Out of state car purchase

[texas412]

Hello, I am considering purchasing a M3 from a private seller out of state. I contacted the local chapter of the BMWCC and they refered me to a reputable mechanic that can do a pre purchase inspection for me. i I also have received quotes from a few enclosed trailer shipping companies so that won't be an issue. But where I need advice is the payment & paper work. How do I go about paying the private seller? I don't want to pay him and then him disappear with my money, so does anyone have any advice on this? Thanks in advance, corbin

[d21spike]

Do the transaction at the sellers local notary/dmv (depending on the state and how title transfers are processed). This was way the title will be in your name and the seller receives his/her money with a witness.

[texas412]

So is there anyway for me to do this transaction remotely? (without flying out there)

[BimmerBreaker]

I do this all the time

Wire them half (or at least a large deposit, $500-1000), have them overnight you the title and any other applicable paperwork to transfer the title to you
Once the title is received, send the other half and greenlight the shipping company to pick up the car

Easy. But you have to trust you wont be scammed and this comes from having talked to the seller. If you are concerned about it being legit, buy the cheapest round-trip ticket you can and transfer the paperwork in person. Not much else you can do to avoid that. There may be some escrow agencies that will hold the money until the title is transferred but I imagine most of these would charge as much as a plane ticket or more.

[d21spike]

I do this all the time

Wire them half (or at least a large deposit, $500-1000), have them overnight you the title and any other applicable paperwork to transfer the title to you
Once the title is received, send the other half and greenlight the shipping company to pick up the car

Easy. But you have to trust you wont be scammed and this comes from having talked to the seller. If you are concerned about it being legit, buy the cheapest round-trip ticket you can and transfer the paperwork in person. Not much else you can do to avoid that. There may be some escrow agencies that will hold the money until the title is transferred but I imagine most of these would charge as much as a plane ticket or more.

I may be wrong but some states require both parties present to notarize the signatures on the title. For example I am in PA, I had to drive back to Ohio to get the title notarized with the seller before Pennsylvania would do the transfer for me.

[saejosh]

Call and ask the dmv you may be able to use a power of attorney

[BimmerBreaker]

Some states do, most dont. And most that require both parties be present usually have ways around this if the buyer isnt there in person, such as giving someone power of attorney as above poster mentioned.

[texas412]

Thanks for the help!