Have you had a member look at a car on your behalf?
I've gone and looked at a few cars for members here, one was for a member from Canada who also didn't want to drive all the way to see the car. I also took pics, called him when I was there looking at the car, took the car for a test drive and tried to be a thorough as I could be to help him make his decision. I know he bought it and was very pleased when he received it, I can't remember if he drove down to get it or not, but he did shoot me $50.00 for my trouble. I never ask for $$ from anybody who I look at cars for, just because I love to look at them myself. I would also NEVER scoop somebody out from underneath a car, that just isn't right!!
I also looked at a few other cars for people but never heard whether they bought them or not. I have also been requested to keep mum until they had the chance to buy a car, which I always do anyway!!
I think it's a good idea to have someone you trust do a little recon before coming in from out of town, and it helps to have your trusted cohort take the pics and not rely on the seller!! JMO, Geof