Out of State Purchase and shipping to CA - Concerns

JefeAZ said:

Did you get a carfax/autocheck report? It might be a Canadian truck and thats why its cheaper. Also ask for an Oasis report so you can see whats been done to it

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Ricoman said:

Hi Dirt-Crusted...
I just had the same problem,maybe better,since it was not a "dealer"...maybe worst because it was a private sale.I bought mine in Colorado and live in WA. so it was a 1300 mile drive,but we were in middle of snow storms and didnt want to drive the passes in a truck I wasnt use to.

First I'll say,be very careful with the "shippers"...prices are all over the ballpark,and alot are just gypsies working thur huge clearing houses,I spent 2 weeks just researching and hearing all the horror stories.I finally found a small family owned operation in Utah that picked up when they said they would,delivered when they said they would,and driver didnt hold the truck ransom for a few hundred extra before he let it off the truck...Advice for shipping,make sure the dealer takes lots of photos of it being loaded,maybe even a video and get EVERYTHING in writing...almost all drivers want CASH when they meet you.

As far as getting truck checked out....I would not trust a dealer inspection,although with only 10K on it,shouldnt be any problems...Dont accept their Multi-Point-Inspection,you need to get an independent to do a Pre-Purchase-Inspection...my seller was 110% cool and worked with me on bringing it to the shop I found....Dealer might not be so easy,BUT..most of these shops that do the PPI will go pick it up and bring to their shop....your problem might be the dealer wont let them...doesnt hurt to ask...I think some shops can do it mobile also....just google PPI shops in the town the dealer is in....its around $100 and well worth it.

Also....do you want to put close to 3,000 miles on it...? Unless your going to make a cool road trip out of it and have the time,its 4-5 days....cost is gonna be a wash...rooms/food/gas/airfare will cost as much as a transporter..If you decide to go with shipping,get in touch and I can give you the name of company I used...
Its a hard decision with so much $$ on the line....hope yours turns out as good as mine did..!
Good Luck,
G

Little PS to comment above on shipping price...price you stated of $2000 sounds about right....Ratpor10 says $1K...which I doubt...MI to AZ is alot closer....coast to coast is gonna be closer to $2K...mine cost $900 from CO. to Seattle area and the bids were $700 to $1600...also got the BS about "special" trailers needed,enclosed trailers,where it can be delivered to...anything to make more $$....
And yes,sometimes things seem to good to be true,but sometimes things do go good for you..LOL...Mine was..

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lardog said:

Dirt-Crusted...

I have purchased numerous vehicles and driven them across the country since 1980. May I make a suggestion whether you drive or transport.
Whatever you decide, invest in a couple dollars in a roll of two to four inch wide blue painters tape. I have always taped the front edge of the hood, exterior mirrors and the complete front fascia / grill. That also includes the windshield front corner posts or pillars.
It keeps the rock chips off the paint and also makes a cross country trip cleanup when it arrives at your location substantially easier. You only have to remove the tape to get rid of most of the bugs and tar that will be left on your truck. I typically also tape up the fog lights and any other items that could be damaged.
You can do a search for car transport companies and many independents will be willing to deal on a return trip substantially discounted. Most of the people you will locate are brokers and they can give you a reference. There is an abundance of car carriers that haul vehicles from coast to coast and the going or return trips may have a few empty spots up for negotiation. If you are lucky you truck might be the last loaded on the transport trailer having the other vehicles in front to block road debris.
Licensing a truck will not be an issue in California especially for Ford trucks as they are shipped 50 state legal from the factory. I know most people disagree but pop the hood and look at the labels.

lardog

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niclarsen said:

So that would go for buying new out of California too correct? The markups here in California are absurd. Anyone know of a good dealer I can order from in Arizona?

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niclarsen said:

So that would go for buying new out of California too correct? The markups here in California are absurd. Anyone know of a good dealer I can order from in Arizona?

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niclarsen said:

So that would go for buying new out of California too correct? The markups here in California are absurd. Anyone know of a good dealer I can order from in Arizona?

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Dirt_Crusted_Raptor said:

Hi everyone... New member here. I have been looking for a while and found basically my ideal spec, great price, low miles. Only problem is that the truck is in Maryland and I'm in CA. Shipping would be about 2K which sucks but is doable.

Truck is certified pre-owned which helps with some concerns. But their is value to seeing and driving the truck before spending 60+K.

I have run across a few dealers now that have been beyond helpful and just come across as honest. This dealership I can't say is not honest but they definitely don't have that "go out of the way" feeling. The truck is the perfect spec though. What are some things that can be done other than flying there to see the truck to assure their is nothing wrong with it. I have already gotten photos and what not. Are their any mechanics that offer an inspection service or trusted third parties that I can hire? I should mention the truck is in Maryland, I would be willing to pay a member here as an option.

Thank you

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