Some questions about buying a car long distance, sight unseen (and a C43 question)...

[DieselHead]

Hi,
My dad found this 1999 C43 that he wants to get for my sister, but it's all the way down in Miami and we're in New York. We're having www.carinspect.com do an inspection of the car; we're mostly concerned about whether or not it burns oil or makes funny noises. We found the car on eBay and the guy we're buying it from has over 500 positive comments (as both buyer and seller) so we're guessing that he's okay.

Here's the thing. Tomorrow, as part of getting the deal going, he wants my dad to fax him a copy of his driver's license. Is that strange? We've never purchased a used car before, much less one so far away. Is this driver's license thing not a normal practice? My mom is concerned about identity theft. All he wants is a $500 deposit that can be paid through credit card, so we're thinking that if anything goes wrong, we can tell the credit card company not to pay him.

Also, anyone have any general comments to make about the reliability of the C43?

Thanks so much for the input!

Alex

[Brian Carlton]

Apparently, the dealers in Florida do require a copy of your driver's license when you purchase the vehicle. I believe that it has something to do with the fact that they need the proof that the vehicle is being purchased by someone from out of state.

This has occured on both of my 126's. It probably will not result in identity theft. Now, if he also asks for your social security number ....................................

[rs899]

It's been awhile since I bought a car from a dealer in Florida but seems to me they always get a copy of your license. What you are doing gives me the jitters.