Should you buy a car sight unseen?
11-01-2016, 05:01 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Should you buy a car sight unseen?
Hey guys,
Hopefully joining this wonderful forum soon. Wanted to get your inputs on buying a car sight unseen. Do you guys think relying on the photos/dealer's words and having an authorized mercedes benz dealer do a ppi (pre-purchase inspection) on the car is enough to buy it without being there? Car is in Houston texas and I am in california. Debating whether the plane ticket may or may not be necessary. around ~$900 for a nonstop flight. Just wanted to wager the risks.
Thanks for the input!
Hopefully joining this wonderful forum soon. Wanted to get your inputs on buying a car sight unseen. Do you guys think relying on the photos/dealer's words and having an authorized mercedes benz dealer do a ppi (pre-purchase inspection) on the car is enough to buy it without being there? Car is in Houston texas and I am in california. Debating whether the plane ticket may or may not be necessary. around ~$900 for a nonstop flight. Just wanted to wager the risks.
Thanks for the input!
Last edited by AhhMyyGawd; 11-01-2016 at 05:13 AM.
11-01-2016, 05:06 AM
#2
Member
I've done bought cars sight unseen before and have sold them the same way.
A PPI is a must!
Also, you can reach out to the car community to see if you can find someone local that can check it out for you.
I'm sure you can find someone in here willing to help a fellow enthusiast out.
Good luck!
Drew
A PPI is a must!
Also, you can reach out to the car community to see if you can find someone local that can check it out for you.
I'm sure you can find someone in here willing to help a fellow enthusiast out.
Good luck!
Drew
11-01-2016, 05:11 AM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I've done bought cars sight unseen before and have sold them the same way.
A PPI is a must!
Also, you can reach out to the car community to see if you can find someone local that can check it out for you.
I'm sure you can find someone in here willing to help a fellow enthusiast out.
Good luck!
Drew
A PPI is a must!
Also, you can reach out to the car community to see if you can find someone local that can check it out for you.
I'm sure you can find someone in here willing to help a fellow enthusiast out.
Good luck!
Drew
11-01-2016, 08:51 AM
#4
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2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Dude just stop with all the new threads already. You come in here all excited, and that's really great, but you create a brand new thread every single time a thought comes into your little head. We all see you. Why not keep all your little thoughts in one of the other 4 threads you've created in the past week new guy? Have some common sense.
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11-01-2016, 10:00 AM
#5
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2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Dude just stop with all the new threads already. You come in here all excited, and that's really great, but you create a brand new thread every single time a thought comes into your little head. We all see you. Why not keep all your little thoughts in one of the other 4 threads you've created in the past week new guy? Have some common sense.
Probably not just new to the car, but new to online forums entirely. Lol sometimes you just gotta
to get the idea in xD
11-01-2016, 12:00 PM
#6
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Bro, didnt you just post about a deal thats too good and if you should pull the trigger? Well, same sh*t goes for this. I wouldnt do anything without knowing the car, which means seeing the car.
Or just buy it, take a chance. F*ck it, it'll stop all these threads.
Or just buy it, take a chance. F*ck it, it'll stop all these threads.
11-01-2016, 12:03 PM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
If the owner is willing, I'd certainly get a ppi before I dropped $900 on an airline ticket. Cost from an independent ppi business is probably in the $150 range. Dealership pricing - probably not a whole lot more. Only hassle is figuring how to get it to the inspector.
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11-01-2016, 12:23 PM
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Dude just stop with all the new threads already. You come in here all excited, and that's really great, but you create a brand new thread every single time a thought comes into your little head. We all see you. Why not keep all your little thoughts in one of the other 4 threads you've created in the past week new guy? Have some common sense.
Last edited by AhhMyyGawd; 11-01-2016 at 12:32 PM.
11-01-2016, 12:24 PM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Isn't it right to make a thread if you are looking for opinions on another topic? I've been a pretty active member on 6speedonline for the porsche section. Thanks for the reply.
11-01-2016, 12:26 PM
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
11-01-2016, 12:27 PM
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thank you for the reply! Would it be in my best interest to have an authorized Mercedes Benz dealership do the ppi? or have an independent company do it?
11-01-2016, 12:36 PM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Is this the SAME car as in the other thread, and you've started another thread? Or do you just really want to buy car from Texas, even though you are in California.
No matter. You seem like a great guy.
Im going to start a GoFundMe page and we'll put together the funds for your airfare, and if we raise enough we will get you an extended warranty, just in case. If we really put together some cash we will buy a plane ticket for mommy too. Sound good, tiger?
