this is one of those times to where you should spend the extra money and take the trip..inspect the car..take someone with you that knows cars really well if you do not...negotiate the price with seller beforehand and agree on the price and get a certified bank check for the amount. it would be good to get a check from a bank that is in every state example( bank america) ..so that when you take it to seller you and he can go and cash the check or at least verify..this can hold you up if not done properly. think from the sellers shoes on this one...
ok once you inspect car, get title in hand and verify to Vin# and verify its the sellers car..( it could be open title) if thats the case and as long as the previous owner has signed the title with proper paperwork of ownership..YOUR OK....
if you cannot take the car back with you at that time..then i would see to it that the car is taken to the transporter and left with them with all paperwork in hand to where the next stop the car makes is where you want it to go...
The way i just mentioned is a sure fire way to make it happen..in fact i cannot see it done another way..you have to look at the car in person at a minimum..
Brian