Auto Loans (Out of state, private seller)

[528i]

I'm trying to buy a car out of state (San Francisco) and I have called essentially every major bank and credit union in my area in an attempt to get a loan. They have either said:

- We don't do that (out of state, private party) Or
- The seller must be present at the bank when signing

So, since the seller's schedule just won't let him do that, I'm stuck.

Does anyone know any good banks or credit unions that would loan to me for an out of state, private party purchase? Or, does anyone know of any good banks in the Bay Area that would give a loan to someone from Washington if I came down there?

What sucks is that my favorite credit union has already approved me of the full loan requested, and they didn't tell me the seller had to come up until after I was through with the process. So really, I have the money from that credit union, but I can't use it. Argh?

Suggestions? Comments?

[e46Christian]

Try peoplefirst.com. I hear they're great.

[528i]

Try peoplefirst.com. I hear they're great.

Yes, they are now Capital One.. I was planning on calling them tomorrow

[LDV330i]

Have you tried your bank?. I once bought a car in the same state but 8 hours away. The guy needed my money to pay off his loan. My bank sent the check directly to his bank via FedEx and they released the title to my bank after the previous owner endorsed it.

[Melissa]

Have also bought autos and motorcycles using Peoplefirst.