Would you buy a car cross country and have it shipped?

First post, sold a 77 911 Targa a few years ago and once I owned a 944... So I want a Porsche again. This time a more modern car. Have you bought a car sight unseen? Never thought of ever doing this. Seems risky to me. The car I'm looking at is a 1-owner 2003 996 Cab, low miles and looks in great shape although expensive. https://www.byersimports.com/exotic-used/Porsche/2003-Porsche-911-4fcd9ddd0a0e0ae9459b8e157af58f86.htm?utm_campaign=deeplink&utm_medium=re ferral&utm_source=cars.com I'm not looking for an opinion of the car, if you could just share your experiences buying remotely and in this case from a Porsche dealer. Thanks

Yes, but I'd rather fly and drive...

its a bit risky but i have done it many times (as in a dozen plus) best to get an independent ppi in local area first but even with that there no assurances everything will be fine depends how much you want to car, and you need to be prepared for a few negative surprises of course buying from a p-car dealer is a bit more assuring than from a hole in the wall place but still dealers can be sloppy or crooked too, esp with used cars to a remote buyer

After many emails between myself and a dealer I bought a one owner 2007 BMW 530xiT This was 2 years ago, the car was a one owner BMW dealer serviced 37,000 mile car It was in Provo Utah, having been sold at auction in CA by the original dealer....they sent me 50 pix of the car These are rather rare cars, actually a station wagon, that BMW stopped importing with that (E61) model.in 2010 Bottom lie, I took a big chance wire transferred the money, they arranged shipping, and I held my breath. The car arrived nicer than I thought and with more equipment on it that they knew about I now have 53,000 miles on it and it has been great..a battery, 4 tires, 2 coil packs (developed a miss) and a new thermostat...oil and filter changes. brake flush, coolant flush A PORSCHE sight unseen, would require an extensive PPI (from a Porsche dealer) and a lot of faith...a replaced IMS would be nice.... Good luck

I’ve done it before. As mentioned above, it is preferred to buy the car in person and drive it home; that’s just not always possible. I was generally satisfied with the transaction when I did this, but there were a few little scratches and chips in the paint that didn’t show up in the photos.

I've bought a Porsche and sold a Porsche where both transactions were across country. But there were little details about the car I bought that didn't show up in the photos or not disclosed by the seller that were disappointing. If I were to buy remote again, I'd get the deal basically done and then fly out for a hands-on inspection before final agreement. And have a thorough PPI done before flying out. Transporters are fine if you don't have time to drive back.

Pretty much what they said. A thorough PPI from an independent 3rd party is a must as it lets you know what you�re getting into AND provides some bargaining power once they�ve identified all needs. At the very least, I would book round trip flights to put eyes/hands on the car provided a deal was negotiated. All that would add roughly $1k to the purchase price but alleviates any uncertainties. Buying a pcar should be fun and is money well spent imho.

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Twice, both cars were in LA and I drove them home to North Carolina. But, I had a ton of pictures, and most importantly, a PPI. Unless your seller is giving a warranty, make sure you get a PPI.

I’d buy without seeing from a R’lister or out of Panorama. Porsche dealer with an inspection—not their intake inspection, a real one. Black stone, also. Aftermarket warranty would help. Good luck. TC

I've done it twice. Two completely different experiences. EXPERIENCE 1: Dealer bought 2002 C4S. Dealer fudged PPI (PPI was from porsche dealer, but outside dealer had a friend there that fudged it), car showed up with 3k worth of repair work needed. Mismatched tires, stunk to high heaven, dead battery, bad ignition switch, misfiring cylinder (Needed plugs and coils). Not all parts show in photos. A huge mess. I had an attorney write them a letter, but the dealer ended up filing for bankruptcy and I never saw any resolution to my issues. EXPERIENCE 2: 2004 Anniversary Edition. Bought from private seller. Had long conversations and email chains with the private seller. Knew ENTIRE history of the car. Had independent shop do PPI with EXCELLENT results, documented everything with photos etc. Actually had the shop perform some of the work needed before the car was shipped home. A++++ experience. The car showed up exactly as described, small issues I knew about ahead of time and was able to negotiate into the price. Buying from a private seller and having a PPI from a rennlist/PCA recommended shop was awesome. BEWARE buying from a small dealer across the country IMO.

