Ever bought a car sight unseen?
- Thread starter dja4260
- Start date
I bought my current FR-S from a gentleman just outside of Dallas (I'm in St. Louis) sight unseen. That said, the gentleman I refer to is a driving instructor, regularly races and podiums in Spec Racer Ford, and as such was meticulous about his vehicles mechanical condition. It was a bit of a leap of faith for me, but has paid off. The car was and is in fantastic mechanical shape. The seller even went out of his way to make the sale more convenient for me. Maybe I just got lucky, but I hope to pay it forward to whoever purchases the vehicle from me, when that time comes.
I am more than likely going to be doing that at some point in the future. They seem to live in Georgia.
I've bought cars having only seen pictures of them a few times. Worked out perfectly once. The old pray and spray method.
Back in 2008 when the Canadian dollar was worth more than the US dollar, there was a lot of purchasing of used cars in the USA going on sight unseen. I see that as really risky.
You have to "feel out" if the car feels like maybe it will just die on the road on the way back.
Bought a 1991 Ford Escort for like $500 from either Delaware or Knox County Ohio once. The car was probably stolen, as the ignition cylinder was fully exposed/hanging, and the VIN number was on upside down. Of course, seller insisted it wasn't and wrote out a Bill Of Sale (which is basically just a receipt, not an actual transfer of title.) Car stalled out about a half hour down the road, because the alternator was not charging the battery.
Delaware County Sheriffs asked me where I got it, etc etc and I was able to continue on my way after a new battery.
I've done it four times from an internet ad. A 1990 Nissan 300Z in North Jersey, a 1996 Isuzu Trooper in Norfolk VA, a 1998 Acura TL in Springfield IL and a 1987 Alfa Romeo Veloce in Birmingham AL. No real problems with any of them.
I've always wanted an Alfa 164. If I ever get some decent money I'll check that out.
I searched and found 2 '16 Camry CPOs at a local dlr. Sent wife to deal with salesman. She didn't like the silver one, because the interior smelled 'funny' Came home with the Fridge. A souless, but so far reliable, transportation appliance.
LOL the typical female car buying experience. Every time my aging father tries to get my mother into an upgraded vehicle, I think I am going to have to get him therapy before it's over. The minor odd things she will fixate on that she likes or doesn't like is amazing.
They are both old enough now they are are probably on their last. Good thing cause getting her another would probably kill him at this point LOL.
They are both old enough now they are are probably on their last. Good thing cause getting her another would probably kill him at this point LOL.
I sent her out with a few agreed upon conditions. Camry 4cyl. Color anything BUT the gray that looks like weathered road tar. She chose her SE and that's been just as trouble free as the Fridge. Both are CPOs , from different dlrs so, Toyota must actually have a program that isn't just noise
Just one, my (now sold) '93 C3500 6.2 diesel from an ODOT auction, for $770. They thought it had a bad 4L80E, but it was just a bad TPS. Adjusted it, couple of flushes later, it was like new. Had it for about 12 years, made a LOT of money with that truck!
I purchased my 2014 911 sight unseen when it was 2 years old. It was from a porsche dealer and certified so I wasn't concerned about any mechanical issues as it was under warranty. I did see service history I was mainly concerned with cosmetics as this was a significant purchase for me. It worked out better than expected.
I've had my sight unseen purchase since Oct 16th. The vehicle was in better shape than expected. I washed it and used some rubbing compound to remove a few blemishes. My wife is happy so I'm happy! Cheers
