Private sale

shiraz627

Member

Equipment
BX23S Piranha toothbar, Underarmor, PFL1242 pallet forks, BXpanded thumb, ripper
Aug 1, 2018
206
5
18
Kingsland. GA
I'm planning on purchasing a tractor from a private party in the 12-15K range. What is the best way to handle the financial end of the transaction since it's probably going to be a long distance purchase and I will not be present when it gets picked up. About 5 years ago I was handling the sale of a mid range excavator and the buyer wired the money directly to the bank then made arrangements to have it picked up. I'm thinking along the same lines.
 

shiraz627

Member

Equipment
BX23S Piranha toothbar, Underarmor, PFL1242 pallet forks, BXpanded thumb, ripper
Aug 1, 2018
206
5
18
Kingsland. GA
If you don't know the party you're buying the tractor from or you can't see the tractor in person my advice is don't do it.
I will be looking at the tractor in person, just probably will not be there when it is getting picked up for transportation.
 

mbu

Member
Aug 28, 2016
260
4
18
United States
If you don't know the party you're buying the tractor from or you can't see the tractor in person my advice is don't do it.
 

SDT

Well-known member

Equipment
multiple and various
Apr 15, 2018
3,084
923
113
SE, IN
I'm planning on purchasing a tractor from a private party in the 12-15K range. What is the best way to handle the financial end of the transaction since it's probably going to be a long distance purchase and I will not be present when it gets picked up. About 5 years ago I was handling the sale of a mid range excavator and the buyer wired the money directly to the bank then made arrangements to have it picked up. I'm thinking along the same lines.
I once sold a NH tractor to a buyer 1,500+ miles away. Buyer financed it and loan company sent representative to verify condition, serial numbers, etc. Funds were wired to my bank before pick up. Buyer arranged pick up.

That said, I would, I would never buy anything this way.

SDT
 

fruitcakesa

Well-known member

Equipment
M 6040
Oct 26, 2010
852
265
63
Cavendish Vermont
I passed on a used tractor that was 6 hrs away even though the price was 5k lower than any other machine I was looking at.
Just too many potential issues that could only be verified in person.
 

Creature Meadow

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
2012 L4600, Disk, Brush Hog, GB60 Garden Bedder, GSS72 Grading Scraper
Sep 19, 2016
1,063
134
63
53
Central North Carolina
I am not much of a risk taker and when I do it is calculated. I weigh the pros and cons best case worse case then I make my decision and stand by it good or bad in the end.

I was lucky, saved for 5 years to buy used and found one about 10 minutes from my house. Test drove it, went back with my uncle test drove again and looked it over. Agreed on a price, pick up day, drafted bill of sale, and 3 days after last test drive picked it up.

I could not make a 10K to 15K purchase without test drive and being there when the deal is made.

Just me like I said not much of a risk taker.

Have 2 friends that bought used cars from the west coast and had them delivered to NC without ever seeing them in person. One deal worked out great the other not so.

Good luck in your decision.
 

shootem604

Member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L245DT with Kubota (Arps Model 22) FEL and Kubota B/L4520B (Woods 650) BH
Apr 23, 2018
875
18
18
British Columbia
I prefer to deal cash. Once or twice I have had a trusted friend verify the item and hand over the cash to the seller. Long distance is a recipe to get scammed.
 

shiraz627

Member

Equipment
BX23S Piranha toothbar, Underarmor, PFL1242 pallet forks, BXpanded thumb, ripper
Aug 1, 2018
206
5
18
Kingsland. GA
I have personally looked at every tractor myself. I would never purchase anything preowned sight unseen.
 

SDT

Well-known member

Equipment
multiple and various
Apr 15, 2018
3,084
923
113
SE, IN
I have personally looked at every tractor myself. I would never purchase anything preowned sight unseen.
If you are set upon buying this way, the seller will tell you how to make the transaction.

I would expect that the seller will require a wire transfer.

SDT
 

D2Cat

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
12,901
4,269
113
40 miles south of Kansas City
However you make the transaction I would be sure to have a bill of sale with the tractor model #, serial #, engine number off of the block by the injection pump, and any other details included, with pictures if possible. I would have this filled out and faxed to me before I transferred any funds.

Then how are you transporting it to your location? If you're hiring someone you don't know and used before, you need something to secure the load is going to you not Mexico!

I've used U-Ship with good luck. You do have some protection thru them. Or perhaps the seller knows someone he can recommend. Best is if you have someone you know and trust to represent you in delivery.