Buying 911 across country. Suggestions?

Hi, I'm looking to pick up a 911 that's in AZ and I'm in NJ. I'm wondering how it would be the safest way for both seller and buyer in terms of handling the transaction. Also, the car is coming from a performance shop so is a PPI still needed? I'm a bit nervous obviously as I never did this before...any advice would be greatly appreciated!

A PPI is definitely still needed, don't trust the shop to be completely honest. After the car has been inspected, make sure all shipping fees, and methods are agreed to in advance.

I bought a 911 in Seattle once. Flew in--inspected the car--had a shop look at it (although it wasn't a PPI) and then drove it non-stop back to TN. The biggest glitch I had during the whole process was finding a bank that had a Notary available to stamp the Bill of Sale (it was late on a Friday afternoon). What a great ride and a great way to get "in touvh" with your new p-car. I'd highly recomend doing the same thing if you have the time except I think I would definately have a PPI done prior to flying out there. I had no real issues other than the ones that I expected and the car never failed me.....Maybe I was lucky. Good Luck

Is it Dan's car at Vivid?

I've done this twice, and here's what I've learned. 1. Ask the seller to take the car to an INDEPENDENT shop, Porsche dealer if possible, for a PPI. You don't want to fly out there, expose yourself to 115 degree heat, and find out something major is wrong with the car. Call the shop yourself, and pay for the inspection by credit card (since you're requesting the inspection, you should have to pay for it.) 2. Assuming the car is good, either fly out to see it and drive it home, or have the guy drop it at the auto shipper (after you've paid, of course, either by cashiers check or wire transfer). Be sure you know what you'll need to register it in NJ - check with the DMV, tell them you're buying a car in AZ, and the seller should be happy to provide whatever signatures or documentation you need. 3. Post pics when you get it home.

That would the one I'm working on! My plan right now isn't even to fly out there to check it out. I'm relying on the pics, description, and the shop's rep. Now that we know the shop and car I'm talking about, would you guys still be worried? I'm planning on sending the cashiers check, and just have him sign the title and I'd plan for a shipping company. Would you guys maybe do something like 80% first and 20% upon delivery? This is all new to me and am only considering it since it's coming from a known shop and not some Joe Smith in AZ. Please feel free to PM me the advise if you'd prefer. Any input would be helpful.

My experience with Dan and Vivid is all good but limited to the purchase of Fabspeed exhaust. I can say that I would pay for a PPI no matter who the seller was because of the amount of money involved and the fact that you are cross country. (no disrespect Dan) From the pics and the story the car is gorgeous and I know they have put a lot into it.I'd be surprised if anyone would relinquish possession of the car for an 80% deposit but that's between you guys. Good luck and I hope your transaction goes well.

An independent PPI and a flight out for a personal inspection before you sign anything is the only way to do it, imo. If all goes well, take a few days off and enjoy the drive home!

This is an interesting topic. I am in the process of purchasing a car from AZ and shipping it to myself as well I am fortunate enough to also know the 'previous' owner - so, I got a good feel of the car's condition. It also helps the current owner is a rennlister and previous owner is a rennlister. I have seen your posts s14roller about the M3 vs. 996. I have a 2002 M3 -- so, if you have questions, I think I can answer them intelligently. My current E46 M3 is the third E46 M3 I've owned. So, I can give a perspective from the SMG to manual since I've owned both. I have been and am currently a BMW M3 fanatic -- I have a 1997 M3 (IP race car), 1998 M3 convertible, and the 2002 M3. We won't mention the other BMW's, hehe. So, one could say I like M3's a bit. This is my first porsche. I was also considering the Acura NSX; but, for some reason, it just did not give me that sensation a BMW/Porsche gave me. It looks cool; but, the porsche just seems to be a bit more 'mature' and 'classy.' That's one of the reasons I decided to go for it. Perhaps also it is b/c I am getting older -- Probably 2-3 years ago, the acura would have led the list. Good luck with your purchase. But, I doubt they would do a 80/20 split. It involves trust on your part and his part. I would get a copy of his D.L, business card, and other pertinent information. You should also be willing to share that with him as well. You'll probably end up paying the entire 100% to him before he releases the car. That's what most sane/normal people would require.