[Orangeman13]

You’d be crazy to try to buy a new car right now since no dealership is willing to negotiate.

[SOCAL.M6.ZLE]

I did exactly this 6 months ago... Purchased a car 750 miles away using only photos and the word of the sales team from a GM dealer that the car was mint (7) miles on the car... and paid $800 to have it transported in a dedicated enclosed trailer.


No issues at all.

[KMPrenger]

Not sure if someone else may have mentioned this but I'll toss in my 2 cents to this old topic.

If the vehicle is brand new, then I'm not sure any of this is needed, but if it's used:

Grab the VIN and see if you can't find someone with access to view the maintenance history on the vehicle. In my case I bought a used truck from far away and had my GM mechanic brother grab the history for me.
Hire a company such as Lemon Squad to do a remote viewing and test drive for you. When I did it (years ago) it cost me $100 for some additional peace of mind. I can only assume it's much more costly now, but could still be worth it. They will document anything they find (interior, exterior, how it drove) in a nice document and send it to you. Only issue here is that takes time, and if you don't have a monetary hold on the vehicle, it could get away from you during that time.
Last but not least, if you trust them, get a carfax done on it. If all that checks out, then go get it or have it delivered.

[The Blackheart]

I did this with a dealership in MI for same reason many have said - because they had the car I wanted and were willing to deal.


Biggest hassle will be to ensure sales tax paid in your state. If the dealership is not used to doing that for you, it will be a problem as your DMV will likely screw it up and make you pay.


Flying out to get the car probably best.


I shipped the car and it was showroom new and as well cared for as you might expect. The dealership was accommodating in helping this happen. If you go this route, make sure there is someone who acknowledges to you that they are aware of what is going on and will take care of you. Your salesman probably will not be that person. In writing, at least email, always best. Ideally a sales manager in the string at least would be good.


Good luck and let us know when you have pictures up!

[johnnyride]

If you finance, make sure the selling dealer understands your state's titling procedures, especial when adding a lien. I am still dealing with my dealer screwing up adding Wells Fargo to my NYS title. It's been 8 months and Wells Fargo isn't happy! Here's something I never knew - if the dealer doesn't add them as the lienholder in a timely manner, they (the bank) actually request that the dealer buy back the car from the purchaser! I actually had to call Wells Fargo and apologize for my dealer's stupidity. They were actually really good about it, told me exactly what the dealer and I had to do and said we are OK for now. And I never would have given the dealer the car back. I would have refinanced it first with another bank! BTW - dealer is in Missouri.

[95 imp]

I've been looking for a new work truck. 2500HD with a service body. Called a dealer and they started out @ $17K OVER MSRP. Mind you, this is a 2500HD WT trim, regular cab 2WD with a couple of options, not some decked out Cowboy Cadillac.

After I told them to call me back when they got off the drugs, "the best" they could do was $7500 over MSRP. Needless to say, I couldn't help support their drug habit.

Ended up with MSRP at another dealer (which I still wasn't happy about), but no one has these type of trucks in stock and they all know it.

Also, it was an out of state purchase (CA to AZ) because the only crackhead dealer in AZ that currently had anything in stock wanted.... 70K also, but he had a 2020 used with 30k for about 3k less than I bought a new 2022.

Moral of the story:

Make sure you shop around. It's like a feeding frenzy for these dealerships. They have no shame and no mercy.

[johnnyride]

Originally Posted by 95 imp

Moral of the story:

Make sure you shop around. It's like a feeding frenzy for these dealerships. They have no shame and no mercy.

AMEN!

[FlukeSS]

Originally Posted by flaudia402

Been looking for a 2018 1SS 1LE for a while and the dealers in my local market are not really willing to budge on price. I’m coming across a few dealers in the south who are offering considerably greater savings. Making it worthwhile for me to consider purchasing and having them ship to me.

My worry is this, I’ve noticed some of you have bought these cars sight unseen. I understand some are forum sponsor dealers with trusted relationships, but I’m still wondering if I should be leery about this. Buying a new car with warranty, less than 10 miles on the odometer and having it shipped, while it sounds safe - should I be concerned about any issues when the car arrives? How many of you did this and came out okay? Does this happen fairly often? Any resolution if the car shows up on a delivery truck and I come to find damage or the car isn’t driving properly? Do I take this up with GM or the dealership I purchased from?

Thanks in advance for your responses!

For lack of a better example I bought my car from Illinois and I live in Michigan.

Price was right, and the only time I saw the car was when I drove there to sign the paper work.

I guess I got lucky.

Purchase agreement with an option to buy back would be #1.

If anything is found that wasn't disclosed they have to give you the option of returning the vehicle.

That's where I would start.

[ZED SLED]

Well, thread is almost 4 years old. Wonder what the OP is driving now?

[FlukeSS]

Originally Posted by ZED SLED

Well, thread is almost 4 years old. Wonder what the OP is driving now?

Your car is older than this thread!

[2SS LT1]

My rule is New Car yes, Used car NO. I got burned on a Corvette that had beautiful photos, low miles, great Car Fax. The car had bad sun damage from sitting outside in Florida, (I was in Michigan), Convertible top was discolored, Weatherstrips shot, etc. I won't buy a used car I don't see in person.

I've bought several cars out of state including the new 2SS, paper work is key, my dealer let me take the MSO and pay the taxes and plates myself at my county clerk. Other dealers will hire a service to pay the taxes and plates in your state and mail you the title and plate.

Try to know what your DMV requires before hand, including an original bill of sale and odometer statement.

[jamala00]

Originally Posted by ZED SLED

Well, thread is almost 4 years old. Wonder what the OP is driving now?

I like the HD Forums I'm on. The thread main page has the Thread Title, Who Started it, and when it was created. You can see how old every thread is before you even open it up. Very handy.