Buying a Viper from across the country

[DannyG]

Hi all,

I’m new here and in need of some advice. I live in Oregon and am considering buying a GenII GTS from a private seller in Florida. The seller has been super communicative and I’ll be having an inspection done prior to purchasing. Bottom line, I’m confident about the car’s condition and that’ll be further reinforced by the inspection.

What I’m struggling with is how I safely pay for the car and be certain I’ll receive the car and all of the necessary paperwork to transfer the title. Looking for advice from anyone who’s bought a car from out of state without going to handle the transaction in person.

Any advice/insights would be greatly appreciated.

[Vipes]

Unless you show up in person there is no way to buy a car from a private party without taking a huge gamble unless you can go through a 3rd party that has no affiliation to the seller. Maybe a dealer local to the seller could provide this service. Otherwise it’s very risky to send the cash or check and just hope they send the title and car.

[Camfab]

This is so fitting, as I’ve been thinking about selling my Gen II ACR, and the biggest thing stopping me is dealing with the hassle of dealing with the buying party. These days a bank check can still be fake, it’s ridiculous. So many scammers.

[Vipes]

This is so fitting, as I’ve been thinking about selling my Gen II ACR, and the biggest thing stopping me is dealing with the hassle of dealing with the buying party. These days a bank check can still be fake, it’s ridiculous. So many scammers.

I always call the bank that the cashiers check is from and verify its legit by reading them the number. There is much less risk for the seller since you have insurance and can simply report the car stolen if you get scammed.

[ViperJon]

No checks. Wire transfers only. It’s the only absolutely safe way to transfer funds.

[viperman4125]

No checks. Wire transfers only. It’s the only absolutely safe way to transfer funds.

Danny, I live in Fl. if you need help and the car is on my side of the state, ?? I just bought my 2nd Viper from Wis. Wire transfer is what i did, and used Reliable Transportation, great CO.

[Topplayer]

Unless you show up in person there is no way to buy a car from a private party without taking a huge gamble unless you can go through a 3rd party that has no affiliation to the seller. Maybe a dealer local to the seller could provide this service. Otherwise it’s very risky to send the cash or check and just hope they send the title and car.

You can hire someone to do a repurchase inspection, 2-3 hundred and its inspected with 100+ pics. i have done this many times. Wroks great, they normally have notice more than I do

[ChargerMan426]

No checks. Wire transfers only. It’s the only absolutely safe way to transfer funds.

There is no way in hell I’m wire transferring tens of thousands of dollars. OP a road trip can be a great thing to do. When I bought my ACR I bought a one way ticket to where the car was the seller picked me up at the airport. I looked the car over liked what I saw, mostly just confirmed what the seller was saying, handed him a cashiers check for car and we went to the local DMV for a temporary transfer tag. 700 miles later the viper was home.

[DannyG]

Thanks everyone for your responses and insights.

I’ve thought about the road trip option but, given that the car is over 2,000 miles away, that’s not a viable one for me.

As for other options, there’s got to be a way to do it... People buy cars off eBay and the like and have them shipped all the time without first seeing them. Isn’t there an escrow service or something of that nature that could handle the safe and verified transfer of funds?

Just seems, in this day and age, there’s got to be a way to do this.

[DannyG]

Danny, I live in Fl. if you need help and the car is on my side of the state, ?? I just bought my 2nd Viper from Wis. Wire transfer is what i did, and used Reliable Transportation, great CO.

Really appreciate the offer - Thank you! Where in FL do you live?

[ellowviper]

I recently had a bank draft forgery sent to me via FEDEX next day for a part I sold...$5500.00. Was not able to do a scan deposit since the amount exceeded what the credit union allowed (didn't know that) so I took it to the credit union for deposit. They put a hold on it for three business days (pissed off the buyer since he wanted the part immediately upon receipt of the bank draft)...and low and behold my credit union sent me a frantic alert that the draft was a forgery. The buyer kept inquiring as to when I was shipping the part...I ignored completely for weeks. I think he finally got a clue that I caught him in his scam. Moral of the story...these crooks are very creative with their scams.

[ChargerMan426]

Thanks everyone for your responses and insights.

