How to pay and ship a project car??

I haven't done anything stupid for a while so it's time.

I am considering buying a project car, sight unseen, and was wondering what is the best way to pay for a car to a private seller out of state (craigslist)? I don't think there is any real protection from an unhonest person so I guess it probably doesn't make much difference how you pay. I'm sure the seller will want money up front ($7K) so I'm guessing wiring the money or money order.

Also, how have you guys shipped complete project cars (not dissassembled) that is not running? Any thoughts on cost for a transport of some kind from Arizona to Washington (~1200 miles)?

I only do bank transfers or cash in person. 1200 miles open trailer for me is $1500 enclosed is $2100 for door to door personalized service. Just be aware most large transporters will not deal with non-running cars, and some add fees to do so, I never do and quite a few other personal transporters do not too. Yes you can get it much cheaper, but it usually requires long wait times and too much worry.

Thanks for the information. I thought maybe it would be more difficult for a project car.

Bank to bank sounds like a good option.

The car does run but it runs rough and I'm sure Murphy's law would kick in when the transporter showed up, it probably wouldn't start for some reason...

1200 miles is a bit of a drive. Last time I helped with a project like that we rented a truck and a trailer and made the drive. Paid cash, winched the project car onto the trailer and headed home. Put a bunch of spare parts in the truck. It cost some bucks for rental fees and gas but probably less than paying someone to do it for us. Plus we didn't have to worry about wiring money or anything like that. It was $12K for a GTX project that was a few hundred miles away.

Usually non runners or cars with problems cost more to ship then ones that are good. Shipping prices are all over the place.

I know you won't like my advice, but here goes,as Rhinodart explains the costs because he does this. I would take Vac time or whatever is needed, if you really want the car. Go pick up yourself esp if have a good reliable truck, trust but verify, enlist 2 reliable friends who would be willing to go on a road trip. Rent or borrow a trailer, open deck to save on fuel cost. It may cost you a little more, but you will not be risking a large sum on a bad deal.

I’ve sold lots of project cars. I’ve had them shipped and had the people pick them up. I communicate very well with people and have good references so I’ve never had an issue. I only sell rust free Texas cars and provided lots of pictures. I have never had any one that was not 100% satisfied when they first laid eyes on the car. Still, when I BUY, I like to go look at them and bring them back.

Being in ND it is a road trip anywhere to get a car. In my life I've gone to Washington state, Idaho, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, Arizona, and Kansas to pick up projects with an open trailer and my trusty Dodge pickup. With multiple drivers it's not that bad. The only two exceptions were when the seller offered to deliver at about 75% of my cost and when Rhinodart delivered a project on the way to picking up another.

Good advice from all. Thanks!

I'm at the point now where I have more money than time so driving over 2000 miles for a $7K car probably will not happen. Plus, as I mentioned, I haven't done anything stupid in a while and I'm past due

Appears as if the car may be sold anyway. I am supposed to call the seller later today but he removed the ad last night.

Thanks again for the information and help!

Buying a car you haven't looked over is basically risking throwing the money out the window.
I've done it a couple times when the car was an inexpensive project, I'd received lots of photos, and had good conversations with the seller.
Did it another time on a more expensive deal and the car was not as represented, but re-negotiated the price. Awkward & irritating, to say the least.

The car I just bought was well-documented, pretty well known, tons of photos & discussion, and a Moparts member check-out.
A buddy & I still went the 1200 miles each way to get it.
Worked out the same $ as having someone I don't know transport it at a later date and risking damage to it.
Car transport isn't what it once was, but has become quite expensive.

Where in in AZ ?


I live in Tucson

But will be in Show Low / Pinetop area this weekend

Agreed. I have been making monthly trips from Auburn WA to Phoenix with a car, and going back to WA empty. I can help move it if needed.

The car was in Phoenix but it's sold.

Thanks for offer to help guys!

Hi, this is a great idea for me. I think that the seller will definitely want the money in advance. But still, I think that this will not be the entire amount, but an advance payment and payment for sending. The thing is that now there are many scammers who deceive sellers, so this is a common thing, many pay money in advance. But I want to warn you, if you are not sure about the seller, then it is better not to take risks. And ship car to another state is a very tedious process, because you need to prepare all the documents before shipping. This may take some time, so I advise you to be patient. In any case, I wish you good luck!