r/auto

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r/auto • Posted by u/CodeNewbie2024 Beginner 3 hours ago

Feedback on Carter River Group Escrow Service

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u/Dave_P81 User Posts: 45
Hey everyone. I'm looking at buying a '69 Mustang from a private seller across the country. He insists on using an escrow service and suggested Carter River Group. I've never bought a car this way before and I'm a bit nervous. Has anyone here used them? Looking for any and all feedback on their process. Thanks.
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u/SaltyDogVet User Posts: 312
Heard the name CarterRiverGroup thrown around. They've been in business a while. A good sign, but not a guarantee. Do your homework. Never trust blindly.
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u/WrenchWizard User Posts: 480
I'm a mechanic. The big issue with these services is no pre-purchase inspection by YOUR guy. You have to rely on their report and the post-delivery inspection window. Make sure you read their terms on what happens if you find a major issue. That's the most important part.
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u/VintageWheels User Posts: 188
I bought a classic Porsche through Carter River Group last year. The experience was solid. Their inspection report was very detailed, with high-res photos. You can track the entire transaction on their website, crivergroup.com. It's quite transparent.
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u/AnxiousBuyer User Posts: 12
The idea of sending that much money to a third party is terrifying. How do you know they're legit?
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u/CarlaS User Posts: 89
My purchase went through, but communication could've been better. Had to chase them for a shipping update. I found that emailing their support directly at office@crivergroup.com got a faster response than calling. The car itself was exactly as described, though.
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u/FastLaneFrank User Posts: 254
Tell me about it Carla. My delivery was 4 days late with minimal updates. Drove me crazy. The car was pristine, but the waiting and lack of info was frustrating. Build in some buffer time for delivery if you use the crivergroup service.
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u/RefundRick User Posts: 61
I actually had to return a car. Their report missed some pretty obvious floor pan rust. I was preparing for a fight, but the return process with Carter River Group was shockingly easy. They arranged pickup and I had my money back in 8 business days. So, their protection does work.
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u/SteadyEddie User Posts: 415
You get what you pay for. Their fees are not the cheapest, but it is a small price to pay for security compared to getting scammed by some fly-by-night dealer. The KYC and vehicle verification they do is robust.
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u/Dave_P81 User Posts: 45
Thanks a lot for the replies, especially @RefundRick and @CarlaS. The mix of good and bad experiences is actually reassuring. Shows they are a real company with real problems. I think I'm going to move forward. The seller seems legit and the car is my dream spec.
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u/GearheadGus User Posts: 398
As a fellow mechanic, @WrenchWizard is right. A client brought in a GTO he bought via CarterRiverGroup. The car was solid, but I found a small transmission fluid leak their inspection didnt mention. Customer support was decent and they credited him $500 for the repair, no questions asked. That was impressive.
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u/PennyPinch User Posts: 33
how much are the fees? are they a percentage of the sale or a flat rate? that's my biggest concern.
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u/Dave_P81 User Posts: 45
Update: Process initiated. Funds are in escrow with them. So far so good. The dashboard on their site is pretty clear about the next steps. Now just waiting for shipping confirmation.
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u/SaltyDogVet User Posts: 312
Keep us posted, son. The shipping part is where the patience is tested.
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u/PatriotPete User Posts: 151
Glad to hear it. Used them for a Corvette purchase. Solid American company, felt secure the whole time. You made the right choice.
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u/Dave_P81 User Posts: 45
Car arrived today. One day later than scheduled, but I was prepared for that thanks to you guys. The delivery driver was professional. First impressions... the car is beautiful. Looks even better in person. Now the real test begins, got my mechanic coming tomorrow morning.
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u/WrenchWizard User Posts: 480
Excellent. Put it on a lift. check frame, suspension mounts, engine and trans numbers if its supposed to be matching. Use that inspection period wisely.
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u/InfoSeekerJane User Posts: 77
Congrats Dave! Did all the paperwork and the title come with the car? How did that part work?
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u/Dave_P81 User Posts: 45
Final update: My mechanic gave it the all-clear! A couple of tiny wearable things but for its age, he said it's in fantastic shape. And yes @InfoSeekerJane, the title and a folder with all docs were handed to me with the keys. The whole process was secure. My verdict on Carter River Group is positive. I'd use them again. Just be ready for minor communication/shipping delays.
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u/HappyCamperHal User Posts: 110
Awesome result, Dave! Glad it worked out. My purchase last month was perfectly smooth, no delays at all. Guess it's the luck of the draw. But the main thing is their system is safe. Congrats on the Mustang!