[750hp]

I'm in Australia and have bought cars from CA, CT, IL, FL and WA. One from a well known dealer and the rest from private sellers. I feel like I need to spend the first few emails or phone calls explaining that I'm overseas but talking the seller through the steps of how to make the transaction "safe" for them.

I think Nigerian scammers have a lot to answer for...

In each instance to protect myself, I have made enquiries to ensure the seller is genuine (it's a small world and with 6 degrees of separation, it's fascinating to see how much information is available online) but ultimately each time I have wired the funds directly to the seller's bank account without using a third party.

Each time I have offered to wait for the funds to be transferred to another account or another bank (or heck, withdraw it as cold hard cash if that's what makes them comfortable), before I arrange for Intercity Lines to pick up the car.

Haven't ever had an issue. The cars have always been as described or better. Everyone's happy!