Any advice on buying a truck online?

[fitz]

I found one of my dream trucks online, a rust free M1028 Military pick up (still regret not buying Vile's). It's about 1200 miles from home. I figure it would cost me about $1,000 in fuel to go get it and trailer it home (it has 4:56 gears so don't want to drive it). I looked into shipping it and its about the same money. Thinking about just having it shipped and im just trying to think of the safest way to handle the money/title transaction. Its not on ebay and the seller does not have Pay pal so there is no protection there.  I don't want to miss out on the truck, but im not about to send a complete stranger a check and just hope it all works out. If all else fails I may be looking at a 2400 mile road trip. Any thoughts on this? Thanks, Fitz

[zieg85]

One of two things... Do business in person or have someone check it out, maybe someone on this forum.  I know I asked someone in Ohio to look at one for me before I made the 6 hour one way trip.  I know I would be happy to help someone interested in one around Chicago if I possibly could for them.  My $.02 

[Da67goatman]

Could fly out to do the deal and then have it shipped back to your place, probably cheaper then gas to drive out and back.

[VileZambonie]

Where is it located? The one I sold was a cream puff, if I had the room I would have kept it in the family. I agree maybe have a fellow member here take a look for you. If he won't sell it through eBay or take payal then that's a problem. I have used this guy before and he was much more reasonable than anyone else:

KENNY ROOKE AUTO TRANSPORT LLC
505 TOBACCO ST
LEBANON, CT 06249     

Motor Carrier (MC): 459511  USDOT: 1133272
203-992-9543   
 
 

[1980c10]

I would have a third party check it out for you. Maybe find a car dealer or garage local to him. Most people on this board would also probably be willing as well like zieg said. just let us know where its at.

[fitz]

The trucks in Alabama. The $1000 to ship it doesn't bother me. Its just the thought of sending a check to Someone you don't know.

[Captkaos]

Where? I am in Alabama.

[fitz]

Gadsden Alabama 35904. Just one if those things where I'd be more comfortable dealing with the guy in person. If this truck was in mass I'd own it by now. I think a road trip may be in order.

[Captkaos]

Gasden is about 1.5 hours away.

[fitz]

If I make the trip i'll let you know.

[Captkaos]

If you need me to, and I can swing it, I would go look at it for you.

[fitz]

Thanks you, I appreciate the offer. I'm gonna come up with a game plan over the weekend.

[thirsty]

If I was ever going to be 1.5 hrs away from Capt. I would be stopping in to thank him in person for this site for sure.

I would take him up on his offer to look at it for you then go down and do the deal if he says that the truck is worth it.