whats the best way to safely pay for a car from abroad?

[Warwick67]

I'm going to look at a car abroad (Eurozone) just wondering if I decide to buy it, what is the best way to pay for it? Its a private purchase. Will probably arrange for it to be transported back to UK, though I could go over with a trailer pick it up. Its not a very expensive car, but its not small change either, circa 10k. I'm a bit unsure, how do I pay for the car and at the same time make sure that I do actually get the car?

[The Moose]

Cash and trailer to take it away.

Only safe way.

[thatdude]

I should think the very best way is to go in person. Make a deposit via paypal as a gesture of goodwill (somehting nominal but no more than a five hundred quid / euros) then go out there and collect it, paying the rest in cash / paypal in person.

[Cunning Punt]

Be aware that if you're carrying more than €10k or equivalent (i.e. about £7880), "some" countries (France) expect you to declare it at customs. Code des Douanes 464.

[iguana]

As a car transport co we've done this a few times, lower value usually take cash out & bring it back, for the high & very high value stuff, owners have done the instant transfer while we sat there after a call to confirm it was ok & chassus number checks out etc.

[cptsideways]

iguana said:

As a car transport co we've done this a few times, lower value usually take cash out & bring it back, for the high & very high value stuff, owners have done the instant transfer while we sat there after a call to confirm it was ok & chassus number checks out etc.

This, you can arrange an instant transfer at your local branch in advance, just call & its done.