OK, I am buying a car located in Virginia. It is hard for me to plan a trip out there with my schedule and everything. So I would like to have it shipped to me. Besides having the owner send pictures, and running it through carfax, is there any other ways to go about making sure I get what I expect?

well, create a list of expectations that you would find acceptable. meaning, that even if ____ is not properly working that you would still be happy to live with because that you know it could be a minor fix.

try to have the seller bring the car in for an inspection to their local dealer whom you should contact first, so that the seller just doesn't bring it to a buddy at a local gas station to say that the car is in fine condition.

lastly, see if anyone on this board might be able to help you out, i'm sure if you offer a little kickback and they happen to live in that area, they might help you go and check out the car or go with the seller to the dealer to have the car inspected.

but you should really consider what your expectations would be for the price you are paying for the car. hope that helps you out. other than that, it would ultimately be best that you somehow find a way to personally see the car before purchase to be 100% satisfied.

http://www.dasautoshippers.com/?refe...ar+shipping-ph

ive used DAS many times in the past. - lil expensive but your baby gets here in good condition

I had my 97' C36 shipped through this company last year and I just bought a 98' C43 that I'm using the same company for shipping next week. They're called:
A AAAdvantage Auto Transport, Inc.
(800)233-4875 "TJ" at extension. 119
Tell him that Sam w/ the AMG referred you. He even hooked me up with a discount because I used them before. They'll give you free quotes, they're professional, everything's insured, and they're the least expensive. TJ also has an E320 so I think that's why he's cool with me. Anyways, hope this helps.

I got my C43 sight unseen from FL. I live in CA. I bought it with peace of mind b/c it was under starmark warranty, from a dealer, and only have 29k miles on it (bought Mar '03). Also the dealer was very friendly, I think we spoke almost everyday for about 20 days until I purchased it. I had it shipped in an enclosed carrier for $1250. Once here the driver handed me the copy of the shipping receipt. Apparently they charged the broker only $695. If I can only find the trucking companies receipt I'd give you the name and number.

$700.00 is a good deal. I just paid $890.00 for FL to CA, but it's still better than anything else I could find...

I used www.haulingdepot.com when shipping my car across country and would use them again. my car was delivered on time and in perfect condition!

My 2 cents: It's a gamble! I would go see and drive it, or wouldn't buy it. There can be very unexpected hidden problems, or car would be just fine. It's your money you are gambling with.
Very best luck to you!

I'd probably not use them again ; or would ask more questions and get add'l services. For my '88 560SL I just bought ... First, it took almost 2 weeks to get the car onto a truck. Then it drove near Atl GA, where it sat for almost another week before it came up to me. They quoted a 20 day shippment -- I figured that was on the outside and it would definnitely be sooner -- it took 3 weeks. And it was in sitting in the elements most that time. Had I known, I would have paid for a closed carrier, and garanteed delivery time. Interior leather on the door panels were totally greased up from their hands. Oil from cars above it was dripped on my car. I better stop now 'cus I'm getting myself worked up...