Now, in the event you are not a total doofus (Not sure whether owning a a 2012 Porsche increases or decreases the chance of that - given that I haven't seen the Porsche its a 50/50 call) I will give you some actual advice.
1) Whether its the same car or not - this should be one thread. As BLKROKT said, dont fire one up for every thought.
2) If its for the 2015 in the other thread you have a warranty. No problem. Fire away.
3) If its for a different car, you either have a warranty or you dont. If you do, fire away.
If you dont, that $900 will become $1500 in expenses and you could use that to do things - either repairs or mods. So just get the independent PPI and ship it on out.
4) If you are pinching the pennies on the $900, don't buy the car. They are reliable but maintenance is pricey. If you are having a hard time dropping a grand get used to the fact it will be a common occurrence.
I managed to buy my car without asking several thousand people for help.
You can do it too. Believe in yourself. Conceive it, believe it, ACHIEVE IT!
Go forth, young man.
EDIT: Since you just entered the room, so to speak, I will tell you that we have had more than our share lately of talkers. Talkers who suck up time and then become walkers, and not C63 drivers. All full up on crazy round here right now. Go gitcher Texas car, then 'mon back.
Use the search function for any info you want (AND I REALLY MEAN IT - USE THE GAWDDAMN SEARCH FUNCTION FIRST! lol) and if you dont see what you need and are an actual C63 owner we will help.
This is a forum for C63 owners, not shoppers, thats all.
No matter. You seem like a great guy.
Im going to start a GoFundMe page and we'll put together the funds for your airfare, and if we raise enough we will get you an extended warranty, just in case. If we really put together some cash we will buy a plane ticket for mommy too. Sound good, tiger?
Now, in the event you are not a total doofus (Not sure whether owning a a 2012 Porsche increases or decreases the chance of that - given that I haven't seen the Porsche its a 50/50 call) I will give you some actual advice.
1) Whether its the same car or not - this should be one thread. As BLKROKT said, dont fire one up for every thought.
2) If its for the 2015 in the other thread you have a warranty. No problem. Fire away.
3) If its for a different car, you either have a warranty or you dont. If you do, fire away.
If you dont, that $900 will become $1500 in expenses and you could use that to do things - either repairs or mods. So just get the independent PPI and ship it on out.
4) If you are pinching the pennies on the $900, don't buy the car. They are reliable but maintenance is pricey. If you are having a hard time dropping a grand get used to the fact it will be a common occurrence.
I managed to buy my car without asking several thousand people for help.
You can do it too. Believe in yourself. Conceive it, believe it, ACHIEVE IT!
Go forth, young man.
EDIT: Since you just entered the room, so to speak, I will tell you that we have had more than our share lately of talkers. Talkers who suck up time and then become walkers, and not C63 drivers. All full up on crazy round here right now. Go gitcher Texas car, then 'mon back.
Use the search function for any info you want (AND I REALLY MEAN IT - USE THE GAWDDAMN SEARCH FUNCTION FIRST! lol) and if you dont see what you need and are an actual C63 owner we will help.
This is a forum for C63 owners, not shoppers, thats all.
Last edited by 604 C63; 11-01-2016 at 12:42 PM.
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11-01-2016, 12:37 PM
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
I don't have enough experience to answer this one well - hopefully others will chip in. The advantage of using a dealership is that the techs all know what the car SHOULD look like and are more likely to catch something abnormal. However, my perception is that the dealership guys are accustomed to looking for maintenance-related things that they can bill for, and their ppi inspection may be less likely to catch things like a straightened frame or a little paint overspray. The dealership guys spend most of their time doing service and only a fraction of their time doing inspections, while the ppi guys are probably the opposite. I'd look for a good ppi company.
11-01-2016, 12:42 PM
#14
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C63 AMG, P30
I don't have enough experience to answer this one well - hopefully others will chip in. The advantage of using a dealership is that the techs all know what the car SHOULD look like and are more likely to catch something abnormal. However, my perception is that the dealership guys are accustomed to looking for maintenance-related things that they can bill for, and their ppi inspection may be less likely to catch things like a straightened frame or a little paint overspray. The dealership guys spend most of their time doing service and only a fraction of their time doing inspections, while the ppi guys are probably the opposite. I'd look for a good ppi company.
I'd ping Eurocharged and ask them who in Texas is a) close to the car and b) good enough to know what to look and hear for.
Where in Texas is this car? Any chance it's in Austin?
