Looking very seriously at a car that is on the boat and due to arrive at the dealer on Monday or Tuesday.

The car would be put on a flatbed and driven ~125 miles to my home after the dealer does the PPI and preps/details the car.

Anything I should look out for? Any additional terms I should put in the purchase order before signing it?

Obviously I have no way of seeing or inspecting the car in person, once I send the check and then they send the car, I am pretty much going on faith that the car is OK. I am somewhat heartened by the fact that the car is not at the dealer yet so it will not have been test driven by a customer, or had a chance to be messed with.

I'm just looking for anything else I can do to protect myself and would appreciate feedback from those experienced in buying remotely.

 

Is this a Porsche dealer? &/or CPO car?
If so you should be alright if the dealer is reputable.
If not, I would make arrangements to purchased the car contingent on my own shop doing the inspection with you there. If you don't like it, pay the flatbed service to return the car

 

There's nothing like seeing the car in person. With a purchase this close and a car this expensive from a dealership whom you have never done business with you admit yourself that their's an element of "faith" .

I can understand if this was a greater distance but I see no reason why the dealership can't send a truck and a salesperson to establish delivery and even give you an exit . 125 miles is really not that far . Plus you get to place a check right in their hand too and sign all the papers in person .

 

125 miles? Go get the damn thing already. Geeez

 

As I said its not an optionwith my work schedule. I can ask them to send a sales guy but the will ask for some sort of fee I am sure and that starts to erode at the discounts.

Is there any kind of conditions I should place in the order or any guarantees I should ask then to make?

 

Unless you're working 24/7, surely you can take half a day and collect your car - too many horror stories about buying sight unseen...or arrange for some recission period. I personally have bought 3 cars ought of state but didn't give up the cash until I saw the car

 

in, can you describe the arrangements you made for the cars that you bought out of state? What exactly were the specifics that led to the dealer agreeing? Did they send a sales agent? I imagine the check was a certified bank check?

 

+1. If you haven't a half a day, when do you plan on driving the car when you get it?

Stop and smell the roses.

 

Sorry not all of us have that leisure.

 

I am suprised that you would even have time to drive a car.

 

I have time - PM me the details and I'll go to the dealer and be your proxy - inspect, take delivery, etc. and drive back to you.

 

125 miles is nothing. I drove 350 miles to get mine and would have backed away if there was anything wrong with the car...whether it be a scratch, dent, etc. Luckily the car was in excellent condition. It should take you an hour and a half to travel 125 miles anyway.

 

Now this is a good offer.

 

I bought my M5 new after it had been on a dealer's lot for 18 months. He had his man drive it 200 miles to me and I bought the guy a bus ticket back. I did the same thing with the C4S pretty much, but picked it up in Dallas.

If yours is a new car with a warranty, from a dealer, how much real risk could there be?

 

When I've seen interesting cars on the market anywhere in the county, I've always figured if I was really interested, it would be worth flying wherever to see it in person, and if the right car, either drive it home or ship it home. As far as I'm concerned, a $100k investment in the right car is worth spending $500 - $1000 in travel costs and personal time to take away the guesswork and buy peace of mind.