It seems to me that it's almost impossible to find a 94 silver FD in my area. So, perhaps I might get one from anywhere in the U.S., which could be very far away. How do you guys buy a FD using only online resources? Do you use escrow? And finally, what's the best way to buy one (long distance transaction)? I don't want to get cheated. Please help.

 

Screw escrow...what will that really tell you...
nothing.. Beside I would think most would tell you to "bugger off" with your escrow...I know I would even if my car was top notch..I'd be like there are others..why should I bend over for this guy.

You got to have friends all over..something this forum or big list would be good for..Or if it's that important to you...you gotta go fly,drive walk over and see it..drive it..smell it etc. I got my second FD in Texas...I live in Ca like you...First I had a local mazdah dealer give it a once over...then had buddies check it out and vouch for condition...the whole time letting the owner know or "think" you are coming out.. Well at the last second I/we set up for a truck to by site/unseen...but if it was not winter I would have flown and drove back.

 

I would keep looking for FDs that are within a few hours of driving distance. Patience pays off.

If it's just not happening, have the seller take the car to a rotary mechanic to find out the condition of it. The cosmetics are more obvious and can be seen in pix but mechanical problems require professional and objective eyes.

I would avoid bidding on ebay. You really don't have enough of time to see the car and have it checked out before putting a deposit on it. It's better to locate the car, go test drive it and have it checked out then pay a deposit or whole payment.

If you must put down a deposit, use a credit card. This way, you may be able to charge it back.

I use online car sites to find cars. However, you really can't buy a car without driving and checking it out. FDs are getting older and their conditions really vary from show car to crap mobile. At $12-20k, it's still a decent amount of cash that you don't want to waste and end up with a car that falls apart.