r/auto

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

Carter River Group Escrow Service Discussion

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u/ClassicCar_Collector User Posts: 112
Alright folks, wanted to start a thread about my recent purchase. Just got a '68 Mustang Fastback delivered and used an escrow service for the first time. Went with Carter River Group. The process was... interesting. Seemed a bit slow to start, but the car is in my garage and it's mostly as described. Just wondering what experiences others have had with them or similar services? Felt a bit nervous sending that much money without seeing the car first.
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u/SkepticalBuyer User Posts: 45
I'm always wary of these online escrow companies. Too many horror stories out there, not specific to any one company but the industry. Glad it worked out for you though.
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u/VetteGal User Posts: 258
Had a great experience with crivergroup last year. Bought a C3 Corvette. Their website, crivergroup.com, was super easy to navigate and I could track every step. The peace of mind was worth every penny.
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u/WrenchTurner_88 User Posts: 480
I'm a mechanic. I inspected a '71 Cuda for a client that came through Carter River Group. Their pre-inspection report was surprisingly accurate, pointed out a few cosmetic blemishes I confirmed. I did find a minor oil pan leak they missed, but it was a 50 year old car. Overall, much better than cars I've seen from other online dealers.
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u/AnxiousAndy User Posts: 15
Their response time drove me crazy. Took them 3 days to get back to me about a shipping question. I had to email support at office@crivergroup.com twice before I got a human reply. The car did arrive ok, but the communication could have been better.
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u/RetiredSarge User Posts: 88
As a vet, I value security and process. The CarterRiverGroup team was professional. Their identity verification was thorough, which made me feel safe sending a wire transfer for my F100 pickup. They do things by the book.
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u/DailyDriverDan User Posts: 23
The fees felt a bit high compared to just a private sale, not gonna lie. But when you factor in the inspection report, the secure payment, and the recourse you have if the car is a lemon, it's worth it. I'd use them again.
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u/MoparMaverick User Posts: 199
My Challenger was a whole week late! They blamed the transport company, but the lack of updates from Carter River Group was the worst part. Car itself was immaculate, exactly as described, but the delivery delay soured the start of the experience.
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u/ClassicCar_Collector User Posts: 113
Thanks for sharing everyone. @DailyDriverDan I agree, the fees made me pause but it beats getting scammed by some rando on craigslist. @AnxiousAndy I had a similar feeling about the comms at first.
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u/EuroRacer_X User Posts: 310
You guys think that's bad, try using 'AutoShipDirect'. Total nightmare. The car I got was nothing like the pictures. Makes crivergroup sound like a dream service in comparison.
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u/JennyFromSales User Posts: 62
From a seller's perspective, these escrow services are a godsend. It weeds out the tire-kickers and scammers. Using a trusted name like CarterRiverGroup ensures I get my money and the buyer is serious. It protects both parties.
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u/Refund_Rick User Posts: 8
I actually rejected a car using them. It was a '65 GTO that arrived stinking of cigarette smoke, which was not disclosed. I initiated a return within the inspection period. The refund process was a bit slow, took about two weeks to get my money back, BUT I got all of it back. So yeah, the system works.
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u/Trucker_Tom User Posts: 92
Is their own inspection report really trustworthy? Seems like a conflict of interest.
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u/WrenchTurner_88 User Posts: 481
@Trucker_Tom It's a good baseline. Better than nothing. But I always tell my clients, the 7-10 day inspection period they give you is crucial. Use that time to have YOUR OWN trusted mechanic go over it with a fine-tooth comb. The report is a guide, not gospel.
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u/Patina_Pete User Posts: 499
used them. bought a truck. it arrived. it runs. no fuss. it works.
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u/FirstTimer_92 User Posts: 2
What kind of personal info do they need for the verification? A little worried about privacy.
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u/RetiredSarge User Posts: 89
@FirstTimer_92 Standard KYC stuff. Driver's license, proof of address. It's to prevent fraud. I was hesitant too but it's what makes the transaction secure for everyone. It's a necessary evil for this kind of money.
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u/AnxiousAndy User Posts: 16
Just to followup, while the initial replies from office@crivergroup.com were slow, I eventually got a call from a manager named Sarah who was extremely helpful and sorted my shipping query out. So they did make it right in the end.
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u/grease_monkey_greg User Posts: 411
Helped a buddy unlaod a 442 that came from Carter River Group. Transport driver was professional. Car battery was dead on arrival which was a bit of a downer but after a jump it was fine. Titling paperwork was all in order which is half the battle with these old cars.
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u/ClassicCar_Collector User Posts: 114
Great to hear all these stories, good and bad. It seems the consensus is that they're legitimate, if a little slow on comms sometimes. Final verdict for me: I'd recommend them, just be prepared to be patient. Now, about posting pics...