Buying a car long distance (remotely)

[Jack Gagnon]

I just recently purchased a car about 2000 miles from home.  I contacted a
nearby dealer and had them do an inspection and compression test.  It cost
me $200.  I also did a carfax check and spoke to the previous owners of the
car.  I was able to get destination plated from my home state that allows
one to drive the car from point a to point b.  All I needed to get the
plates is an insurance card, the VIN # and $10.00.  I have purchased quite a
few cars over the years and knew the right questions to ask before making
the trip.  It also helped that I had to fly somewhere for business and was
able to get a flight to the car's location in the company tab.  There were a
few "surprises" found when I test drove the car as with and newly purchased
car.  It is a bit harder to turn a car down when making such a long trip
though.  I did buy the car and am happy I did.

Good Luck!

Jack

-----Original Message-----
From: quattro-admin at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-admin at audifans.com]On
Behalf Of Kent McLean
Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2001 2:26 AM
To: quattro at audifans.com
Subject: Buying a car long distance (remotely)


Gentlepeople,

I'm thinking of buying a car that's 1000 miles away.
Does anyone have any experience doing this?
(I'm sure this topic has been covered, but a check of
the archives turns up too many unrelated topics, like
"remote control" and "looks good from a distance").

Aside from checking the car for problems, I'm also
concerned about transporting it home. My plan is to
fly/drive to the location and drive it home. But what
about licensing and plates? I don't want to have to
make two trips (one to inspect/buy, and a second
after registering and licensing it).

I've heard of using a (remote) dealer to help out.
They can do the inspection and possibly issue
temporary plates.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

Regards,
Kent McLean

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