Buyer beware! PPI is a MUST! I bought a Turbo last month sight unseen. Pics and video spoke to private seller several times. Front tires were bald, alignment needed. Several undercarriage plastic parts missing broken. OVERALL I am happy with the car. BUT I considered myself lucky for not getting a thorough PPI. Another thing I got the cheapest well-regarded transporter BIG MISTAKE! They scrapped the bottom spoiler loading the car onto a 1 car trailer behind a pickup. Then it was "missing for 2 days". Then after 2 days, late someone shows up at my neighbors' door (couldn't read the address on the paperwork!!) They DROVE the car to me from 40 miles away!! The car was supposed to be in a transporter. It was no longer registered! I don't know if the undercarriage damage was from transporter or owner. I spent $200 on replacing the broken wheel well liner, spoiler and another undercarriage plastic piece. Spend the extra for covered transport and make sure good pics are taken before loading...

I'd echo what others have already said with PPI at the top of the list. Twice I have bought sight unseen from distances that required transport with one purchase from a small dealer, the other a private seller. Small dealer was sketchy at best with car being delivered with a couple of problems never mentioned. Mostly my fault as I was so excited about the car I neglected to get the PPI done. Also used a more inexpensive transport company to ship and that experience was not good. Had no way to contact the driver from time to time, his cell phone was bad and the car never was actually delivered to my address (transport broke down about a mile from my house). Private seller was a completely different scenario with lots and lots of info about the car and it's service history. A recent PPI was done as this seller only bought the car the year before and had it checked out by a well known Porsche specialty shop. I had tons of pics and a long phone conversation with the seller before pulling the trigger. Didn't feel the need for the PPI in this case. This time I used a reputable transport company(Intercity-no affiliation) and the driver kept in contact the whole trip and delivered to my house a day ahead of schedule. Well worth it for peace of mind to spend a little more, imho. Good luck in whatever you decide!

I bought my 2000 Boxster from a California used car dealer ebay auction. The ad had tons of photos and information plus a clean Carfax. I called and negotiated the price and they agreed to end the auction ahead of time. The car had one key but they agreed to add a second key at cost and even spent most of one day driving to and from the closest Porsche dealer and having the second key programmed.The car came from California to South Florida on top of an open transport. When it arrived to my house, it was caked in dirt, dust, bugs, etc. from the open air trip. When I called my wife to come outside to see it, she took one look and turned around and walked back into the house without saying a word. After a thorough washing, the car was everything I expected from the photos. Seven years later, it is my daily driver and going strong. I did not have a PPI done and am fortunate the dealer was honest and great to work with. Having said that, when I was looking locally for my 911, I did have a PPI done. Thankfully that eliminated the first 911 I was considering (metal in the oil filter cartridge). I did a PPI on the second 911 I was considering (my 996) and that came up mechanically clean with the exception of having to replace the ABS pump, battery and tires.

I just bought a boat from across country. I flew there checked it out and made the deal. He had to pay of a lien, which he did, an then I flew back did all paperwork and had it shipped (I arranged for shipping before going back) I use a company that I couldn't have been happier with. Price was right in the middle of the ranges I received. If you end up needing a shipper message me and I will let you know. They were punctual, insured, and got my boat to me two days earlier than expected. A+ all the way around.

Get a PPI from a private shop that has experience dealing with 996’s. These cars are not that common at he service department in many Porsche dealers and many younger techs have never worked on one. Many of the older techs have worked on them, but not much in many years. And one of our local dealers is now at $215/hr, kind of crazy!

I bought my "roller" from washington and shipped it to delaware. Car was cheap enough that i took a chance with just a handful of pics. I had been watching the car for a few months and was comfortable with the seller. I was happy with what i got.

I bought my 2000 Carrera 2 in California site unseen from NJ. Flew out and drove it back, best trip ever. Got an extensive PPI of course. Ask here first if there is a shop that someone trusts in the area where the car is. You might also ask if anyone here can take a quick look before you pay for a PPI. I insured the new car before I left, and in California plates stay with the car so no issues there. I just signed a 'waiver of responsibility.' Was it a risk, driving a car I had never seen 3000 miles? Sure. Totally worth it.

Yes, I did just last Dec. But I flew and drove it back 1100 miles with no issues.

As others have said, absolutely but PPI and do final inspection in person. BE PREPARED TO WALK AWAY if anything has been misrepresented. FWIW, I did it a fly up and drive it back last year and the 750 mile trip back was one of the funnest solo trips I've ever driven.

I have flown in twice now and drove home with one. Lots of phone time and pictures and service doc reviewed. Passed on one. Expensive trip. Between airfare, hotel, rental car and PPI 1,200.00 It was a 930 grossly misrepresented by a Pelican user. Figure the 1,200.00 loss was better than buying a pig with lipstick on it. I also sold a car to a follow Pelican member who bought one of my P cars from Boston. Wired the cash, I mailed him the Pink, he sent a trailer. Smooth deal for both of us.