11-01-2016, 12:43 PM
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Multiple posts? Jeez, we're all a little cranky this morning.
First post asked about a specific car. Second post asked about the long distance purchasing, something that many of us have wrestled with. Two different topics, and its certainly not unreasonable to post 'em separately. Can't see this worth getting wound up about. Can we lighten up a bit?
First post asked about a specific car. Second post asked about the long distance purchasing, something that many of us have wrestled with. Two different topics, and its certainly not unreasonable to post 'em separately. Can't see this worth getting wound up about. Can we lighten up a bit?
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11-01-2016, 12:46 PM
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
Multiple posts? Jeez, we're all a little cranky this morning.
First post asked about a specific car. Second post asked about the long distance purchasing, something that many of us have wrestled with. Two different topics, and its certainly not unreasonable to post 'em separately. Can't see this worth getting wound up about. Can we lighten up a bit?
First post asked about a specific car. Second post asked about the long distance purchasing, something that many of us have wrestled with. Two different topics, and its certainly not unreasonable to post 'em separately. Can't see this worth getting wound up about. Can we lighten up a bit?
JK. JK.
Ok maybe you have a point. G-ZUZ tho we have a lot of window shoppers right now. Its like bloody whack a mole. I figure if we smack em down hard and early only the real dudes will stick around. Otherwise you gotta admit they get pretty outta hand then disappear.
11-01-2016, 12:47 PM
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Is this the SAME car as in the other thread, and you've started another thread? Or do you just really want to buy car from Texas, even though you are in California.
No matter. You seem like a great guy.
Im going to start a GoFundMe page and we'll put together the funds for your airfare, and if we raise enough we will get you an extended warranty, just in case. If we really put together some cash we will buy a plane ticket for mommy too. Sound good, tiger?
Now, in the event you are not a total doofus (Not sure whether owning a a 2012 Porsche increases or decreases the chance of that - given that I haven't seen the Porsche its a 50/50 call) I will give you some actual advice.
1) Whether its the same car or not - this should be one thread. As BLKROKT said, dont fire one up for every thought.
2) If its for the 2015 in the other thread you have a warranty. No problem. Fire away.
3) If its for a different car, you either have a warranty or you dont. If you do, fire away.
If you dont, that $900 will become $1500 in expenses and you could use that to do things - either repairs or mods. So just get the independent PPI and ship it on out.
4) If you are pinching the pennies on the $900, don't buy the car. They are reliable but maintenance is pricey. If you are having a hard time dropping a grand get used to the fact it will be a common occurrence.
I managed to buy my car without asking several thousand people for help.
You can do it too. Believe in yourself. Conceive it, believe it, ACHIEVE IT!
Go forth, young man.
EDIT: Since you just entered the room, so to speak, I will tell you that we have had more than our share lately of talkers. Talkers who suck up time and then become walkers, and not C63 drivers. All full up on crazy round here right now. Go gitcher Texas car, then 'mon back.
Use the search function for any info you want (AND I REALLY MEAN IT - USE THE GAWDDAMN SEARCH FUNCTION FIRST! lol) and if you dont see what you need and are an actual C63 owner we will help.
This is a forum for C63 owners, not shoppers, thats all.
No matter. You seem like a great guy.
Im going to start a GoFundMe page and we'll put together the funds for your airfare, and if we raise enough we will get you an extended warranty, just in case. If we really put together some cash we will buy a plane ticket for mommy too. Sound good, tiger?
Now, in the event you are not a total doofus (Not sure whether owning a a 2012 Porsche increases or decreases the chance of that - given that I haven't seen the Porsche its a 50/50 call) I will give you some actual advice.
1) Whether its the same car or not - this should be one thread. As BLKROKT said, dont fire one up for every thought.
2) If its for the 2015 in the other thread you have a warranty. No problem. Fire away.
3) If its for a different car, you either have a warranty or you dont. If you do, fire away.
If you dont, that $900 will become $1500 in expenses and you could use that to do things - either repairs or mods. So just get the independent PPI and ship it on out.
4) If you are pinching the pennies on the $900, don't buy the car. They are reliable but maintenance is pricey. If you are having a hard time dropping a grand get used to the fact it will be a common occurrence.
I managed to buy my car without asking several thousand people for help.
You can do it too. Believe in yourself. Conceive it, believe it, ACHIEVE IT!
Go forth, young man.
EDIT: Since you just entered the room, so to speak, I will tell you that we have had more than our share lately of talkers. Talkers who suck up time and then become walkers, and not C63 drivers. All full up on crazy round here right now. Go gitcher Texas car, then 'mon back.
