Ok here

 

Not a lawyer but I would go with the escrow service. The money won't be paid to the seller until the car is delivered and accepted. If they are balking at the service then I would be a little leery of the deal. It protects both parties. FYI: a notarized Bill of Sale would give you some standing in court, but you would have to go to court . More money and hassle if the deal doesn't work out. Hope that helps a little. Good luck.

 

why don't you ask some of the locals to check out the car for you?? ask them to take pics, ask them about the owner etc etc..

I would also think about spending $300.00 on a flight so that you can see the car yourself - and i would take to the bank about the rules regarding a "stop payment" on a bank check if things go south..

DO NOT use your Credit Card as that will only protect you if the sale is with-in 200 miles from your billing address..

 

I am a lawyer, but that really has nothing to do with my advice. Contracts isn't my area of specialty. Anywho, why don't you have the seller e-mail you pics of whatever you'd like to see on the car (and/or have a local member check the car out), and if you are satisfied, fly to the car and personally exchange $ for car? That is the best way to protect yourself. Of course you cannot get out of the loan if the deal goes sour. The loan is a contract between you and the bank. It has nothing to do with the seller. You are obligated to repay the loan regardless of whether you get a car or a big steaming pile of jack sh$t. Also, of course a notarized bill of sale will AID your breach of contract claim should you need to pursue litigation (which aint fast or fun). But, even if you are successful in obtaining a judgment through litigation, how do you know that you will ever be able to recover anything? Lots of people out there are what we call "judgment proof." If this guy sells the S to someone else and then goes out an blows all the dough on who knows what else, how are you going to collect a cent from him? Bottom line, go buy it in person. There are used Ss everywhere. Why take on a substantial risk (if you are reluctant to travel to the seller) to buy this particular one?

 

The main reason I wanted to buy this S is that it

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by I dream of S
The main reason I wanted to buy this S is that it

 

Don't let the good deal cloud your vision. If someone was going to screw you out of your money, wouldn't they reel you in by offering you a great deal? I have had clients get screwed by the deal that was great, but had to be done "right now" which means no time to check everything out and use caution.
The best advice, if you can't go see it yourself, is to ask someone here to look at it for you. (see the regional clubs for members where the car is)
BTW, I still don't like your friends tat, but you took all the criticism very well and I commend you for it. I hope you never took my responses personally. But please take the advice you are getting here personally. We would hate to see a new thread from you in a few weeks "help me get my money back".

 

Thanks for the advice guys. Another thing that bugs me it that he hasn't been on this board very long, and the only posts he has made have been selling S2k parts or this car. I don't know but it just doesn't feel right.

 

if it doesn't feel right... it usually isn't

 

Well I e-mailed him again tonight and told him that I would only go through the escrow service. We shall see what he has to say. Thanks everyone