Buying a Car From Far Away

[P_Carfahrer]

Every car (20+) I have bought for at least 15 years has been at least 1000 miles from me, usually through an auction. I always fly out and drive home. I usually use one of my buddy‘s dealer transporter tags though a couple of times I got a 48 hour temp tag.

I fly out for pick up for three reasons:

1. I love the adventure and seeing the country. (Bucket list of driving through parts of all 50 states. Gives me an excuse to see parts I wouldn’t otherwise see)

2. Getting to know the car. During the drive home I will get a feel for what it needs and put a work list together on the way home.

3. I control the total process.

If that does not appeal to you then +1 to what Tom says about getting a local inspection done and arranging shipment.

I have helped a couple of friends purchase Boxsters with minor flood issues through auction and have had them inspected and shipped without issue.

I use a company called URIS at youreyesonline.com for auction inspections though it shouldn’t be a problem finding a reputable local shop to do your PPI.

I usually use haulmatch.com for shipment.

[98Sixer]

I chose door #3 and did the PPI first, flew up to PDX from LAX and drove the car home 1,000 miles. Stopped in Sacramento on the way home to pick up some parts for my resto project too!

Worked out great and got to bond with my new to me P-Car!

[BoxMann]

Originally Posted by P_Carfahrer

Every car (20+)I always fly out and drive home. I usually use one of my buddy‘s dealer transporter tags though a couple of times I got a 48 hour temp tag.

I fly out for pick up for three reasons:

1. I love the adventure and seeing the country. (Bucket list of driving through parts of all 50 states. Gives me an excuse to see parts I wouldn’t otherwise see)

2. Getting to know the car. During the drive home I will get a feel for what it needs and put a work list together on the way home.

3. I control the total process.

I'm totally with you on all three. I love the adventure too.

[356Guy]

I've done the two trips and drive it home thing twice....both successfully. I treated the whole thing including the 1700 mile drive home like a little holiday. I have also traveled 1000 miles a few times and not bought the car.