How to Buy a Car Long Distance
The Internet provides a way for people to search for cars in other states. This is particularly useful for those interested in buying a particular vehicle, such as a 1980s Corvette or a classic Buick. Long-distance buying increases your options, but you must follow procedures and precautions.
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Instructions
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Know what car you want. Search online and through some of the top automobile trading magazines. Call a handful of owners and find out why they're selling their cars and what work's been done on the vehicle.
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Ask all car owners to send a picture of their car via email or by mail if there is no online picture. Request that they fax or mail copies of the title, registration and any repair receipts, if available. Start narrowing down your choices to two or three. Call the owners back and discuss any concerns. Discuss any issues that concern you. Ask the car owners about manuals or special parts like stereos or tires. Evaluate all of your final available choices, then decide which car you want to buy.
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See the car in person or have it shipped. Call auto body shops near the car's owner. Hire someone to inspect the car, whether you are traveling to get the car or not. Locate shipping companies if you need the car sent to you. Understand that that winter rates are usually less expensive. Hire a shipping company to send your car.
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Obtain a copy of the auto inspector's notes. Let the owner wait a few days after telling them you need time to think about the car. Call the owner back a few days later and negotiate a price, if the car is in proper working order. Send no more than a $1,000 deposit before the car is shipped. Pay the rest after the car arrives. Make arrangements with Western Union or some other payment source if you are visiting the market. Finalize the details of the transaction and purchase the car.
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Tips & Warnings
It is important to spend a lot of time looking for the right car. Such a significant purchase means you need time to make the right choice. Determine a bottom and top figure on what you want to spend and stick to that range. Weigh the cost of traveling to the owner's city against any shipping costs. You will also need to factor in the cost of driving home, as well.
Never appear overly eager when talking to the seller. They will sense this and try to sell their car at a higher price. Play it cool, even if they tell you that there are other potential buyers.
