[kthelen]

For some time now I've been looking for a particular Pontiac. Recently I stumbled upon one on craigslist that looks remarkably clean for the price. Trouble is, it's in Texas, and I'm in Minnesota.

Getting the car back here wouldn't be a major issue. But I'd want to know whether the car (and the seller) are on the level before committing my time and money.

Short of going there in person, my only thought would be to ask the seller for more details, and hope he/she is forthcoming, honest, and has a cameraphone. But it depends on the seller. It is craigslist, after all; and I know people can be wary of cross-country callers (they can't automatically know that I'm legit, either).

Has anybody here ever set up a long-distance car deal like this? If so, what would you suggest? Short of having a friend on location, haha.