I’ve thought about the road trip option but, given that the car is over 2,000 miles away, that’s not a viable one for me.

As for other options, there’s got to be a way to do it... People buy cars off eBay and the like and have them shipped all the time without first seeing them. Isn’t there an escrow service or something of that nature that could handle the safe and verified transfer of funds?

Just seems, in this day and age, there’s got to be a way to do this.

Oh there are ways to do it. It’s more what you’re willing to risk. Couple hundred on a part sure. Tens of thousands....I don’t have enough thousands to not worry about tens of them missing.

[DannyG]

Did some “googling” and found this online escrow service... Seems like it could be a viable way to handle it.

https://www.escrow.com/

Would cost me about $450 but that’s totally worth the security. Need to look further into it but seems like a potential legitimate option.

[viperman4125]

Fort Myers area.

[DannyG]

Fort Myers area.

Ah, dang it... The car is around the Orlando area. Again, I appreciate the offer though!

[PatrickB]

Is the current owner a member here? I'd feel more comfortable dealing cross country with a respected member of this community. Could certainly go a long way if other members can vouch for the seller.

[DannyG]

Is the current owner a member here? I'd feel more comfortable dealing cross country with a respected member of this community. Could certainly go a long way if other members can vouch for the seller.

Great question - I’m actually not certain. Great call though.

He is a member on viperclub.com. That’s actually how we found each other. I created a post asking for advice on a Viper I was considering buying and he made me aware that he’s looking to sell his.

He’s a retired gentleman that’s owned it since 2006. Honestly, the guy seems like a stand up fellow and gives me absolutely zero sketchy vibes. I just also know I can’t be too careful, especially with this amount of money. CYA, ya know?

[Vipes]

Well there you go, you said it yourself. Ebay has really good vehicle purchase protection up to $100,000 for buyers and they are really good about paying out if you don’t receive the car or title. You could ask the seller to list the car on ebay then buy it through there. I believe the fees are only $125.

[DannyG]

Well there you go, you said it yourself. Ebay has really good vehicle purchase protection up to $100,000 for buyers and they are really good about paying out if you don’t receive the car or title. You could ask the seller to list the car on ebay then buy it through there. I believe the fees are only $125.

That's not a bad idea!

[Camfab]

I always call the bank that the cashiers check is from and verify its legit by reading them the number. There is much less risk for the seller since you have insurance and can simply report the car stolen if you get scammed.

thanks for the heads up

- - - Updated - - -

No checks. Wire transfers only. It’s the only absolutely safe way to transfer funds.

thank you

[BSLSK]

I'd get a signed & executed bill of sale before sending any money. Also ask for the title next day air once funds are sent.

[DannyG]

I'd get a signed & executed bill of sale before sending any money. Also ask for the title next day air once funds are sent.

Thought about that too. Signed bill of sale with a copy of the seller's driver's license prior to sending funds then, yes, next day air the title and all other paperwork as soon as funds are received. But, to Vipes' point, I've already suggested to the seller that he create a "Buy it Now" listing on eBay and I'll pay him the $125 seller fee. Small fee to ensure we have a secure transaction brokered by a third party.

[BSLSK]

Thought about that too. Signed bill of sale with a copy of the seller's driver's license prior to sending funds then, yes, next day air the title and all other paperwork as soon as funds are received. But, to Vipes' point, I've already suggested to the seller that he create a "Buy it Now" listing on eBay and I'll pay him the $125 seller fee. Small fee to ensure we have a secure transaction brokered by a third party.

I've never bought a vehicle through Ebay, but I'd make sure to read the fine print to make sure that you are following their procedure to the tee. If it is indeed just $125 for the buyer's protection then that is well worth it for peace of mind.

[DannyG]

I've never bought a vehicle through Ebay, but I'd make sure to read the fine print to make sure that you are following their procedure to the tee. If it is indeed just $125 for the buyer's protection then that is well worth it for peace of mind.

Seems like a pretty solid policy based on what's outlined here: https://pages.ebay.com/motors/buy/purchase-protection/

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

No checks. Wire transfers only. It’s the only absolutely safe way to transfer funds.

Are'nt you concerned about giving all your bank info to an un-sub? A scammer can have fun cloning your account if she has enuf info to wire you money.....