Buying a car off the net | FerrariChat

Buying a car off the net

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by StallionRx, Jul 25, 2007.

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  1. StallionRx

    StallionRx Formula Junior

    Nov 7, 2003
    364
    South CT
    Full Name:
    Mark
    #1 StallionRx, Jul 25, 2007
    Im really interested in a Viper ACR thats about 1000 miles from me. Ive contacted the seller and hes sent me tons of pictures of the car and judging by the pictures the car looks ok. Ive had a few friends buy cars sight unseen off the net and while things worked out well for them I dont know if I'm willing to take that chance. I could take a flight out there to check the car out, but trying to arrange it around work is kinda difficult at the moment.

    Has anyone bought cars off the net without seeing them? Also, in regards to shipping can someone suggest a good company?
     
  2. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

    May 1, 2003
    10,994
    Canada and Brasil...
    #2 Kds, Jul 25, 2007
    Touch, feel, smell, PPI in person. Works for me every single time.
     
  3. ZINGARA 250GTL

    ZINGARA 250GTL F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jun 21, 2002
    17,499
    PA
    Full Name:
    Ken
    #3 ZINGARA 250GTL, Jul 26, 2007
    WADR, avoiding thousands of dollars in repairs that pictures can't show is worth overcoming the "difficulty" of arranging a visit and PPI. I would avoid recoining the phrase, "buying a pig in a poke."


     
  4. Scotty

    Scotty F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2003
    9,884
    Oregon
    Full Name:
    Scotty Ferrari
    #4 Scotty, Jul 26, 2007
    I have never gone to see a car, but I always make sure I get a good independent PPI. It hasn't failed me yet. Of course, going to see the car in person is a good addition to, but should not substitute for, a PPI.
     
  5. Houston348

    Houston348 Formula 3

    Oct 18, 2006
    2,297
    #5 Houston348, Jul 26, 2007
    +1, always get a set of eyes on it
     
  6. TrentS

    TrentS Formula Junior

    Nov 22, 2005
    789
    South Florida
    #6 TrentS, Jul 26, 2007
    I wouldn't buy a NEW car sight unseen, let alone a used one... Take the time, get on a plane and go see it. If it passes your inspection, THEN have a PPI done by an independent 3rd party shop.

    As for shipping companies we've used Passport/FedEx... http://passport.fedex.com/

    And Intercity... http://www.intercitylines.com/
     
  7. 62 250 GTO

    62 250 GTO F1 Veteran

    Jan 9, 2004
    7,765
    Nova Scotia Canada
    Full Name:
    Neil
    #7 62 250 GTO, Jul 26, 2007
    If you can't go see it, find a company to inspect it for you and have them back up their work with some sort of insurance in case they miss something.

    Hoping the car is in great shape is a dream, you can take a chance but be ready to be disappointed.

    Spend a few hundred bucks on a plane ticket or at least a few hundred on a third party to check the car out on a hoist.
     

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