Use the search function for any info you want (AND I REALLY MEAN IT - USE THE GAWDDAMN SEARCH FUNCTION FIRST! lol) and if you dont see what you need and are an actual C63 owner we will help.
This is a forum for C63 owners, not shoppers, thats all.
Thanks for the reply!
11-01-2016, 12:49 PM
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Word. Look for a Benz specific shop, more so, if you can find a shop that does aftermarket work, (ie, coilover installs, corner balancing, tuning, etc) I find those techs far more attention to detail oriented than your regular run of the mill oil change shop.
I'd ping Eurocharged and ask them who in Texas is a) close to the car and b) good enough to know what to look and hear for.
Where in Texas is this car? Any chance it's in Austin?
I'd ping Eurocharged and ask them who in Texas is a) close to the car and b) good enough to know what to look and hear for.
Where in Texas is this car? Any chance it's in Austin?
11-01-2016, 12:51 PM
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
I gotta hand it to you OP, you have the knack for ignoring the bitterness and responding to the sweet stuff.
11-01-2016, 12:53 PM
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I don't have enough experience to answer this one well - hopefully others will chip in. The advantage of using a dealership is that the techs all know what the car SHOULD look like and are more likely to catch something abnormal. However, my perception is that the dealership guys are accustomed to looking for maintenance-related things that they can bill for, and their ppi inspection may be less likely to catch things like a straightened frame or a little paint overspray. The dealership guys spend most of their time doing service and only a fraction of their time doing inspections, while the ppi guys are probably the opposite. I'd look for a good ppi company.
11-01-2016, 12:54 PM
#22
MBWorld Fanatic!
Are you aiding and abetting the infiltrator?
JK. JK.
Ok maybe you have a point. G-ZUZ tho we have a lot of window shoppers right now. Its like bloody whack a mole. I figure if we smack em down hard and early only the real dudes will stick around. Otherwise you gotta admit they get pretty outta hand then disappear.
JK. JK.
Ok maybe you have a point. G-ZUZ tho we have a lot of window shoppers right now. Its like bloody whack a mole. I figure if we smack em down hard and early only the real dudes will stick around. Otherwise you gotta admit they get pretty outta hand then disappear.
You're right about the surge of newbies. I've never seen em so thick. And I'm afraid that Mr. Duckbootz did irreparable harm to everybody's patience with newbies here. Sometimes all it takes is one a**hole. Damn shame.
11-01-2016, 12:58 PM
#23
Senior Member
I agree we should cut this guy a break. Seems like two different questions to me.
OP, I bought my C63 sight unseen from a shady used car lot. I was nervous, to say the least. I had a PPI done, and unfortunately they missed one or two minor things (slight tear in the driver's seat side bolster, one missing floor mat). Not trying to dissuade you, just want to point out that a PPI is only as good as the shop performing it. I love my car, and even if I had known about these minor issues still would have pulled the trigger.
OP, I bought my C63 sight unseen from a shady used car lot. I was nervous, to say the least. I had a PPI done, and unfortunately they missed one or two minor things (slight tear in the driver's seat side bolster, one missing floor mat). Not trying to dissuade you, just want to point out that a PPI is only as good as the shop performing it. I love my car, and even if I had known about these minor issues still would have pulled the trigger.
11-01-2016, 01:03 PM
#24
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Not intentional but yup, aiding and abetting the infiltrators!
You're right about the surge of newbies. I've never seen em so thick. And I'm afraid that Mr. Duckbootz did irreparable harm to everybody's patience with newbies here. Sometimes all it takes is one a**hole. Damn shame.
You're right about the surge of newbies. I've never seen em so thick. And I'm afraid that Mr. Duckbootz did irreparable harm to everybody's patience with newbies here. Sometimes all it takes is one a**hole. Damn shame.
11-01-2016, 01:34 PM
#25
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Eurocharged Performance ML63 and TT lambo
Word. Look for a Benz specific shop, more so, if you can find a shop that does aftermarket work, (ie, coilover installs, corner balancing, tuning, etc) I find those techs far more attention to detail oriented than your regular run of the mill oil change shop.
I'd ping Eurocharged and ask them who in Texas is a) close to the car and b) good enough to know what to look and hear for.
Where in Texas is this car? Any chance it's in Austin?
I'd ping Eurocharged and ask them who in Texas is a) close to the car and b) good enough to know what to look and hear for.
Where in Texas is this car? Any chance it's in Austin?
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SuperFastYo (11-01-2016)
