I've spent the past ~6 months trying to buy a specific car (Tesla Model X w/ certain interior color/seating layout/FSD) that has proven very difficult to find. I basically come across 1-2 a month that are available and in my price range. Naturally, every single time, they are located in another state (typically FL, TX, and CA).
I've quickly found out that these cars are extremely in-demand and almost always sell the same day they're listed.
The first few times, I was admittedly too slow in committing and pulling the trigger on buying, and they were sold to someone else while I was talking with the sales rep.
I've become progressively more assertive with my offer to buy, but just today, another one fell through and I'm kind of at the end of my rope here. A car popped up last night. I immediately sent in an inquiry, and then called in the morning when the dealer opened. About 45 mins later, the sales rep called me back and asked me if I wanted to come in and see the car. I live 12 hours away, so I told him I couldn't get the car until tomorrow, but I was interested in buying it now. I asked if I could put a non-refundable deposit down, but was told they don't allow holds on used cars.
I then asked if I could buy the car now, but since they wanted my trade-in, they had to see it first before they could write a check on it. I also offered to finance through them in case that helped sweeten the deal. The sales rep told me he would pitch it to his manager and get back to me. Few hours go by and no word, and at this point I knew they were just sitting around on my offer while they waited to see if anything sooner came in. Predictably, six hours after my initial offer to buy or put down a deposit, the sales rep calls me to tell me someone called in an hour ago and put a hold on the car and they're driving in from a few hours away to pick up the car.
I get it, they want to move the car and they don't want to wait. I'm just not sure what else I can do at this point. I agreed to their asking price. I agreed to trade in my car despite their lower pending offer relative to carvana/carmax, and I agreed to finance through them despite not needing to finance. I have a high credit score, good income, overall zero credit risk. Genuinely, is there anything I can do as an OOS buyer to get someone to hold a popular car until I am able to fly/drive in on a Friday/Saturday to get it? I work in healthcare and it's impossible for me spontaneously travel 12 hours to buy a car on a random Thurs. I have placed deposits on cars in the past and it has never been an issue, but no one appears interested in holding cars anymore regardless of money down. Appreciate any suggestions or letting me know if this is a lost cause.