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Selling a car out of state

chtampa

chtampa

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I guess this would be considered Tech. I have a car that I listed on Craigs List and a person from Pennsylvania called me and wants to buy the car and arrange to have it shipped to him from Florida. He offered to do any of the following; Wire, Overnight, Bank Transfer, Cashiers check. With all the scams going on I am hesitant to do anything that is not "Cash & Carry". He said I would give the title to the transport guy when the car gets picked up. Anyone done this? Give me all the scary things not to do and any possible scams that go on when selling a car to someone you don't know. Thanks!

If it is important the car is an running 81 AMC SX-4 and the amount is $3500.
 
So he's buying it without looking at it. (Actually I've done it)
I don't see how you can go wrong with a Cashiers Check or Bank Transfer.
I doubt it's a scam, sounds like he really wants it.
 
The car doesn't leave without payment in full. Don't do PayPal. I would accept wire, however link it to an account you rarely use or open an account for that and close it after you withdraw the money. Cashier checks can be made digitally. Good luck! Make sure you talk to him on the phone...and google his name/phone and see what comes up
 
Wiring bank to bank is safe. Just make sure it's cleared in your account, before car leaves.
 
Sounding good so far. I took the advice to do an online search and the phone number does show his name and an address in PA like he says.
 
Bank wire is safe. I have a savings I keep $10 in. Give that account info and as soon as its cleared I transfer it to another account. Sold a few this way.
 
Cashier's check only protects the bank. I know it sounds incorrect, but its true, you pay for it and it doesn't protect the buyer or seller.
Wire is immediate, but you have to be sure you're giving your info to a legit buyer.
Opening a new account just for this makes sense, but you still have to provide some personal info.
I sold a car recently, gave keys to the transport guy, sent title overnight before shipping, that way it wasn't my car or responsibility at all once it left.
I also called his bank, they conferenced him in, so I knew it was legit.
 
Call his bank from a number YOU look up, not one he furnishes. Confirm the amount and then confirm the wire amount. Cashier's
checks don't really clear for a week. Be careful and good luck!
 
Wiring info is the same as on your checks, so no big deal.
 
Just sold a car on Craigslist, I'm in Kentucky he is in north Carolina, he never seen it in person, he sent a cashier's check from his bank, I told him I wanted to wait till it cleared and he could arrange shipping. Everything went perfect, he got the car and was happy as can be, he wanted me to put the title in the glove box, but I didn't feel comfortable doing that, so I just put it and the other docs and mailed them direct .
 
Can’t you just get a personal check and wait for it to clear then ship it?
 
I bought a car in NY, Owner sent title in mail. I sent a cashiers check and when it cleared I had the car brought to me. Just wait till the check clears and pull the money out.
 
If he wants to send title with car sounds like it's going to a port to be exported! You give a signed title and a car to a truck driver most are illegals you'll never see car again! Bank transfer is safe I keep a savings with a buck in it use it to transfer money in then move it asap once it's moved to another account it's not going anywhere! Don't relesre car till funds are in your hands !
 
Yes, call buyers bank by looking it up yourself, good point. I did same.

Banks typically clear funds based on the amount, if you have a balance with them, and a schedule, so on 10k you might get 2k cleared immediately, 5k in a few days, the rest next week, roughly.

Most transactions go well, but be aware, banks will label funds as cleared, you can withdraw it, spend it, burn it, whatever, but they absolutely reserve the right to recover funds from you if something goes south. This is an extended period of time beyond when the funds clear. And of course, they don't offer this info.
 
I sold my 2008 Challenger recently to a dealer out of Tenn. I received a certified check and took it to my bank and they called and got the funds verified and released the funds to me. Then I sent the title. All went well.
 
I told the guy that "had to have it" I would do a "wire" to the bank and he ghosted me. Seems to have validated my gut feeling.
 
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