I did it with my current 2004 C4S Cab. I was familiar with the selling dealer and his good reputation from a friend of mine that's in the business. Bought the car and had it shipped to me. It was represented accurately in my case and I'm as happy as a clam. But it could have easily gone South.

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This car is in my backyard. They are a large Porsche dealer, one of two in metro Columbus. Generally they have a good reputation and I have purchased cars from them (not Porsche, they have other lines as well) but I have absolutely no knowledge of this car or the Porsche part of their operation. There are independent shops here that can do a PPI for you, and there is a very active PCA club here and the local members can give great advise for shops. I have one that I have used for some very minor stuff but no major items. If I can help in any way let me know. It would be a fun road trip from Columbus! Daryll

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Well I've learned alot here...One consistent response here is you have to see it and finding time to drive to Ohio is a challenge lately. Thanks for your offer. I still need to call the dealer to see if it's still available. I live in South Wisconsin area so lately I've been searching close to home as well.

I bought my car in CAL and shipped it to FLD. Open transport. No problem at all.

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Interesting someone tried to trade in a Corvette for it and they couldn't agree on price. Not sure I can work out a price though. IMS was not done and they are asking a lot. They are sending me the service history and a video of the car. I'll start with that. Did find a place called MotarKars for PPI in Columbus but they haven't called back.

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Its a little hard to fly and come home in a boat, so I guess you have to ship it

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I would know how much you are going to pay for IMS and then clutch at same time, deduct from your top price and go from there, do not over pay, as there will be other repairs. If they want meet your price move on, there will be another car for you .

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I'm assuming IMS is 2 K but should check locally. But I'd do RMS and OAS too as preventative. Interesting dealer salesman said they've never done an IMS. Sound s like they know newer ones only.

Bought my car from a dealer in Houston. Sent him a deposit and set about flying down to see the car and he talked me out of it saying "the car is a 10....save your money. I'll put it on a transporter and get it to you for $800." The car arrived a few days later, delivered right to my door. Was the car a '10'? As close as you're going to get with a 16 year old car....

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If it works out Columbus to Milwaukee is about 7 hours or a little more depending on traffic through Chicago. Byers Porsche is literally across the street from the airport - I would assume that they would pick you up if you arrive at a price. $2k sounds about right for the labor, plus parts for the IMS/RMS/AOS, maybe a little more? I�m not familiar with that Indy shop but I�m relatively new to Porsche so not the best to ask for shop recommendations. Daryll

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I guess Tiptronic is a big deal which I read here you have to remove the motor too to separate the transmission. That's for the LN Engineering IMS Retrofit. Still waiting on them so we will see.They promised a video and service records.

Big deal? No. More labor, yes.

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Glad it worked out for you but if a dealer attempted to talk me out of coming to see a car in-person, that would absolutely make my decision to come see it.

No, and from a stealership, most definitely no. Go see it in person, and get a local PPI. If it's what you want, then drive it or ship it if you want.

Try buying a car 5-10,000 miles away, (sight unseen) on another continent, and having it shipped... I've done it over 100 times, and have only been disappointed once. My key is having someone local make sure the car exists, and make sure that it is at least close to what is advertised. When I bought my 1944 Kubelwagen I had a friend fly from Holland to Austria to look at it, then I paid for it while he was there on site. He then collected the car, and took it back to Holland, and shipped it to me from there. 6 months later I saw the car for the first time. I've done this so much that its normal to me. It's all risky, and I have actually been closer to getting ripped off buying a car locally, than buying one on a different continent.

Bought a 996, 986, M3 and Maserati all sight unseen. Did a PPI with a qualified specialist on all except the M3. Asked lots of questions. Requested plenty of photos. Had a good vibe about the sellers (lots of service history, enthusiasts) and one well known dealer. Each car was as described or usually better. There's always a risk with shipping- this is where you really get what you pay for. I wouldn't hesitate to buy sight unseen again but do acknowledge that no matter how much due diligence is done, there's always a risk. The problem is, if you wait for the "right" car to come up locally, it could take years!

I bought my 996 sight unseen (but didn't pay for it until I picked it up in person in Reno, NV and drove it home) and bought my 07 S8 sight unseen, but had somebody go check it out for me in Dallas, I few down and drove it home. Personally, I would rather see the cars I buy in person before paying for them. Makes it a lot easier.

