Location Transport

Safest/best way to pay for a car when you can't pay in person?

When you can't be there to pay for a car in person, what is the safest way to pay for it? Example: Living on the East coast but interested in a car on the West coast, don't have the time to go there to pay in person. And car will be shipped via auto transporter. I am looking for the safest way to pay, one that will protect me in case the owner decides to be deceitful. Where I won't lose my money.

Public Comments

1. I would really recommend not doing a deal like this. There are so many chances to be ripped off, the risk is not worth it. This is probably one of the most common scams out there right now. Even if it is a legit deal, you do not have the option to inspect the car, test drive it, and make sure that it is as promissed. I'd stay away.
2. First thing is you need to insure the car is all you think it is BEFORE you buy. Once you have purchased it, there is no backing out. About the safest way to pay is either paypal or a direct wire transfer to the seller's account. I do recommend either an in person inspection or have someone in the sellers local area inspect it for you.
3. There is no car in America that is worth going all the way to California to buy. NONE Shop locally is the ONLY way to avoid getting ripped off. Buying a car in the way that you describe is a huge financial risk and there is no way to protect your purchase unless you deal directly with the seller face to face. NEVER buy a car that you can't drive. NEVER buy a car that you can't inspect. NEVER buy a car from someone that you can't negotiate with face to face in the same room.