I can't even begin to imagine buying a car without seeing it in the flesh and even back then many years ago despite being a sucker for a test drive i'd always get them checked out by the RAC as I wouldn't know what i'm looking for. No idea what it costs now but £200 odd was always well spent as more often than not there was stuff needing done and the dealer would always agree to sort everything. Didn't bother getting checks with last 2 Audi's as i knew the sales guy and dealer and never any problems. On my 3rd Subaru Impreza STi now from my dealer 1 mile away so I consider myself very lucky.