Long Distance Truck Buying

[Fxfymn413]

Instead of cash do a bank transfer. All you need is the sellers bank routing number and his account number, both of which are on every check he writes.

 

[Sigarms]

Been in the market for a used Tacoma. Found a gem about a 6 hour drive from me. I decided instead of driving to fly.

I know this has been done before. Any advice?

This is off of Marketplace. I have thoroughly vetted the parties involved and I feel really good about everything.

Last time I bought a Toyota truck (97 SR5) I took the bus to Knoxville with $7000 strapped to my belly. It worked out for the best.

Cautious but very optimistic about this situation.

My last two family vehicles were bought used and out of state (cash as it helps the playing field IMO). Both times were with a dealer of some sort.

The time to look for a vehicle is when you don't need one and you can take your time to find the best fit possible.

If I were in your shoes, I'd pass (you didn't mention how you vetted all the parties involved). Sorry, dealt with Marketplace helping my one son look since he has enough money to buy something on his own, and way too many times, red flags get thrown up.

That said, if it's private party out of state sale, I'd ensure you take the car to a mechanic in the area and spend the money to have it gone over in detail for any potential problems before you drive it home. My son spending $100 on my local mechanic saved him from a Mustang and Z4 he really wanted to buy(from used two different used car sales lots), but he found out the importance of "buyer beware".

On the tacoma, what is the year, mileage and buy price if I may ask? Don't worry, I have a T-100 that's going to go with the house when we finally sell LOL

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Well the deal is done!!

Proud owner of a 2008 Tacoma SR5 4x4 double cab long bed with 163,xxx miles. Toyota tech/mechanic owned. Upgrades: aftermarket exhaust, K&N filter, 17" forerunner wheels instead of 16" stock, Aftermarket Alpine radio with bluetooth, 60% on Toyo Open Country tires, rear suspension upgrade (add a leaf), LED headlight from a newer model Tacoma, Weathertech floor mats, Optima Red top battery. Interior is IMMACULATE!!Exterior 8/10. @Oaktree THAT is why I flew to get it!!!





Why not fly to get it? Only cost me $166 one way. Gas for my car and time for my brother to drive with me would have cost as much or more.

The thing drives like a dream. Drove it home 6 hours through the North GA mountains. Not a creak, tick, tock, rattle on the thing. No miss shifts, smells, nothing. Do I think I got lucky? EXTREMELY! And I supposed I am not out of the woods yet. It could blow up in a week. But I feel great about it so far.

 

[coobie]

Well the deal is done!!

Proud owner of a 2008 Tacoma SR5 4x4 with 163,xxx miles. Totyota tech/mechanic owned. Upgrades: aftermarket exhaust, K&N filter, 17" forerunner wheels instead of 16" stock, Aftermarket Apline radio with bluetooth, 60% on Toyo Open Country tires, rear suspension upgrade (add a leaf), LED headlight from a newer model Tacoma, Weathertech floor mats, Optima Red top battery. Interior is IMMACULATE!!Exterior 8/10. THAT is why I flew to get it.

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Why not fly to get it. Only cost me $166 one way. Gas for my car and time for my brother to drive with me would have cost as much or more.

The thing drives like a dream. Drove it home 6 hours through the North GA mountains. Not a creak, tick, tock, rattle on the thing. No miss shifts, smells, nothing. Do I think I got lucky? EXTREMELY! And I supposed I am not out of the woods yet. It could blow up in a week. But I feel great about it so far.

Nice truck.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

This is perhaps a stupid question but if you fly out, how are you going to get the truck home? If you drive it, what do you do about title, plates, registration and insurance?

I ask because I'm also considering such a purchase. Some states issue temporary tags for this situation but not where I live.

Regarding insurance, you have coverage on a new vehicle for 4 days that matches the coverage you already have on another vehicle. Plates, I am sure if you had the title of the vehicle and told the police officer the deal he would give you some leniency. The gentleman I bought from let me use his plates and I am sending them back to him.

 

[Sigarms]

Perhaps to much of a personal question, but to fill in all the gaps with the truck, may I ask the buy price?

For under $170 for one way air fare, hard to say no to flying.

If the guy is letting you use his plates driving back and expecting you to send them back, apparently you did vet the seller pretty good.

Sounds like you got exactly what you're looking for at what you wanted to pay and are happy!