Buying long distance

[Jamieg285]

I'm looking to upgrade my box eye to a fox eye.  I've seen an ideal bike - right year, good mileage, loaded with extras worth having, good colour and most importantly at the right price.

The problem I have is that it's too far away to travel just to look at it.

I'm now in a quandary,  as I dont like buying unseen, however this does look like a cracking deal, and it is being sold by a dealer.

What do you think?  Should I throw caution to the wind and go for it or be more sensible and maybe regret it if I don't find one that looks as good?

[Hedgetrimmer]

I went all the way from London to Guernsey to check out a bike that sounded pretty good on an Ebay ad. and was at a good price. Got lucky, and turned out to be as the seller advertised (private sale). But I wouldn't have bought it without physically seeing it for myself.

The one I've just bought was in Gloucester. Not far from me, about 50 miles, but I'm not supposed to be driving right now. Something told me it'd be worth it, so I drove there anyway. Turned out to be in great condition, so I bought it. But I wouldn't have bought that without going to see it either.

[darrsi]

Ask if he's a fellow foccer?

[Punkstig]

If it's from a dealer you have statutory rights if it's not fit for purpose even for used bikes.

They normally throw in a minimal warranty like 3 months for piece of mind!

[Hedgetrimmer]

If it's from a dealer you have statutory rights if it's not fit for purpose even for used bikes.

They normally throw in a minimal warranty like 3 months for piece of mind!

"Fit for purpose " is one thing. "VGC" or "mint" is subjective though, hence why I'd want to physically see it for myself. Photos are deceiving. My last one often looked immaculate in photos, but certainly wasn't in the flesh.

[sinto]

Is there any foccer that's closer that you could ask to go and have a look.for you in first instance, then you'll get a independent view of the bike, the foccer ain't buying it, but he's going to have to speak on the forum so he'll be honest and genuine

[slimwilly]

Well   !!!!!!!!!

Where is it ?

There are Foccers worldwide,,,if it's in Sydney,,,not a problem,,

[Andy FZS]

If someone else takes a look for you and gives an independent review you can then decide if it's worth travelling to view.  I bought mine unseen BUT it was from a fellow foccer with a very good reputation. Happy hunting.
Andy

[Jamieg285]

That's a good idea.  I'll post it up on a new thread.

[Grayo]

I've bought quite a few bikes over the years without actually seeing them first. Maybe I'm too trusting but I generally accept what the seller is saying and arrange a courier to bring the bike to me. I've only ever had one small problem which was sorted by ebay.
The bike I have now I bought as a Cat D without seeing it. I only paid £1700 for it on a 58 plate so I expected to spend some money on it. I've spent about £550 on it so far (including the £120 for the courier) and it's now looking like a very nice clean bike. Turns out it's not even registered as a Cat D so I think that was a bargain.