I would like to buy a MINI from another state and I was just wondering if this is something safe. She said that she was going to go through DAS and when I recieve it I have five days to ship it back if it's not up to my expectation.
How would we do a safe even exchange.

If anyone is familiar buying a car miles away please let me know your experience and story and of course if you recommend it.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Karina

 

Hmmm. I almost had mine shipped, but ended up flying out (CA to VA) and driving it back. It was a used MINI at a MINI dealership.

The shipping itself is not a problem (it's done all the time) but the ship it back part sounds a bit strange. Would that be on your dime or theirs? Is it a dealer? How far away is it? I would assume they'd want the $$ before the car shipped, and then you have to deal with paperwork. I don't think I'd do a sight unseen transaction for a used car with an individual - too many scammers out there.

 

We've done it twice now with no problems. I would suggest sending a mechanic to inspect the car before completing the transaction.

The transport company will do a walk-around inspection when they pick it up, and should ask you to do the same when they drop it off. However, that is
only to make sure nothing happened to it during transport. I looked at a bunch of shippers, and none of them were offering a deal to return the car. Is that something the seller is promising?

Good Luck, and I hope it turns out as good for you as it did for us!

 

No one is going to ship you a car and let you return it in 5 days.

 

It is through a personal owner. It would be on their dime. I'm in CA and she is in WV.

This is what she said:
[SIZE=2]If you want to make this deal you will have to send me
your full name
and address so i can be able to prepare the
shipping,title transfer and for contact the escrow
company.
You will test and inspect the car when you will
receive it and if the car
won't match with your expectation you will have 5 days
to return
that you received the car and you are satisfied with
it.
waiting requested details from you so we can go
further...

Next
[/SIZE][SIZE=2]The car is in perfect condition,no accident ,no
tehnical problems,clear title,garage kept
The location of the car is Morgantown,WV.
If you are interested i can shipp you the car,
as a shipping career I will use DAS.
Contact me if you are interested

What do you think?
[/SIZE]

 

I'd be VERY wary. See if you can find someone on NAM to check out the car. Why would a seller be willing to ship a car across country ($1,000-$1,500) AND be responsible for the $$ to ship it back?? Big risk on their part.
If any part of the transaction includes wiring money, or using Western Union, run far and run fast.

 

Escrow company is the key. Its a scam! They run the escrow site, take your money, and leave you with nothing. Walk away from this mess and look local.

 

I would walk away from this deal...doesn't sound on the up and up... There are plenty of used MINIs on the market - I'm sure you can find another one...

Donna

 

Thanks guys and gals for your input. I will keep looking.

 

Turn around slowly and then run...

Look somewhere else.

 

Not all long distance purchases are bad ones -- don't be afraid to look far and wide for a car that meets your specs.
Having said that, I agree with the other posts: this particular deal is very shady.