Advice on purchasing used car from far away and never seeing it in person

ClefClef Member Posts: 3
edited February 2019 in General
Hey I am interested in a vehicle online that has been tough to locate locally and the price and specs are right where I want it. The carfax history looks decent and I have an open dialogue with the dealer. There are decent pictures available, CPO, and the car still has 10k left on warranty. I would plan in hiring an ASE certified mechanic to inspect the vehicle and talk to me on the phone. I haven't test drove this midel but one from the same maker with somewhat similar specs and interior and confidant i have found the right vehicle. With all this is it still stupid to purchase a used vehicle without ever seeing it in person or driving it. I have done a lot of research but at the end of the day I do realize nothing can replace in person however this is the situation i am in where i have found a car i am interested in but far away.

Answers

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 255,814
    Clef said:

    Hey I am interested in a vehicle online that has been tough to locate locally and the price and specs are right where I want it. The carfax history looks decent and I have an open dialogue with the dealer. There are decent pictures available, CPO, and the car still has 10k left on warranty. I would plan in hiring an ASE certified mechanic to inspect the vehicle and talk to me on the phone. I haven't test drove this midel but one from the same maker with somewhat similar specs and interior and confidant i have found the right vehicle. With all this is it still stupid to purchase a used vehicle without ever seeing it in person or driving it. I have done a lot of research but at the end of the day I do realize nothing can replace in person however this is the situation i am in where i have found a car i am interested in but far away.

    Tell us the year, make, model and mileage, and we might be able to give better advice.

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  • ClefClef Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2019
    It's a 2016 VW Tiguan with 27k.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    What's the asking price?
    Do you have the VIN #?

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 255,814
    That isn’t exactly a specialty vehicle. They still made that in 2018. If it’s not close enough to take a flight, then drive home the same day, I’d wait for one close by.

    If it was a ‘93 Supra turbo.... different story. ;)

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  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    kyfdx makes a very good point!

    I have an idea.

    Why don't you let our relentless band of car buyers/members/enthusiasts help you track down a car like this but near your zip code?

    Just go to this topic:

    https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/4011/general/x/chronic-car-buyers-anonymous#latest

    And ask for help:

    Post the exact car you want, with the right options, and give them your ZIP code, and see what they come up with. Keep in mind, these are Edmunds members just like you. They aren't trying to sell you anything.

    I'd be interested to see what they come up with. See you over there.

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