OSTEOMATA--- Welcome to the "Proton Family"!!!
I too, bought my Proton on eBay last year. Here's what you need to do:
"DO NOT" SEND ANY MONEY VIA PAL-PAL (very dangerous); Rather, Send money only via "ESCROW.COM" (this is really important)!!! ESCROW.COM is the only recommended way endorsed by eBay itself to conduct an eBay vehicle monetary transaction. Go to "ESCROW.COM" and read-up on the whole process. Normally, the "buyer" (you) is responsible to pay any escrow fees. It's very cheap, as a $7,500 purchase price only costs about $125 Escrow Fee (well worth the peace of mind of not possibly getting ripped-off).
Regarding shipping-- I had my VX shipped by D.A.S. (Dependable Auto Shippers). They are also endorsed by eBay as the best auto transport company. D.A.S. is by far the cheapest and the largest auto shipper in the USA. They also have multiple "drop-off"/"pick-up" terminals located throughout the USA (very nice feature, and saves you money by using an authorized D.A.S. terminal point). Last year, it only cost me $850 to ship my VX from Chicago, IL to Tacoma, WA. D.A.S. takes great pride in their business, and my VX arrived without a scratch. Plus, you can call their toll-free number and actually "track" the shipment via the assigned tracking number while it's in transit (very cool). You will know exactly where your VX is at all times!!!
I absolutely "DO NOT" recommend flying out there to pick-up the VX and driving it back home. The total combined cost of Air Fare, Hotels, Food, Gas, your Personal Time, and resulting Lost Wages/Vacation Time, etc is absolutely not worth it. It's way, way cheaper just to have the VX shipped by D.A.S., and gives you total peace of mind.
So there you go--- Use ESCROW.COM as the "conduit" to conduct the money transfer. Use D.A.S. (Dependable Auto Shippers) for auto transport shipping.
Again, welcome to the Proton Family!!!
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