I need a question answered
 

I am in a pickle with my buying process. Heres the deal:

I found the exact car I want (used) it is about 10 hours away.
I am in a situation where I really want the car but do not want to buy it sight unseen. The carfax checks out, only issue was the driver hit a curb in icy conditions and had to replace the two driver side wheels. All paperwork is accounted for and inspections found no further damage, body damage or structural damage. The problem is it is a logistical nightmare either having to fly down and see it (time off work, extra cost) or simply ship it up to me and buy it sight unseen. Like I said, if I could buy a new one I would have built this exact car. Its a nice price for all it has as well. IT has been a difficult process in finding a Z that has the things I want and a matching price.

What would you guys do?
Would you guys buy a car sight unseen?
Im just looking for advice because Im torn on what to do. Thanks

I would not buy sight unseen. Why not state the location of the car and see if someone in the area would be willing to check it out. Other than that, I would bite the bullet and go check it out.

The car is in TN, about 20 minutes from Nashville. Thanks for the thought, I never would have thought about that.

Update, perhaps if somebody near ny would be interested in checking things out for me this would solve my problems. PM me if you are near that location and I would greatly appreciate at least speaking with you.

I would check it out yourself. Another option would be to have the owner take it to a Nissan dealer for a pre-purchase inspection (at your cost). You would be putting the owner out so I would offer some $ for the trouble if he/she agrees.

This is another option as well. One we have talked about, but it would still be sight unseen.

What's your timeframe on purchasing? I might be able to swing by nashville.

Also, what are the details on the Z you want?

PM incoming

My suggestion would be to have the owner (assuming it is a private owner) take the car to Crawford's Z Car Service in Nashville and have them look it over. They have been servicing Z Cars, Datsuns, Nissans & Infinitis (and building and racing Z Cars) for over 30 years. They know their stuff. Many 350Z owners on the 350Z board know of Doug (the owner) and Crawford's as they built custom aftermarket parts for the 350Z (particularly the Crawford Intake Plenum).

I would be happy to meet them down there to look over the car and give you my opinion as well if you wanted, though Doug and his crew would offer expert opinion.

Crawford's: Crawford Z Car Service:: Nashville TN - Nissan & Infiniti Repair Specialists

Wow! Such a fantastic outpouring of community support! You all just made me smile! Thumbs up to the community spirit! :tup:

Edit: OP, I was in a similar predicament, and I feel your grief with how difficult it is to find that perfect combination of options, color, mileage and price! The first option I found was a solid 10 hour drive and it had MULTIPLE pictures offered on the site. With that being said I didn't have too much of a problem driving up there to purchase it. Unfortunately the dealer had committed to a local deal and I missed out.

My next option came through some weeks later and it was located across the state. I took the day off, drove over and brought my ride home! :)

GL

Some car transportation companies will provide inspection and title/transfer service for an additional fee. Folks do this all the time with exotic cars so you wouldn't be the first. I understand your hesitation though. Personally I wouldn't consider it.

I would be concerned with the curb impact and having two wheels replaced. Seems to me there would have been suspension damage too, but perhaps the owner got lucky.

THAT is why they call you happytheman. :tup:

:)

Yeah the guys offering help I really appreciate it alot! You hit it on the head Thumper, I am just worried more about structural damage of the car. I know the owner said the dealer fixed it all and it is good to go but I am still a little wary of it. Would having them drop it off for an inspection be able to check the frame?

With a hit hard enough to toast both driver's side wheels, I'd be concerned about bent suspension.

If the paperwork from the dealer's repair did not show a need to replace suspension components, I can't imagine there being frame damage. You mentioned in your original post that inspections found no further damage, so other than another mechanic looking underneath at the suspension, doing a re-check of the alignment, and taking for a test drive, I don't know what else could be done.

It's always hard to buy a car wondering "what if", but that's the trade-off involved in buying used. You have some options to minimize your risk, but that's really all you can do.