Whats the safest way to buy a car online? Any recommended escrow services? Theres a couple here on S2ki that im very interested in but i never did this before.

 

how far is the car from you? if you found a specific one, is it paid off?

 

honestly.. i would buy from dealer of in person,
i would not risk getting ripped off.

no question there are good people in the world
but there are bad horrible people who will try getting all of your money

con men are pro at this and will make it seem like they are selling a car

 

My S2K was in TN (I'm in MI). I sent a deposit via PayPal paid by a MC (double protection) and had the owner do a UOA. When that came back good I went down and did a self inspection. I handed him the check, he called to verify it was funded and I drove off with his plates. When the check cleared he sent me the title and I sent him his plates. No issues. There are escrow services you can use but neither one of us felt it was necessary.

Naturally, if you're an idiot you'll get ripped off. But idiots tend to get ripped off no matter what they do.

 

dealers are shady at time also, I would always get a auto check/car fax for any future purchase. Also, a inspection. There is a thread of what to look for when buying a used S.

As for what I did when I purchased an used S from private seller here on S2ki. I left Louisiana to Texas to pick it up. The car was stock except for CAI and was garaged kept looked new as described in and out. I've been looking for at least half a year and finally found one with low miles and nearly stock that looked mint. So take your time searching.

Sellers S had about 10k left to pay on the S. He wanted to sell it for $16.5k, then got him to lower it to $16k. He was very honest and his FS thread was detailed accordingly. Got a loan for $16k, my credit union worked with his credit union. My union sent his credit union $16k. in the end he received a 6k check.

I had to get a bill of sale we both signed and he got it notarized. Get approved for loan at credit union, sign all necessary paper work at the credit union. The credit union takes care of most of the work. Shopped for insurance and got it to start on day I went to pick up the S. Then paid off the loan I had the following month.

If the S your looking for is paid off then it's a lot easier process. Bill of sale, and transfer title.

Again, make sure you take a look at the car in person, test drive, and take your time when searching for your S.

I'm not certain if I got all the steps in, not sure if I forgot some since it's been a while.

 

I'm located in Honolulu, Hawaii. There's a couple cars i've been checking out throughout the continental US from west to east coast. I considered the idea of flying up there to buy the car i decide on then driving to LA to ship.

 

I bought my used 1999 Ducati 996s (new MSRP 22K) out of state (800 miles away) 2 years ago. I got a LOT of high quality pics and after speaking several times on the phone, made the commitment to buy it assumming it met the condition as described by the seller (private seller). I flew to the location of the bike (I bought a RT ticket just in case it was not as described) and checked it out in person to ensure the level of perfection I "required".

Paid in cash, had some great Naw'lins food, and loaded it into a rental uhaul trailer and drove it home to S. FL.

I would never buy sight unseen, in person. There are just too many people who think their stuff is mint when it is a 5/10 in my book.

 

Definitely fly to the car, or keep looking for one in the continental US.

 

I did almost the same thing when I bought my VFR. Exchanged several e-mails, then a couple of phone calls with the seller. Had him send pictures of specific things that I wanted to see. Like you, I committed to buy it assuming it was as described and the test ride was good. Used PayPal to send him a deposit. Brought a cashier's check for $500 less than The balance and $500 cash to give me some negotiating room after I saw it in person. There was a minor issue when I saw it. Negotiated another $100 off the price and the deal was done.

I drove from NY to Florida to get it, but did it over Thanksgiving week and stayed with friends and family down and back. Made a vacation out of it.

 

I've bought several cars out of state without problems. Find a S2KI/S2KCA member where the car is located and ask him to inspect the car on your behalf. I also find a pre-purchase inspection to be a good investment (the S2K1/S2KCA member can assist you by doing the inspection with a reputed mechanic on your behalf.) Bring a cashier check. Once you inspect the car, go to the seller's bank + deposit the check, and you can drive away with your title. Get lots of pics from the seller. An honest seller should point out any defects (dings, scratches, accidents, etc.) on the car up-front.

I once sold a BMW M5 to a guy in Minnesota. He had a BMW car club member in my hometown (NJ) inspect the car, and he never came to look at the car. He sent a truck to pick-up the car. I took pics of the M5 before and while the truck was being loaded to make sure he knew the condition of he car before shipping. I also bought an old Mercedes the same way. while there are crocks out there, most people are honest.