Buying a car long distance, sight unseen

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Posted by Victor Khomenko (M) on January 24, 2021 at 15:53:42

I have never done that before... until recently.

I kept telling my wife she needed a new car... she kept telling me she did not. I knew she was right... with just 47K miles on her BMW she clearly was the smarter one in the family. But I am the stubborn one, so eventually she agreed to "look" at some.

Just to look... to test drive, for fun, you know... not buying...

The type of a car I wanted her to have is not something you routinely see at your local dealer, unfortunately, so I kept looking on CarGurus. And finally I found it... just as I wanted - 2-3 yo, certified, with warranty and with red seats. The price was almost too good to be true and the mileage of 19K miles was the final straw. Soon she stopped resisting.

Except... it was in Nebraska. So we started considering different options of getting it here. At close to 1200 miles it is a long drive, especially in the winter. Flying there and then driving back also did not look too attractive... so we started checking on having it brought on a transporter.

My wife started calling around... the dealer wanted $1,500 for that... but she, after a couple of days, was able to find a sweet $540 deal. Me... I usually don't go for the cheapest offering... but I let her arrange all this, and so we signed the papers.

To be frank, I was nervous. It seemed to me a lot of bad things could happen to a nice car on such a long drive, but I kept this to myself.

Long story short - three days passed and the car arrived to Phily. We went to pick it up there, and she drove her new beautiful white Audi S5 Sportback home.

Overall I am totally pleased with this affair, and now I put my CarGurus search on Nationwide.

There was one minor thing... someone left one window slightly ajar, and some dirt made its way inside. No big deal, since I would have it detailed anyway... there is that local guy who does great job for $200.

So consider this a public service announcement. I know many people would be reluctant to buy a car long distance, so here is our basically VERY positive experience.

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Topic - Buying a car long distance, sight unseen - Victor Khomenko 15:53:42 01/24/21 (15)

RE: Buying a car long distance, sight unseen - pictureguy 11:15:53 01/28/21 (0)

You take more risks than I would! - Inmate51 08:39:41 01/26/21 (0)

RE: Buying a car long distance, sight unseen - Mike B. 10:57:35 01/25/21 (1)

I would never buy remotely from a private party - Victor Khomenko 11:12:36 01/25/21 (0)

RE: Buying a car long distance, sight unseen - dark_dave56 02:36:12 01/25/21 (0)

RE: Buying a car long distance, sight unseen - Green Lantern 19:24:27 01/24/21 (1)

Yes, and she seems to be settling in comfortably - Victor Khomenko 05:45:56 01/25/21 (0)

I bought two used BMWs off of eBay without much anxiety. - free.ranger 17:02:36 01/24/21 (2)

I didn't think of ebay - Victor Khomenko 18:48:50 01/24/21 (1)

RE: I didn't think of ebay - dark_dave56 03:53:41 01/25/21 (0)

I only buy my BAT amps used..... - viridian 16:41:17 01/24/21 (3)

RE: I only buy my BAT amps used..... - The Dill 19:21:10 01/24/21 (2)

Thanks! I was only pulling Victor's leg. Must've missed the mark. Nt - viridian 08:06:51 01/26/21 (0)

One should not... - Victor Khomenko 19:31:39 01/24/21 (0)

RE: Buying a car long distance, sight unseen - rivervalley817 16:01:37 01/24/21 (0)

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