I've bought a number of cars from far away over the years. The 2 cars I didn't go look at were a disappointment although I didn't lose money on either as values were going up as I restored them (I restore them and sell them after a year because I get bored and always like to have a project). I bought a Demon from he west coast that supposedly wasn't rusty and had shiny black paint. It needed fenders, quarters, trunk floor, extensions ,etc.. I'm sure if I had flown to see it I wouldn't have bought it. I've travelled a 1000 miles or more to see a number of cars. There were a couple I didn't buy because of rust of damage beyond my capabilities. It all depends on your risk tolerance.