice mostly applies to older cars, but I suppose newer ones could benefit similarly.

1 - NEVER send money ahead of time, holding fees, etc. There are SOOOOO many scams that ask for money up front.
2 - Ask for TONS of pictures, try to be specific especially if you are looking for any spots of rust or issues.
3 - Be willing to walk away if things are not as they seem (car ended up having some interior issues that were conveniently hidden from pics and tires that were completely shot, we agreed to still buy the car but the tires ended up being a huge hassle).
4 - Always recommended that you do see it in person/able to do a test drive. Its better to take the $500 flight to get the car you want then be stuck with $30K in something you don't want.
5 - Do research on what it takes to get a car from one state to another - some do "trip" permits, require sale paperwork, etc.

[Jellyghost]

I once bought a car in FL while living in KC. It was not a good deal. The price was good, but the minivan had some strange saltwater/beach damage. It had a salty film on it that I could not have detected from pictures. Once in FL to drive it back, it was too late.

[MrKittyCatMeowFace]

I would never buy a car, truck, or motorcycle im not willing to go and see and inspect myself in person. Gotta drive it myself too. Probably would be my first time actually behind the wheel, may find out in the test drive you hate it you know. .

[Flounder]

A lot of dealerships and garages offer a pre-buy inspection service. I used one years ago. For $150 they go over the car, take any pictures I request or they feel I need and send me a report. Worked out well for me in the long run. The one spot that always seemed to be obscured in pictures turned out to be crushed from an accident that was not mentioned in the listing. Saved myself a flight and hotel costs. Found a similar car local the following week.

[Cunha]

If you need to buy a car from far away then its probably worth the trip to see it in person.

I would need a trusted agent on the ground to execute any deal if I was not going to make myself physically present.

[shadow191]

If you're buying from a dealership, not much difference than buying locally since they'll handle the paperwork. How do you plan to get it home? Transport or fly over and drive home? How do you plan to handle payment/financing?

Assuming car is used if you're worried about inspection? And is this a new car dealership or is it a used car lot? I'd avoid the 2nd option if it's out of state. As others have said, there are services that will take pics and handle inspection. Well worth the money.

I purchased a car a few years back from a private seller - it was a very specific modified car I wanted. Had the shop that built it inspect it and then I flew up to NYC from Atlanta to pick it up and drive home. Had cashier's check with me and we signed everything on the spot.

On other side, I sold 2 cars to someone out of state. He arranged transport/pickup and so on day of, wire payment came through and then a couple of hours later, transport arrived. I put the titles in glovebox and that was it. We had already handled bill of sale electronically.