Shipping is the big issue.. We see people try to "cheap out" with vehicle shipping all the time. We have shipped over 700 Porsches to and from our facility over the years, and today shipping is different than it used to be. With the implementation of "ELD" last year, lots of family ran shipping companies could no longer make enough money to stay in business due to the new regulations. Lots of them had to either go out of business, or start charging a whole lot more per vehicle for the same services. Going with a cheap sniper will guarantee you a total nightmare experience. Today we no longer work with cheap shippers, and we won't allow our purchasers to work with them either. A cheap shipment, equals a problematic shipment in most cases, and that leads to a hiccup with our process that is a negative... Even though it has nothing to do with our business. If you are thinking of purchasing a car that has to be shipped, budget a premium transport as part of the purchase price. If you choose not to do this, you can stand by for the following experiences: -Poor communication from drivers -Inaccurate pick up dates, and times -inconveniences that never cease to end -poor communication from dispatchers -Poor drop off scheduling, with both date and time -Vehicle damage or loss claims that go unpaid, and without any sense of responsibility That said, out of 700+ Porsche's shipped to and from here, as well as over 300 vehicles that I have imported from other continents for my collection, or to sell, I have only had one vehicle damaged significantly, and one vehicle "totally lost". Both of these have been my personal vehicles, one was a Bundeswehr VW Iltis that had the top ripped off due to loading errors by the driver at the port, and the other was a Boxster that I was shipping to LN Engineering for test purposes. The Boxster was a total loss, because the driver took the worst possible route, lost his brakes, and totaled the whole load of cars. I didn't have a lot in the car, and it was beat up anyway, after being used as a test mule, so I chose a cheap shipper, and lost everything. The Iltis shipper was also questionable, so I rolled the dice to have the vehicle moved cheaper from the port to me, and that cost me a canvas top, and frame. In both cases I paid my stupidity taxes, now I can use these stories to help people like you, and my customers understand what NOT to do. Over this time we've had a couple of customer's cars end up with a scratch, or something, but nothing of any significance. In each of these cases the shippers took care of the repairs because we dealt with quality drivers, as provided by Specialty Vehicle Transport. When you ship 700 vehicles, something will happen eventually, no matter what. A vehicle coming to us will average a 1,000 mile haul each way, usually. It's not a couple hundred miles, or around the block, so a lot can happen. I'd like to add up how many miles these vehicles were shipped to be fitted with my engine, with 700 of them moved, the number of miles would be staggering. So, that said.... Don't be dumb, and don't choose the cheapest guy you can find, and don't use someone that just wants to collect a deposit from you, and never contact you again. If you go cheap, you are asking to get hammered.

In my experience you can have detailed pictures, a PPI, and even a test drive and you still won't uncover the quirks that actually owning and living with a car will show. I've bought pretty much every car I've owned in the past six years sight unseen from dealerships and people alike. As long as the body/paint are clean the little issues that come with buying a new car are expected. Carfax it, get videos of it running and revving, get detailed body pics, buy it, fly out, and drive it home.

Yep. Bought unseen. Car great. Shipping was awful. Brokers quote low price but no one will pick up. This was open truck. Got tired of waiting so called a company direct. Closed truck. My $700 became $1600.00 Even after all this...new company communication was awful. Bought on auction so checked rates for bid. I would have drove home one I bid on in Miami but did not get bid. Love my 1999 996.

Bought mine sight unseen other than an ad online where it was 700 miles away. Didn't have a PPI performed or anything. Took it to a local shop, threw it up on a lift, did a run through on the basics, had good prior history. Haven't had a single problem, would do it all over again. Only difference is I drove a rental there and drove the car back home, shipping wouldn't have made the experience nearly as fun.

1. I have, and yes would do it again. 2. I personally will drive/fly to check it out again before doing such and for sure have a PPI done. Follow #2 to the letter and you'll be fine. I almost bought a 997.2 in Indiana later last year, and the dealership was about an hour away from the nearest Porsche shop willing to do a PPI, but I was able to get the appointment done, a flatbed scheduled to take the car to inspection, etc. Couldn't finalize a deal bc of price with the dealership, but it was great getting to know the people at the shop and was no issue at all. So it's not a difficult process!

You instruct the shipping company to pick up your car from point A (auction site) and deliver it to point B (for example, the port of departure). The address of the auction site can be ordered. Documents for the car you bought along with the auto transporter do not go to the port, but are sent from the auction site by special mail to the Forwarder (the auction administration). The car is picked up by an intermediary hired by the Shipping company such as https://getcarrier.com/car . Directly the firm itself - the Forwarder is engaged in the processing of documents for export in the US Customs and must have its own platforms (warehouses) in the main ports of the USA (Los Angeles CA, Miami FL, Newark NJ). This is an important condition, since it is sometimes more profitable to send a car either from there or from there, given the distance of the auction site to the port.