83 Great Falls, Montana

[Jarf]

Marlene - That is the million dollar question.
In reality, probably not enough to make it worthwhile, I know what I would want to make for that kind of trip but it just doesn't make sense.
Last time I looked into shipping, a trip like that was well north of $2K and that was for a car that runs and drives.
If it doesn't run (they wouldn't even consider something that requires a boost to start) then the costs increase significantly.
Being as it is over 3000km from where I am, there are just too many unknowns in the way.
If it was a perfect runner it might be a different story, or if it was a lot closer, or…..

[marlinh]

How about gas money and hotel costs?

[Jarf]

Well, my first thought is WOW.
That is a HUGE offer, I am overwhelmed at your generosity, thank you.

Then the "central scrutinizer" portion of my personality kicks in and I start thinking about things like how would I get you there and back home again?
AIrfare from Canmore to Missoula runs about $400, TO to Calgary (which isn't "home", either) is about the same. You'll also need to eat.
Then there's the little issue of the clutch, somehow that needs addressing before the great trek could even begin.
And would that car be capable of a 3000km trek without any other issues popping up, then there's the small matter of insurance, trip permits…
and it doesn't look like there are major airports near either your location or his, so that has to be factored into the equation too.
Even before we tried to solve all of those issues, I would like to see better pics, especially of the underside, just to make sure that it is what it claims to be.

Not sure what "body good" means in the US but I have found, around Ontario at least, that "no rust" and "original paint" can mean many things.
I went to see a van that was low mileage and had "no rust".
Drove 3hrs one way to see it with the intention of buying it, cash in hand, as I was assured it was "perfect".
The owner had cut out all the rust, filled the holes with spray foam and put foil tape over top and it wouldn't start, just a little problem with the distributor, which wasn't even installed, something about it being broken???
I even took a buddy with me so we could drive it back, talk about being embarrassed, good thing he was there though, as the seller lived to see another day.
Saw another that was "original paint and no rust" but it wasn't a factory colour, had inconsistent orange peel and serious amounts of bondo.
To be fair, the roof looked to still have the original paint.
Needless to say, these experiences have coloured my outlook, just a tad.

Not saying I am not interested, but that if I were going to impose upon someone to this degree, I would want to make sure all the bases were covered up front.
I hate surprises, at least of the nasty variety and I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if you got stranded in the middle of bum-scratch No-where, in the dead of winter, because of a debilitating mechanical issue.
I am always more than little skeptical of claims that all it needs is this one little part to make it perfect, if that were really were the case, why wouldn't they just address the issue and make up the cost of the repair with a higher sale price??

I would be more than willing to take you up on your most generous offer, but maybe we should wait for a better one to come along.

[dlb]

i have had too many similar experiences to yours, jarf, so i am now extremely reluctant to travel off vancouver island for any vehicle. every seller has very different takes on what 'mint' and 'runs perfect' means, and i'm through with the frustration. at least if i stay local i'm not out the 4 hrs of ferry rides and $150 for ferries + gas.

[irowiki]

We travelled three hours to see a Tercel 4WD that was reportedly in very good condition, the pictures even looked good.

Turned out they used the pictures they took when they bought it, or something, cause it was trashed inside and out, very rusty, and I quote "We brought a better tercel wagon like this and swapped the tires, putting the bad ones on the one we're selling here".

We weren't impressed.

[marlinh]

It is a pain to travel to get a vehicle, especially when it turns out to be not as advertised. I was lucky to have forum member TURTCEL look at the one I wanted on my behalf. The whole thing worked out awesome. But, the expenses do add up for sure!