long distance craigslist transaction question

[Clark]

well I found a van in Arizona on craigslist.its what I am lookin for but I am having a bit of difficulty communicating with the guy.. we just don't seem to see eye to eye.. he is making a HUGE DEAL out of the fact that he would need to drive less than a hundred miles to meet me at the airport and spend maybe 50 bucks on fuel,, whereas I on the other hand have to fly over a thousand miles and have at least 2 nites in hotels..we have exchanged a couple of unpleasantry's with 1 another if you can imagine THAT.. I got so pissed at 1 time I even considered calln him a liberal but it didn't get that outa hand.. we have both agreed to start over and hopefully make this work.. my question is if I were to send him a deposit how can I semi guarantee he cant rip me off?? I was considering asking him to email me a copy of the title and his drivers lic.  was also wondering if paypal or some other form of payment might insure me of not getting ripped off.. or was wondering about making the deposit for at least a thousand bucks thinking that that would make it a felony if he did something dirty.. any suggestions appreciated..   

[okieryder]

Ask one of the members in AZ, to check it out for you.
No way would I send more than I was comfortable loosing. 

[saab9k]

Ask one of the members in AZ, to check it out for you.
No way would I send more than I was comfortable loosing. 

I will second that.

[BF]

I've never done a long distance deal before (at least, not without seeing it first...and then, it was only about 65 miles), but IMHO, I wouldn't send one cent without first seeing what I'm gonna make an offer on.....especially since you two haven't exactly hit it off from the start.  

I'd never agree on a price without first seeing what I'm buying....but that's just me.  I'm gonna see it first...then make an offer....even if it costs me an airplane ride to and from.  

Be prepared to walk.....or in this instance, fly back home.  

There are other vans (or whatever) out there.  

[Former BMW Guy]

Here ya go.....

https://www.escrow.com/


JP

[Clark]

Here ya go.....

https://www.escrow.com/


JP

INTERESTING...THANKS

[Moonshot_1]

If I had a vehicle for sale on Craigslist I would never consider picking up a potential buyer at the airport and taxiing them around unless I knew them personally and they were a friend.
Let's say he spends $30 on gas to do this. If he does this for the first 5 guys that don't buy the van he's out $150. A buyer's transportation problems are not the seller's problems.

I would expect the seller to offer some assistance only after the transaction. And only as a courtesy. But even then, it's not their responsibility.

As to the security of the transaction.
See if someone (via this website or someone you may know in the area) can physically see the van and assure it is legit.

If it is, make the deposit if necessary otherwise
Take the money with you and give it to the seller when he gives you the paperwork.



I'd take a friend along.
Take the cash for the van.
Fly or drive there with the friend.
You can rent a car and drive to the seller's place.
If you buy it, give the cash and get the paper work right there.
Friend drives the rental back to airport
You pick him up and drive home

If you don't buy it.  You both go back to the airport in the rental and fly back.

[..]

Caveat emptor!!!

If it don't feel right............................................

[Jack B]

This June I sold my CX500 Turbo bike's on Craigslist to a guy in New York. I'm in Wisconsin.
He brought the two bikes without seeing them. He paid me using Paypal. It took about 6 weeks before a big rig came and took them away. I was happy he was happy. Would I buy a bike without see it? I don't think I would. It all worked out, but I was worried that some how something would go wrong.
So good luck.

[okieryder]

If I had a vehicle for sale on Craigslist I would never consider picking up a potential buyer at the airport and taxiing them around unless I knew them personally and they were a friend.
Let's say he spends $30 on gas to do this. If he does this for the first 5 guys that don't buy the van he's out $150. A buyer's transportation problems are not the seller's problems.

I would expect the seller to offer some assistance only after the transaction. And only as a courtesy. But even then, it's not their responsibility.

As to the security of the transaction.
See if someone (via this website or someone you may know in the area) can physically see the van and assure it is legit.

If it is, make the deposit if necessary otherwise
Take the money with you and give it to the seller when he gives you the paperwork.



I'd take a friend along.
Take the cash for the van.
Fly or drive there with the friend.
You can rent a car and drive to the seller's place.
If you buy it, give the cash and get the paper work right there.
Friend drives the rental back to airport
You pick him up and drive home

If you don't buy it.  You both go back to the airport in the rental and fly back.

If a person goes to the expense of air fare He will buy unless seller has lied.
I have sold 3 Valks on Ebay and picked them up at airport no problem,just common courtesy.
can get very $ paying for friend to fly.

Offer to buy his gas, If he wont pick you up screw him, probably scam.
I would not send a deposit period......