Shipping Vehicles Question/s - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

markho · #1 12-11-2009, 08:50 AM

If I were to buy a vehicle across the country I was wondering the best method of payment? Would an escrow account be the best way to hold money until the vehicle arrives? Anyone have experience?

#2 12-11-2009, 08:53 AM

I prefer to fly out and pick it up myself, with a bank draft.

lutzTD · #3 12-11-2009, 11:31 AM

would need to be an understanding seller. I would never let the vehicle off my property without cash in hand. even a bank draft can be forged now. the buyer needs to bring cash and be ready to have the title assigned. if he doesnt have cash HE needs to cash the check and give me the cash.

Txjake · #4 12-11-2009, 12:13 PM

I have seen third party escrow on very high dollar vehicle sales, sort of an "on approval" deal. If potential buyer does not accept, $$ are not accesssed. Buyer is usually liable for shipping costs one or both ways. Most normal sales though are "cash & carry". In this case, it is pretty much buyer beware. If it is too far away to go see, it is worth while to pay someone to perform a PPI. shipping is negotiable, although in reality, it is usually the buyer who pays...

strelnik · #5 12-11-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Txjake

I have seen third party escrow on very high dollar vehicle sales, sort of an "on approval" deal. If potential buyer does not accept, $$ are not accesssed. Buyer is usually liable for shipping costs one or both ways. Most normal sales though are "cash & carry". In this case, it is pretty much buyer beware. If it is too far away to go see, it is worth while to pay someone to perform a PPI. shipping is negotiable, although in reality, it is usually the buyer who pays...

I have seen third party escrows where the local bank holds the escrow, and also agrees to notarize the sale and transfer the funds. BoA did that for me for free three years ago.

At the time, I was on active duty in the Army, so I don't know if they did that as a favor.

Pavka007 · #6 12-11-2009, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

I prefer to fly out and pick it up myself, with a bank draft.

Same here

. In person

rocky raccoon · #7 12-11-2009, 12:59 PM

A PAYPAL account can be established for non-ebay purchases. It is a universal payment method trusted and accepted my almost anyone these days. It even offers a measure of both buyer and seller protection. You can always find a few malcontents but I think the majority of people that have used it will endorse it.

Secure shipping can also be arranged through PAYPAL if your circumstances do not permit on-scene delivery. I have used both to my satisfaction. Of course, prepurchase inspection is always recommended.

Aquaticedge · #8 12-11-2009, 02:16 PM

if I cant get out tot he car I use the site www.uship.com you can usually get a pretty decent deal with people able to transport your car

TylerH860 · #9 12-11-2009, 02:29 PM

Here is what I did when I bought the Excelsior site unseen 1000 miles away in Sedona, AZ.

1: I talked to him over 3-4 conversation totaling over 2 hours probably. I asked him every little question I could think of, just to see if he knows the car and try to get him to contradict himself. I also had him take more pictures and send them to me.

2: After making the deal, I had him fax me a copy of his driver's license, the vehicle title, a signed bill of sale, and a phone number for employment verification.

3: I overnighted a cashiers check and had him agree to overnight the title and signed bill of sale after he receives it. The 3 days it took for the shipper to show gave ample time for the check to clear.

The car arrived 2 days after that, and it is one of the best I have ever purchased.

If you are doing this with a dealer, most likely they will be calling the shots. You can look them up on BBB or ask for references from individuals and banks. One suggestion I would make before buying an older car from a dealer is always track down the previous owner and speak with them. It saved me from making a huge mistake with a Dodge pickup. Looked perfect, only 70k on her, low price. I had all the paperwork in front of me, including a copy of the title. I looked up the individuals on the title, and gave them a ring. Turns out the truck was majorly overheated and the motor was shot. It was only after throwing this in the dealers face did they finally admit to throwing in a junkyard motor.

TylerH860 · #10 12-11-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

if I cant get out tot he car I use the site www.uship.com you can usually get a pretty decent deal with people able to transport your car

Yes, I used Uship, and got my shipping down to somewhere between 50-60 cents a mile in an ENCLOSED trailer.

meltedpanda · #11 12-11-2009, 03:07 PM

I shipped a 65 rolls from california to kentucky. Arranged it all with the shipper, paid a small sum on contract agreement, then paid cash to driver when I was satisfied for deal. We did a door to door , but found out the enclosed carrier would not fit down the side street , so we made the deal in the kroger parking lot ( lol)

Aquaticedge · #12 12-11-2009, 03:37 PM

Uship I've had Transport 2 of my busses, 1 Truck and a engine...Fish tank, 2 chairs from cali...best place ever. I can transport stuff from Florida.