[Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
So far, I have purchased 3 out-of-state cars:
- 1998 Jeep Wrangler w/ 9k miles three years ago
- 2001 Mazda 626 ES V6 w/ 6k miles two years ago,
- and my beloved 1978 Alfa w/ 36k miles about 10 years ago.
First, it comes down to the car. By that I mean miles and owners. I only look at cars that have one (or two if it's really old) owners and low, low miles if I have to travel to buy it. I want to know as much about it as possible; as soon as the car changes hand more than once, it becomes difficult to get an accurate picture of the cars condition and maintenance history. Basically, if the car's condition isn't "special" or "unique" it's not worth traveling for.
As far as a pre-purchase inspection goes, it depends on the answers I get from the owner. If I'm reluctant, I have an inspection by a qualified specialist. At the very least, I call the shop where the car is service to talk to the tech to get their overall impression. Most have been very willing to spend a few minutes talking with me for no charge if they know the car. I have to say I don't rely on this much simply because if I question some of the answers or have an uneasy feeling from the owner I pretty much walk away. It's just not worth my time if I'm remotely hesitant. Plus I tend to be much pickier than a lot of people so what one person considers to be a good car, I may not.
In regards to flying out and picking up the car I always, ALWAYS, plan on walking if the car isn't exactly what I expect. I have a back-up plan: I plan on spending the time I would have spent driving back (say a day or two) visiting the area instead. Basically plan a mini vacation just in case. I would rather spend another couple hundred bucks on a vacation rather than spend thousands on a car I am not entirely pleased with. I've walked away once but it was not a big deal because my wife had family in the same town so we just went to visit them instead.
So I suggest being very patient when shopping. Ask a lot of questions and get a lot of pictures and don't pursue anything of you have even a slight bit of hesitation.
posted by 198.181.18...
, Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:57:02, Fri, 22 Sep 2006 17:19:53
, Fri, 22 Sep 2006 11:49:48, Fri, 22 Sep 2006 16:23:36, Mon, 25 Sep 2006 13:00:46
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
