Whether you’re buying a car for the first time or want to upgrade your current vehicle, you will probably break the bank. An automobile, no matter new or used, is an expensive asset. However, there are always clever ways to buy the car of your dreams for a reasonable price. Buying a car from out of state and shipping it is among the most money-saving ways. Here’s everything you should know about the process.
Why Buy a Car from Out of State?
More cars option
One of the top reasons you must consider buying a car out of state and shipping it is the extensive choices you will have. Being restricted to local dealerships and private sellers will limit your options and decrease your odds of finding the car of your dreams. However, if you expand the search scale to all states, you will find many new and used car selections.
Cars might be cheaper in other states
Car prices vary dramatically from one state to another, attributed to many reasons, mainly the demand and location. For example, the need for convertible cars is way higher in warm states than in colder ones, which means buying a convertible car from a cold state will cost you less than purchasing it from a warm one where the demand is strong.
In addition, car manufacturers offer different prices according to clients’ location. The rebate, financing offers, and leasing incentives can dramatically differ by location.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Car Out of State?
Sales tax
There’s a common misconception that most people have about car sales tax. They think that if they purchase a car from another state, they will have to pay the tax rate for the state they bought the car from. So, they look for a state that has a lower tax rate.
But actually, that’s not the case. If you bought a car from any other state than yours, you would be paying the sales tax rate set by your state, not the car’s homeland.
Registration
Once you purchase a car from another state and ship it to yours, you will have a limited time before you’re compelled to register it. The duration differs from one state to another. But, registration is a must in all states.
When you want to register your new car, you have to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles, where they will ask for proof of residence, driver’s license, and the vehicle’s title. Remember that you will likely pay the taxes when registering the car.
Emission requirement
Emission requirements and standards differ from one state to another. For instance, states like New York, Arizona, Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Mexico, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia, have adopted the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards.
Vehicles there are designed to meet the requirements imposed. As a result, if you live in one of the CARB states and bought a car from a non-CARB one, it will probably not meet the standards, and therefore, you will not be able to register it. There’re many exceptions, and you can check them out on your state’s DMV website.
How to Deliver Your New Car Home?
Car delivery is one of the most significant challenges of buying a car from another state. You can deliver your new vehicle in two ways: travel to another state, pick up your car, and drive back to your residence. Or, hire an auto transportation company, which is the wisest call in such a case.
Why is Hiring an Auto Transport Company the Best Bet?
Many people believe that traveling to the state where the car is and picking it up themselves is more affordable and stress-free than hiring an auto transport company. However, that’s not at all true.
If you decide to pick up the car, you must pay for the train or plane ticket, fuel the new car, then drive it home. The drive will be exhausting and costly because you will have to fuel the car and book a hotel room. Not to mention the threat you will put on the new car; it might get into an accident on the way home or break down due to the long drive.
However, if you hire an auto transport company, they will take responsibility for the shipping process. They will also ensure your new car has the utmost safety and deliver it without a scratch.
You only have to ensure that the FMCSA licenses the company you will hire, and it has been long in the field to have the required experience and knowledge to handle the transporting process successfully.
You also must remember that a reliable auto transport company provides its services for a fair price corresponding to the quality they guarantee. So, it’s a winning bet. Read more about How to Choose an Auto Transport Company.
Tempus Logix is a trustworthy auto transport company that has shipped over 30,000 vehicles across the United States. The company offers to ship all kinds of vehicles, whether as small as a motorcycle or big as heavy-duty vehicles like a bulldozer or a backhoe.
Read about Everything About Moving a Bulldozer.
The Bottom Line
Buying a car from out of state and shipping will save you a lot of money. But, to ensure that your new vehicle arrives at your residence safe and sound, you must hire the right auto transport company.