Purchase Advice (Out of state/Private)
08-27-2018, 03:58 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Purchase Advice (Out of state/Private)
I'm looking at buying a 2012 C63 from a private seller out of state. Has anyone done this in the past? The vehicle has a clean carfax and is still under MB warranty, so I'm not as concerned about the mechanicals. It's a distance, so would prefer to ship versus drive back, which also is prohibitive to see in person. Any recommendations of a shipper or otherwise?
08-27-2018, 04:01 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
I would still have a shop do a PPI, or at least have a member locally try and look at it. clean carfax doesn't mean that much to me. I have seen plenty of wrecked cars with a clean carfax. people can be shady and have it fixed without it reported. I'll let others chime in about shipping. I have only shipped a corolla. are you looking for enclosed shipping? also, shipping in the summer is more expensive than winter.
08-27-2018, 04:17 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
A good indy shop, especially one that knows Mercedes would be preferable. I have a distrust for the dealer. they are in the business of selling cars. indy shops have much less traffic and rely on word of mouth and reputation to stay afloat. plus an indy shop will generally be cheaper. if the car was serviced at the dealer, see if the owner can pull the service records also (if they don't keep track of all that like I do. I have a giant binder with my receipts from everything). I totally understand servicing the car at the dealer while under warranty. that gives people a warm and fuzzy, but a PPI can be done by competent shops with no impact on the warranty.
08-27-2018, 05:14 PM
#5
I can be OCD, and personally would never buy a vehicle sight unseen unless already built a trusting relationship with seller. Even then it can be a roll of the dice.
Too much involved with a vehicle, and it deserves a first person inspection and test drive.
A 3rd party PPI as Chris mentioned is another great idea.
For shipping, especially long distances, would highly recommend enclosed carry via Passport Transport - used them on 2 cross country transports and they were meticulous and uber professional, and well priced compared to other outfits.
They regularly ship museum pieces, and vehicles exceeding 1 Mil valuation. On one transport, there was a ~3 Mil or so classic from a private collection, sitting directly below my lowly AMG in the transport truck.
Open carry transport carries risk of rock chips, road debris, etc etc.
Another outfit that is highly regarded is Reliable Carriers (orange trucks).
Whichever shipper you decide, make sure they are fully licensed and insured. Have heard a few horror stories from the bidding type shipper services - would be very wary of these.
Too much involved with a vehicle, and it deserves a first person inspection and test drive.
A 3rd party PPI as Chris mentioned is another great idea.
For shipping, especially long distances, would highly recommend enclosed carry via Passport Transport - used them on 2 cross country transports and they were meticulous and uber professional, and well priced compared to other outfits.
They regularly ship museum pieces, and vehicles exceeding 1 Mil valuation. On one transport, there was a ~3 Mil or so classic from a private collection, sitting directly below my lowly AMG in the transport truck.
Open carry transport carries risk of rock chips, road debris, etc etc.
Another outfit that is highly regarded is Reliable Carriers (orange trucks).
Whichever shipper you decide, make sure they are fully licensed and insured. Have heard a few horror stories from the bidding type shipper services - would be very wary of these.
08-27-2018, 10:11 PM
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
I can be OCD, and personally would never buy a vehicle sight unseen unless already built a trusting relationship with seller. Even then it can be a roll of the dice.
Too much involved with a vehicle, and it deserves a first person inspection and test drive.
A 3rd party PPI as Chris mentioned is another great idea.
For shipping, especially long distances, would highly recommend enclosed carry via Passport Transport - used them on 2 cross country transports and they were meticulous and uber professional, and well priced compared to other outfits.
They regularly ship museum pieces, and vehicles exceeding 1 Mil valuation. On one transport, there was a ~3 Mil or so classic from a private collection, sitting directly below my lowly AMG in the transport truck.
Open carry transport carries risk of rock chips, road debris, etc etc.
Another outfit that is highly regarded is Reliable Carriers (orange trucks).
Whichever shipper you decide, make sure they are fully licensed and insured. Have heard a few horror stories from the bidding type shipper services - would be very wary of these.
Too much involved with a vehicle, and it deserves a first person inspection and test drive.
A 3rd party PPI as Chris mentioned is another great idea.
For shipping, especially long distances, would highly recommend enclosed carry via Passport Transport - used them on 2 cross country transports and they were meticulous and uber professional, and well priced compared to other outfits.
They regularly ship museum pieces, and vehicles exceeding 1 Mil valuation. On one transport, there was a ~3 Mil or so classic from a private collection, sitting directly below my lowly AMG in the transport truck.
Open carry transport carries risk of rock chips, road debris, etc etc.
Another outfit that is highly regarded is Reliable Carriers (orange trucks).
Whichever shipper you decide, make sure they are fully licensed and insured. Have heard a few horror stories from the bidding type shipper services - would be very wary of these.
08-27-2018, 10:34 PM
#7
Member
I recently purchased my 2015 C63 507 edition from Atlanta and I am in California.
Things to consider: Carfax, mileage, records, 3rd party inspection (pay for enhanced report $250-$400), enclosed transportation (recommend Reliable Transporters) vs open.
Good luck -
Things to consider: Carfax, mileage, records, 3rd party inspection (pay for enhanced report $250-$400), enclosed transportation (recommend Reliable Transporters) vs open.
Good luck -
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08-28-2018, 12:00 AM
#8
Senior Member
How far out of state is this car? You have to keep in mind the distance in regards to your enclosed shipping costs. My BS was shipped from Atlanta to Dallas for $1500 via JP Logestics. They’re the carrier for Bugatti, Rolls Royce, McLaren NA, etc. I would’ve had it in a day’s time if the driver didn’t get pulled over lol. This was a couple days before Christmas so a 1.5 day turnaround was amazing. I dealt with the previous owner/selling dealer when I purchased mine sight unseen. It was on consignment at Lamborghini of Atlanta. It arrived even better than described.
It all depends on YOUR comfort level, and the vibes you get from the dealer/private seller. When you tend to get into the more expensive range of cars ($80k+), the vehicles are usually as described, and for the most part well taken care of. Just my personal experience.
I skipped the PPI as it was still under factory warranty including prepaid maintenance. The dealer did their own “PPI” and said it was clean. Not that I’d trust a selling dealer’s PPI anyways. But for a peace of mind a third party PPI wouldn’t hurt.
It all depends on YOUR comfort level, and the vibes you get from the dealer/private seller. When you tend to get into the more expensive range of cars ($80k+), the vehicles are usually as described, and for the most part well taken care of. Just my personal experience.
I skipped the PPI as it was still under factory warranty including prepaid maintenance. The dealer did their own “PPI” and said it was clean. Not that I’d trust a selling dealer’s PPI anyways. But for a peace of mind a third party PPI wouldn’t hurt.
Last edited by SuckaGDog; 08-28-2018 at 06:37 AM.
08-28-2018, 03:50 AM
#9
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Los Angeles
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2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
A CPO car or from a known reputable exotics dealer - no worries sight unseen.
From a private owner - you must be joking.
From a private owner - you must be joking.
08-31-2018, 10:52 AM
#11
Member
08-31-2018, 11:07 AM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
That sounds great hopefully it all is good and the drive will feel short enjoying a new to you car!
