a--personal--inspection--first. Split the cost of airfare with the seller; deduct the cost of airfare from a pre-agreed price if you buy the car; stay at his house; get a return trip flight in four hours; take a bus; arrange a vacation around the car inspectionl; make a business trip out of it and take the tax deduction . . . At the very least get a local TT.netter to inspect the car for you.