[jldunkle]

As a Collector Car Dealer I can understand the frustration with a purchase like this. The internet is a double edged sword to me. It allows more buyers to see what I am selling, but more buyers are "too far away" to personally come and see the car. This creates a problem for me. I agree with Mr. Mustang. I encourage ALL buyers to enlist a neutral inspection service. This allows the buyer to get information from an individual who has no personal involvement. It also gives the seller some "cushion" if the car is delivered to the buyer and he has an issue with the car.

My position is this with the buyer:

"If the car is not the way I say it is when it gets there fine I will take it back. If it is not the way you had HOPED, then pay to ship it back. "

As sellers, we should not have to carry the total burden in a transaction. I know there are a lot of scams out there. Keep it simple. Get a notarized bill of sale from the seller also stating that if you are not happy with the car when it arrives you/buyer will assume responsibility for the shipping back to the seller. Do a wire transfer. Wire transfers are the best verification of funds being sent and received.

As a buyer, if you are not willing to take the time or spend the money to inspect the car personnally, then you will have to assume some of the burden if the car is not satisfactory to you.