A Buyers Question

So how would you buy a car on other side of the country from a guy that will only take cash in the hand?A round trip airfare is 1/2 the amount of the car.
I have sent post office money orders,western union,a cashier check and personal check buying cars before.But also bought them on sort of lay away deal too.Couldn't afford to pay all at once.Now thats sort of risky too for the buyer.Seller has the car and your money.I had to trust the sellers.So what would you do?The car is up North.My home is in Texas.I am in San Diego.Hope the car don't sell soon.