They used to sell a very flexible silicone squeegee device, I think it was a “California drier”. It quickly sweeps water off a surface and it is supposed not to scratch. I’ve used it after washing a car. That would be worth taking if you are going to be looking at a wet car.
I find sellers are often quick to fix their used car before a sale but they tend not to fix them after the sale. If one buys a car sight unseen, then it might be wise to insist they sign a list of defects/damage as a condition of sale. They wouldn’t, of course, but instead I’m sure they’d have let you look over the car. If something needs fixing, it should be fixed before ownership changes. That’s the only way you can be sure it gets done. At the very least the repairs should be promised in writing. That way there’s a chance they’ll fix it. Not a big chance, though.
I think no one should ever buy a car unseen. If you must, as when a car is being bought and shipped from somewhere else, I always make arrangements for an inspection by someone, an expert I choose, usually an independent mechanic, unrelated to and not suggested by the seller, and I pay for it. If a foreign car, I use an independent foreign car garage. And I want the owner or senior mechanic to do it, not the least experienced kid in the shop. It costs more. If one does this, find out if the inspector smokes. If he does he won’t pick up cigarette odors. That, I learned that the hard way. You won’t pick up everything that way but you shouldn’t miss anything important. I expect to pay several hundred dollars. It’s worth it, especially if it causes me to not buy the car. If the seller won’t allow inspection, it’s a red flag, he can sell to someone else.
