IMHO, the safest route is a wire transfer. However, don't instruct your bank to send the wire until you have had a chance to see and drive the car.

If everything checks out, call your bank with instructions for a direct bank-to-bank wire transfer. Best to set this deal up with your banker before you leave on the road trip.

Yes, it is around $35 - $40 to send a wire but you don't have to worry about losing a bank cheque while out on the road.

Just my two cents.....