Wife is looking at a vehicle in different state. Not a lot of them with the package she wants in town or nearby. Doubt we would actually follow through purchasing in a different state.

But just in case. Do you fly there, check it out, test drive and take to random mechanic with good reviews for a pre-inspection?

Any other tips or things I need to worry about? Should we contact a reputable dealer to see if they can help out? I didn't know but she already reached out to a person at a dealership that she liked when she purchased her previous SUV.

Need more details.

Used or new?
Make / model / mileage (i.e. reliability concerns)?
Special or unique in any mechanical way?

But I wouldn't count on a local dealer to be much help if they're not selling the car. You could probably pay them to do an inspection I suppose but a local shop may be a better choice if you can find one.

Used. We have always bought used, never had any issues. Wife like GM vehicles. Specially looking at the 2023 Cadillac Escalade Sport w/ LPO, Onyx package in white. Within my wife's criteria, there are two of them nationwide on Autotrader, both are single owners and "no accident or damage reported, Clean title". One has 53,500 miles and other has 63,500 miles.

She's had two Tahoes previously and currently has 2021 Suburban with 105,000 miles. She always wants a new vehicle when she gets 100,000 miles.

Looks like both are still covered under the factory powertrain warranty. I'd negotiate the deal, fly out there, test drive it, play with all the buttons etc and then drive it home. Most dealers offer a 24-72 hour warranty, i'd ask about that.

No need for an independent inspection IMO when you still have the factory powertrain warranty.

You might even be able to negotiate a GM warranty on the 53k mile one. It comes with a bumper to bumper 50k 4 year warranty.

I bought a 2 year old Navigator out of Kansas. Coordinated an independent prepurchase inspection and then shipping. The inspection picked up on a couple of minor things that the dealer overlooked. It was worth the peace of mind.

Is there a particular group that would do pre purchase inspection? Like did a mechanic go to the dealership themselves and inspect it there or did somebody drive it to another location for inspection?

I taken a car off the dealership lot to a place nearby before but coordinating it in different state is new me.

I coordinated it with the salesman, he drove it off lot to a local mechanic.

I can't imagine flying somewhere just to find out they sold it. I wouldn't trust an unknown dealership. I barely trust a known dealership.

"Would you be willing to take the car to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection at my expense?"

I bought over email and had it shipped to Texas. It's been a great purchase. Just do your homework on the vehicle and dealer. And get that independent inspection.

ETA- I bought a Lincoln Navigator. All Ford/Lincoln products are tied to the OASIS (Online Automotive Service Information System) system. There's also the the Digital Service Record (DSR) and PTS (ProNET Technical Service) systems. Assuming you buy from a Ford or Lincoln dealer, request a copy of the complete vehicle history from these systems. It will cover any warranty claims and other dealer work. If they won't give it to you, run away. If you are buying a Ford or Lincoln from another brand or off brand dealer, make friends with Ford or Lincoln dealer and ask them to run the info down for a nominal fee.

Not sure what other manufacturers have but I imagine they have something similar.

Yes, you did it right!

Thank you all.