I recently bought a car from Montreal for the exact reasons you listed.
I spent a couple weeks getting to know the owner and the car over email and phone. I went out to meet the owner, test drive and negotiate price. I'd be weary of buying without seeing in person.
You are buying a car and owner. Chat up the owner. Hopefully he's OCD, in a good way, about his car.
Research shops local to the seller that know the make/model who can do proper PPI.
Factor in shipping costs if not already.
In my case, even a PPI from a recommended shop/technician did not catch everything. Some things can't be identified without removing parts. Most PPI are not as thorough as Id like.
At the very least, the PPI should check: OBD codes; leak down and compression tests; accidents (body straight?) and if so, were they repaired properly.
Good luck!
Last edited by herman; 09-14-2014 at 04:05 AM.
Reason: brain skipped a beat
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