I'd find an escrow service(maybe not ebay's, but something like
it).  Nout sure what the charge would be, but peace of mind is worth
something..

DM&FS

At 08:40 AM 7/6/2010, craig cowan wrote:
>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