Buying tips for long-distance purchases, getting back in the game.. all the cars are far away Options

[Eric_Ciampa]

Hey Everyone,

Any tips on searching, buying, transporting a new 914's from other states, meaning you can't just jump in the car and take a look at it to inspect and drive/tow it back?

Last several I have been interested in have been too far to drive for an in person inspection. Probably would take a plane trip to see the car and would need to ship a car. Never shipped a car. I don't want to waste anyone's time. Most of the cars I have been interested in have been 8-14hrs away. How have you guys done it? What should I know. Any comments are appreciated. I'm Located in Northern California.

Backstory (if it helps): Bought my first 914 almost 20 years ago when I was 18. Joined 914World before that. Still recognize a bunch of folks here, but your older. Bought a second one a few years later, but fell off the wagon. Haven't had a drive-able 914 in 15 years. But I'm getting back in the game, except this time, I have an adult budget (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif). I'm on the prowl for a 914 I can enjoy without a lot of work, while I figure out if I want to restore/sell my original car. So I am looking at the mid-to-high end of cars that are well-sorted out and mostly done with some upgrades. Work keeps me too busy to invest in a big project and I miss enjoying the car.

[mepstein]

I buy cheap 914's all the time without any sort of inspection but it's hard to get burned over a $2k 914. They are always worth that in parts. I've bought $20-50K cars for the shop that I used to work at and the transactions, at least the ones I was involved in, were always face to face. I would do the same if I was buying for myself.
Even if it means missing out on some good ones.

[Cairo94507]

Welcome back. I think a lot of us have been in that position if not on a 914, maybe another car. We have members everywhere. If you find a car somewhere, post up about needing someone close to it to do a eyes-on inspection with photos/video. I have done that for members and that is the next best thing to being there yourself. Be patient and be ready to pounce when the right car presents itself. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[windforfun]

Lots of pics & videos with date stamps. I shipped my 914 with FedEx. Seriously. They weren't the cheapest but the truck was covered & spotless. Proper strapping. Very nice helpful driver too.

[Amphicar770]

As Cairo94507 noted, take advantage of the folks on this or other forums. My teener came from NV. Another knowledgeable Porsche owner checked it out and provided a very detailed report. I have done similar for others.

[Tdskip]

Lots and lots and lots of pictures, then some more pictures. That, and posting everything you can’t hear for people to review will go along way.

If there are people here that are local to the car I’m sure we’d all be happy to help out .

[FlacaProductions]

Lots of pics from the seller. More pics taken by a friend or 914World person that knows what to shoot on these cars, specifically. Do a VIN search - just with google you'll be amazed at what you find sometimes.

Shipping - enclosed, top level.

Prepare yourself to be underwhelmed and then be surprised when you're not.

[Eric_Ciampa]

Thanks so far. I already let one go buy that I regret that I took too long on to pull the trigger. It was at the top of my price range and far away. By the time I committed it’s gone.


Anyone in AZ able to check out a car for met here’s one I’m looking at. Looks like a good car but not as well documented as the other ones. Price is good though and it’s in budget. I’d be willing to pay a reasonable inspection fee for someone’s time. That only seems fair.

[roblav1]

I've bought 6 or 7 Porsches sight unseen. The variation is huge... some being way more thsn expected (like an ebay 301 chassis 911 with original Solex csrbs for $3600), or less than expected ( a 2004 silver anniversary 911). A gazillion pictures won't quite cut it. Send a friend to look if you can, or spend the money for a trip yourself. There's a big diffetence in risk betwwen a $3000 car and a $50,000 car.

[bkrantz]

I have bought 4 used Porsches out of state (or across a big state) without seeing them personally. Two turned out great, and two were not. Two were 914s--guess which ones.

[914e]

Thanks so far. I already let one go buy that I regret that I took too long on to pull the trigger. It was at the top of my price range and far away. By the time I committed it’s gone.


Anyone in AZ able to check out a car for met here’s one I’m looking at. Looks like a good car but not as well documented as the other ones. Price is good though and it’s in budget. I’d be willing to pay a reasonable inspection fee for someone’s time. That only seems fair.

If it is Phoenix I could run out and look at it for you.

[Cairo94507]

At some point you have to trust that members are not going to run out and buy it out from under you. So maybe post the link or the city the car is in. Arizona is a big area to ask about. Just my thoughts. Good luck. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Jett]

This one looks promising..

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/wan/d/sc...7124554666.html

[Eric_Ciampa]

The car is in Tucson. I’m happy with the price and would likely pay to ship if someone could take a look at it for me.