Purchasing cars remotely
06-25-2016, 02:08 PM
#1
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Purchasing cars remotely
I have found a car I'm pretty interested in, but the issue is it is 29hrs away. I am considering having the dealership do a pre-purchase inspection, and if I'm happy with how everything looks, having the car transported to me. It's cheaper than flying there and driving it back, and way less time consuming.
Anyone have anything to comment on the subject?
Anyone have anything to comment on the subject?
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06-25-2016, 02:55 PM
#4
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The thought has occurred to me. However, while a name or two has come to mind that are within 20min of the car, there isn't anyone on here I actually like, actively communicate with 1 on 1 that lives in the area. So I'd basically just be picking someone at random and asking them if they'd be down to go check out a car for me. Which seems kind of, idk.
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06-25-2016, 04:00 PM
#5
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For buying a car remotely, I want:
1) a good (probably fairly long) conversation with the seller on the phone, to try to get a sense of what kind of person he/she is.
2) lots of photos, a couple dozen at least, a hundred would be better. Taken in decent light, when the car is clean & dry, with a camera that doesn't suck, both overall shots and detail shots of everything relevant.
3) a carfax, duh
4) a pre-purchase inspection by a shop specializing in the particular area I'm concerned about.
--Ian
1) a good (probably fairly long) conversation with the seller on the phone, to try to get a sense of what kind of person he/she is.
2) lots of photos, a couple dozen at least, a hundred would be better. Taken in decent light, when the car is clean & dry, with a camera that doesn't suck, both overall shots and detail shots of everything relevant.
3) a carfax, duh
4) a pre-purchase inspection by a shop specializing in the particular area I'm concerned about.
--Ian
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06-25-2016, 06:51 PM
#6
My miata was 18hours away, I flew out really cheaply, got a local shop to verify my evaluation, shouldn't have bought it, because the seller didn't budge on price at all. I should have paid 5000 AT MOST.
I should have said see ya later, flew home, and waited for another vehicle to come up.
It is very difficult to have leverage in a negotiation when you are not close to home, and/or in person.
Good luck.
I should have said see ya later, flew home, and waited for another vehicle to come up.
It is very difficult to have leverage in a negotiation when you are not close to home, and/or in person.
Good luck.
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06-25-2016, 07:21 PM
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My miata was 18hours away, I flew out really cheaply, got a local shop to verify my evaluation, shouldn't have bought it, because the seller didn't budge on price at all. I should have paid 5000 AT MOST.
I should have said see ya later, flew home, and waited for another vehicle to come up.
It is very difficult to have leverage in a negotiation when you are not close to home, and/or in person.
Good luck.
I should have said see ya later, flew home, and waited for another vehicle to come up.
It is very difficult to have leverage in a negotiation when you are not close to home, and/or in person.
Good luck.
For buying a car remotely, I want:
1) a good (probably fairly long) conversation with the seller on the phone, to try to get a sense of what kind of person he/she is.
2) lots of photos, a couple dozen at least, a hundred would be better. Taken in decent light, when the car is clean & dry, with a camera that doesn't suck, both overall shots and detail shots of everything relevant.
3) a carfax, duh
4) a pre-purchase inspection by a shop specializing in the particular area I'm concerned about.
--Ian
1) a good (probably fairly long) conversation with the seller on the phone, to try to get a sense of what kind of person he/she is.
2) lots of photos, a couple dozen at least, a hundred would be better. Taken in decent light, when the car is clean & dry, with a camera that doesn't suck, both overall shots and detail shots of everything relevant.
3) a carfax, duh
4) a pre-purchase inspection by a shop specializing in the particular area I'm concerned about.
--Ian
Pretty much in line with my thoughts.
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06-25-2016, 07:22 PM
#8
I don't trust anyone to inspect cars for me. Because I am without a doubt the pickiest and most thorough/OCD person I've met and usually find 5x more things wrong with a car than even the pro's.
That said, it really depends on what kind of car we're talking about here.
Moar details?
Is it a rare sports car of sorts, or just a daily/family car?
That said, it really depends on what kind of car we're talking about here.
Moar details?
Is it a rare sports car of sorts, or just a daily/family car?
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06-25-2016, 07:37 PM
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I don't trust anyone to inspect cars for me. Because I am without a doubt the pickiest and most thorough/OCD person I've met and usually find 5x more things wrong with a car than even the pro's.
That said, it really depends on what kind of car we're talking about here.
Moar details?
Is it a rare sports car of sorts, or just a daily/family car?
That said, it really depends on what kind of car we're talking about here.
Moar details?
Is it a rare sports car of sorts, or just a daily/family car?
2010, 335i, manual, sedan.
Guy had the turbos replaced 14k ago. (common factory issue to go wrong somewhere above 60-70k). HPFP was also replaced (another common issue).
Has sport+premium+iDrive+Logic7+xenon lights. 84k miles. New tires. All maintenance documented and done at the dealership.
It really ticks all the checkboxes and then some. Except for color, as it's Titanium silver. Not my favorite, but I think it still looks good.
And the fact it's across the country, and he wants a little more than I think it's worth, but I haven't gotten interested enough yet I've tried to talk him down yet. He's around 2k over kbb. But, he also seems to know he's got a rare setup and that a lot of people will probably pay a premium for it. These sedans in manual really are a pain to find.
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06-25-2016, 08:17 PM
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But I'd be much more likely just to do it via a lot of pictures and a bmw inspection.
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06-25-2016, 08:57 PM
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Yeah, but have you ridden in that back of one? lol. I already have a fun two seater, I want something fun and comfortable to drive to work every day and what not. I'm not even looking at cars that don't have 4 doors.
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