Long distance purchase - need advice

My son has found a car in Tampa that he really wants but I need some advice on getting it back to Atlanta. He's very confident of the car itself. Seller is the original owner and has provided plenty of pics and documentation of the car. Normally I'd drive out with him and bring it back but I'm really not looking forward to 7.5 hours each way. Of course if I did, at least we'd see the car before purchasing. But, if I decide I want to have the car shipped, what's the best way to go about this? I'm really talking about the financial transaction. I'm pretty trusting but there's something about sending money for a car before the shipping company even has their hands on it. Also, the owner has plenty of used and extra parts that go along with the car. Most can be stuffed in the car but some not. Will any of the shipping companies some how take care of these too? Never done this before so looking for advice from those who have.

Thanks

Take a bus or plane out with cash in your pocket and then drive home. I've bought a dozen cars all over the country this way. It'll be great father / son bonding time. Ship the spares that won't fit in the car to yourself before you leave Tampa. You'll burn a weekend with one of the most valuable people in the world. What could possibly be better or more important?

+1 to the bus/plane … might not be a good idea to drive …. with the asset forfeiture laws out there … (no I'm really not all that paranoid, but it does happen)

The hardest part of shipping is the wait time for pick up. I've only shipped a vehicle twice, but each time it was a 2 to 4 month wait.

I shipped a 28 ft. trailer from Cali to NY and it was picked up within hours!

YMMV, be patient.

Dan