I'm working on closing a deal today on a sunroof syncro that's in Oregon (I
am in PA). Anyway....
The buyer has asked that I just transfer money via a wire transfer in full
to his bank account which i normally wouldn't be overly hesitant about but
realize this would not afford me any type of fraud prevention should
anything happen. I asked him a few days ago what assurance he can give me
that this is going to be a fullproof transaction and his response was that
should it go sour for any reason, just bash him on thesamba.com. Since he
runs a VW restoration business almost entirely through thesamba, it seemed
like a just response. Well..... I went and checked him out on the samba, and
he's already been bashed enough. He's been banned close to 10 times (under
different names), there are pending fraudulant claims and arguments occuring
between he and buyers. Luckily, there are also great reviews of his service
being above and beyond the call of duty. So this has me at least slightly
concerned, any suggestions?
Paypal may be an option, does that award a great deal more security?

Furthermore, I don't recieve a bill of sale via the mail for at least a week
after I give the guy all my money..... indicating that I don't actually own
the car, but have given aside all my money. I asked that he send me an email
with his full name, address, the VIN of the car, and which contains
agreement terms....should I need to press charges later. Does this sound
like a reasonable thing to want? Am I fair in wanting something like this
BEFORE I pay? He seems to indicate (and I can see this point as well) that
no actual change of ownership agreements ever occur untill after purchase.
Sadly he's been pretty tricky with emails, so I have my concerns (Though
he's easiliy reached via the phone and a wonderful person to talk too. He
seems to be really interested in helping me out).

Thoughts?
I'm very excited about this purchase, but very concerned now.

-Craig
'85GL turned WESTY
BOSTIG in the back