The Problem Escrow Solves
Buying a used car privately means trusting someone you've never met. Pay upfront and you risk the car never arriving. Pay on delivery and the seller risks being left unpaid. Escrow removes that standoff.
How It Works
You send the purchase funds to an escrow agent, not the seller. The agent confirms the money is secured, the seller ships the car, and you inspect it within an agreed window. Only then do you release the funds.
Why It's Safer Than a Wire Transfer
A wire to a private seller is irreversible. Escrow keeps the money under neutral control until the conditions in your agreement are actually met.
The Bottom Line
Escrow isn't about distrust — it's about giving both sides a reason to proceed. For anything over a few thousand dollars, that protection is worth the fee.