Finding the perfect car can be both a thrilling and complex task. When it comes to rare or vintage BMWs, you’ll enjoy real benefits by broadening your search. Making an effort to shop across the country could be the difference between finding the car you want and never getting it — and it could even save you a boatload in restorative maintenance. 

Don’t book that flight to Albequerque just yet, though. If you’re going to make the journey, you’d better know what you’re doing beforehand. Buying a car across the country takes careful planning.

Find Your Car

When a look at the local listings reveals your choice BMW isn’t within reach, it’s time to expand your search. You can use listing sites to scour the country for just the right vehicle. Take advantage of the filtering features to narrow things down, and make sure the listing includes enough pictures for you to verify the car is intact and as-listed. 

Start a Conversation

Get the seller’s contact information and let them know you’re interested. Confirm the car is still available — and if you have a friend close by, consider asking them to do you a favor and check it out in person. If they report the car looks like a winner, consider finding a local mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). The seller should be willing to take the car in so long as you cover the cost of the PPI.

Arrange Payment

The internet era has made it much simpler to execute big transactions. However, you’ve still got to make sure the money changes hands securely. You’ll also have to work out the details of how to make the exchange fair so that the owner can’t just take your money and run.

You can use an escrow service, arrange a wire transfer with your bank or use an online service like Paypal. Before you do, though, request a bill of sale that memorializes the agreement between you and the seller.

Take It Home

Congratulations, you’ve bought a BMW! Now it’s time to get it home. You could pack your bags and drive the car cross-country if you’ve got the time. It can make for a fun road trip. However, that might not be the most convenient or fiscally responsible method to take ownership of your new car — especially if you’re still keeping your old vehicle. After all, you can’t drive two cars at once.

Instead, consider buying or renting a trailer to transport your new ride. Car trailers are specifically designed to ensure stability and easy transport of vehicles of all shapes and sizes. If you continually buy vehicles from out-of-state, purchasing a trailer outright is likely the most cost-effective option for your needs. Just make sure the option you choose is large enough to accommodate your new set of wheels — car trailers come with variable I-beam sizes, channel frame constructions and other specifications.

Enjoy Your BMW

With the car delivered safely to your door, you can begin relishing in all the perks of owning a BMW. While it sometimes takes a little bit of extra effort to get just the right car, you can take comfort in knowing it’s exactly the one you wanted. Hard work does pay off!