Could use your input/thoughts when inspecting/buying a car across the country. | FerrariChat
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Could use your input/thoughts when inspecting/buying a car across the country.

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by christopher, Apr 17, 2014.

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  1. christopher

    christopher Formula 3

    Nov 29, 2003
    1,136
    Ontario California
    Full Name:
    Christopher
    #1 christopher, Apr 17, 2014
    Hey Guys,

    Could use your thoughts on this:

    I found a car that interests me however NOT another Ferrari…it’s another marque. Unfortunately this particular marque is NOTORIOUS for rust, you just have to know where to look..

    Surface rust is ok, however these cares are very unforgiving to rust and it can become a HUGE issue. I’ve quickly discounted cars in the past that have rust, it’s all too familiar and common. As such it’s so common that you can literally rack-up a huge expense flying all around the country inspecting these cars only to be disappointed. Even after the seller swears “that it has NO rust.” Just about 9-out-of 10 cars will have this tin worm, even So. California cars!

    My question is this; given my extremely busy schedule (just took on a job promotion and working most weekends), I don’t see traveling in the distant future, are there any ideas on making some sort of a comprise with the seller on having the car shipped to a predetermined location to have it inspected?

    I’m only asking because I’ve not purchased an out-of-state car before, so I’m not sure of any protocol.

    I want to be fair to the guy, he seems to be Gentleman and I’d prefer not to insult him, but I don’t know of anyone in the state in which the car is currently (that I could have inspect), and frankly I’m pretty experienced in these cars and would like to rely on my own experience.

    He sent pictures, and they look ok, but you really have to poke around on these cars, as “bondo” is the filler of choice….

    Might anyone know of a way to get around this hurdle? I think it’d be asking a lot from the buyer to just ask him to ship the car to me for my inspection, and if I don’t like it to ship it back…is there another way that might equitable.

    I’ve heard the escrow account mentioned? But you’d probably have to have all the funds deposited, and I’m actually financing a portion of the car.
    Looking for some ideas guys, thanks for your feedback.

    Hat in hand.

    Regards,

    Chris.
     
  2. Voda

    Voda Formula 3

    Oct 10, 2013
    1,808
    Seattle
    #2 Voda, Apr 17, 2014
    Chris -- I've purchased many cars out of state (in fact, I'm just closing a deal on a Ferrari in CA) and usually I don't fly to check them out. That being said, I always have a marque specialist do an inspection and a PPI done without question...it is $ well spent.

    Your post is vague, and IMO you'll gain more helpful information if you list more specifics (make/model of car and the state where it is located).
     
  3. dooInMa

    dooInMa Rookie

    Feb 18, 2014
    8
    #3 dooInMa, Apr 17, 2014
    I don't know if this would give you the resolution you need, but you could try and locate someone to do the PPI and also employ a webcam (or something like Facetime). You could then direct them to move the camera to certain areas of the car which you need to inspect visually.

    Like Voda, in the one purchase I made, the first time I saw the car is when it was unloaded from the carrier.
     
  4. christopher

    christopher Formula 3

    Nov 29, 2003
    1,136
    Ontario California
    Full Name:
    Christopher
    #4 christopher, Apr 18, 2014
    Thanks for your input guys, at this point I’m taking a look at most options that won’t require me to fly out everywhere to inspect a vehicle.
    Thank you,
    Chris.
     
  5. Entropy

    Entropy Formula 3
    Owner

    Jul 10, 2008
    2,149
    #5 Entropy, Apr 18, 2014
    random thoughts

    If you have an expert you trust to inspect the car, fly the person to the car. It costs money, but you will get the peace of mind and "eyes on".

    IF I was selling a special car, NFW would I "transport it" to a neutral location. A local, known, agreed-upon shop, sure - but "transporting" it? To me that would take the car off the market, open up for potential damage, and I'd be paranoid unless I personally knew the shop it was going to. This is even if the seller was willing to pay. Up front.

    I would absolutely get a competent lawyer involved if this is a high-dollar transaction. A good lawyer can arrange a suitable escrow for pre-transaction and post-transaction. If it intimidates the buyer, offer several options for lawyers. Again, it may cost, but it's insurance. For most transactions it's overkill but that's your decision.

    There are a LOT of wise posts on here about remote buying, I'd read up for lessons learned and best practices...

    Good luck
     
  6. texasmr2

    texasmr2 Two Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Oct 22, 2007
    22,232
    Houston
    Full Name:
    Gregg
    #6 texasmr2, Apr 18, 2014
    No info regarding make and model gives me pause.
     
  7. billswim

    billswim Rookie

    Jan 31, 2014
    48
    Oakland ca
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #7 billswim, May 2, 2014
    This is the best plan of action given your situation. If you want the car, you'll have to pay, one way or the other. Airfare, or rust repair.

    I'm a porshe specialist in northern ca and my customers will occasionally fly me to inspect a car for them. They know I know what to look for and compared to taking a huge hit from buying a dud it makes sense to pay me to got inspect the car for them.

    If you really want the car but are too busy making money, use some of that money to pay a qualified expert to do his job for you.
     
  8. Mr. V

    Mr. V Formula 3

    Oct 23, 2004
    1,247
    Portland, Oregon
    #8 Mr. V, May 2, 2014
    As your key concern seems to be possible rust, I suggest you google up a competent autobody shop in the immediate area where the car is located and hire them to inspect and report. Ideally the owner will take it to their shop for a full, on the rack inspection.
     
  9. Mozella

    Mozella Formula Junior

    Mar 24, 2013
    905
    Piemonte, Italia
    #9 Mozella, May 3, 2014
    If I were selling a car I would certainly make it available for the buyers inspection or an inspection by the purchasers assigned agent. Depending on the car's value, the possibility of a deposit, and some other factors, I might also be willing to deliver the car to a nearby location to be put on a rack for a more detailed inspection and possibly a test drive, PPI, etc.

    But if someone called and proposed I ship the car across the country to him for his personal inspection because he was "too busy" to fly to where the car is located I would laugh and hang up the phone. But that's just me.
     

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