How do I safely buy a car?

Have the vehicle inspected by a professional inspection company. I've used lemonsquad.com for my long distance purchases with excellent results. That way you know what you're buying and that the vehicle is real. Get a shipping quote. Then if you decide to buy the vehicle talk to the seller on the telephone and discuss shipping, which you'll pay for, price, and payment. Send a certified check for payment via overnightmail. NO wire transfers, Western Union, etc. Most likely the seller will not release the vehicle, title, and keys until your check clears. During that time make your shipping arrangements. Oh and before you send the check verify the street address the seller gives you. Make sure it matches the telephone number you have. For example, if you have a California address and a Kansas area code, be suspicious! Do NOT accept a post office (PO) box number. You want a street address!! Hope that helps! Jim

If you're a novice, and I suspect that you are, the only safe way to buy a newer, expensive vehicle long distance is to not buy it at all. Stick close to home and have a mechanic you know review the vehicle prior to purchase. I've been buying classic cars from all around the US for fifty years, and the long distance situation still gets problematic.