I need advice on being an out of town buyer... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BobsterMan · #1 04-07-2006, 04:17 PM

I recently joined this board and have been impressed by the quality of the posts. I am baffled, though, by the suggestions that because I am from out of town, I am a fraud. Since I am looking for a 250/280 coupe ad there are a couple here and none at all where I live (Manitoba Canada) i will have to be from out of town.

I need export documentation to take it out of the United States, and so that I don't have to leave it at the border, it is important to me that I have a good level of confidence in success.

The following quote is from craigslist....

Avoid scams & fraud by dealing locally:
· non-local deals involving shipping, wire transfer, or cashier checks are usually fraudulent
· there are no such things as "craigslist payment system", "craigslist buyer protection", or "craigslist seller certification"
· please report scam attempts to abuse@craigslist.org

I have not quibbled with the price, and ask only that the car be the condition that it is described to be. The trip for me is not insubstantial... a 3/4 ton truck and a tow dolly, at least two days drive, maybe more, and then certification after I get home.

If there is something that I am doing wrong, please let me know.

Maroon 300D · #2 04-07-2006, 04:30 PM

I think that if you find a car you might be interested in and tell the owner you'll show up with a truck to take it away, they would take you seriously.

If you're going to pay with a cashier's check, you might let the person know what bank you're using ahead of time so they could do some research on it if they wanted. That might make them comfortable.

I don't think most people would assume you're a fraudulent buyer just because you're out of town.

NKowi · #3 04-07-2006, 04:45 PM

On this forum most of us are out of town, yet there's no shortage of business conducted between members because of it.

Hatterasguy · #4 04-07-2006, 06:10 PM

Yeah, don't see a problem with buying a car from a long distance. Call the seller up and talk with them. Send them an overnight money order from a large national bank. Why do you even have to show up? Call a company like DAS and have the thing shipped.

I'd be more concerned with buying a lemon, sight unseen cars make me nervious.

If I had to ship it international, I'd consult with an auto shipping company.

aklim · #5 04-07-2006, 06:11 PM

Cashiers checks can be forged. Find out what banks they have there and see if you can get a check from them. Either that or have someone you trust wire the money to their bank. Also you can western union it and give him the retrival code once you take posession of the car.

BobsterMan · #6 04-08-2006, 08:09 AM

Thanks, guys, for helping me with the sanity check. It is a relatively small amount, so I am comfortable with cash. The nearest one is about 8 hours drive away, and I would like to see the vehicle first. I guess I don't anticipate problems... but I was a little shocked over the inferences.

aklim · #7 04-08-2006, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobsterMan

Thanks, guys, for helping me with the sanity check. It is a relatively small amount, so I am comfortable with cash. The nearest one is about 8 hours drive away, and I would like to see the vehicle first. I guess I don't anticipate problems... but I was a little shocked over the inferences.

Sure, go there and see the vehicle after you buy it. However have an independent source verify it is good. When I buy a gas car, I take my code scanner along. Also a compression gauge. I run the car for a bit and then check for codes and compression. Also if the tranny fluid looks brand new, I am suspicious. Usually I like to see the pan to check for debris. If you cannot do this, send it to a dealership nearby for a PDI.