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? |
Why don't you buy someone on the forum a bottle if their favourite to go look at it for you?
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Originally Posted by adryargument
(Post 1341278)
Why don't you buy someone on the forum a bottle if their favourite to go look at it for you?
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Originally Posted by adryargument
(Post 1341278)
Why don't you buy someone on the forum a bottle if their favourite to go look at it for you?
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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 |
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. |
Originally Posted by thumpetto007
(Post 1341320)
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.
Originally Posted by codrus
(Post 1341297)
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 Pretty much in line with my thoughts. |
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? |
I believe it is a specific BMW.
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Originally Posted by 18psi
(Post 1341326)
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? 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. |
flew from Iceland to Germany to pick up a car and then drove it all the way back. But I had others lined up to check out in case the car wasn't as advertised.
and a manual 335i sounds sweet |
Originally Posted by G3ML1NGZ
(Post 1341333)
flew from Iceland to Germany to pick up a car and then drove it all the way back.
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Originally Posted by hornetball
(Post 1341336)
James Bond car that can cross ocean?
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Originally Posted by G3ML1NGZ
(Post 1341337)
naah, ferry. but my point is that if you intend on making a trip out of it at least have something else to check out so you don't feel compelled to either buy or jump ship since you made the trip
But I'd be much more likely just to do it via a lot of pictures and a bmw inspection. |
I'll fly out and drive it to you for the cost of gas and tickets. :)
Not even joking. Text me. |
Nice car, I like the 135i coupes better. My friend had one with the full dual intake, intercooler, tune, full exhaust, the rear end from an automatic car, race pads, He daily drove it with R comps.
That car was pretty fun in the dry, to say the least. |
Originally Posted by thumpetto007
(Post 1341344)
Nice car, I like the 135i coupes better. My friend had one with the full dual intake, intercooler, tune, full exhaust, the rear end from an automatic car, race pads, He daily drove it with R comps.
That car was pretty fun in the dry, to say the least. |
^yeah, I don't have many friends, no kids, so I go for the coupes :) Just from a design standpoint, I like the 135i better. Not a family car though.
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Originally Posted by aidandj
(Post 1341342)
I'll fly out and drive it to you for the cost of gas and tickets. :)
--Ian |
:fawk:
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