Safe way to send deposit for long-distace car purchase?

[fbrdphreak]

I don't know that there is a good answer to this, so bear with me. I may be purchasing a car long distance and it may take me a few weeks to get down there to drive it back.

Is there a reasonable way to provide a deposit to the private seller such that my money would be protected in case the deal didn't work out and he proved to be dishonest? One thought was I could send him a Paypal payment and use my AMEX to fund it - double protection there.

Other thoughts, if any?

 

[CptCrunch]

I'd pay with a CC in any way possible. Paypal the money using your Amex for coverage. Paypal wont do crap if they can't refund the money from his bank account, so NEVER count on them for a refund. Always use your CC