Posted: Nov 6, 2024, 7:03 AM Topic Author

I bought a 2021 RAV4 XLE from a private seller three states away using an online escrow service. The agent held my funds while the car was transported, and I had a few days to inspect once it arrived. The multi-point report the seller provided matched the car closely — light wear on the driver's seat, small scuff on the rear bumper, both as described. My mechanic gave it a clean bill of health and I released the funds. Six months and 7,000 miles later, no issues. The escrow fee was worth never having to wire money to a stranger.

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Same setup worked for me on a CR-V. Having the release tied to my own inspection was the difference-maker.

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Good to hear. How much was the escrow fee, roughly? Trying to budget for a similar buy.

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It was a small percentage of the purchase price — less than I'd lose on a bad deal, so I didn't sweat it.

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