So I am in the market for either a 35 or 37 coupe but I am coming up a little short on choices in Cali. So if I find one somewhere else, how does buying a car from another state work? The tax & license specifically. Do I pay for that on my own in my state or would a dealer take care of that even out of state? Anyone else do this at all?

 

I live in NJ and bought my car in RI from a private seller. I paid the NJ sales tax when I registered my vehicle at the NJ DMV. They calculated it by the sale price listed on the title when the previous owner signed it over to me. If I'm not mistaken, dealers will take care of tax/title/registration and charge you the appropriate amt so you don't have to deal with that--you just need to worry about having it insured.

 

I went through my bank. They got the confirmed price foe the vehicle and they calculated the tax for my state. So you only bring the amount for the car plus their BS fees.

 

It is really easy. I have done this twice in the last year. Drove to New York (10 hours) and flew to Chicago (12 hour drive back). If you are making a very long trip, and are certain that you are going to buy the car, then you need to get the VIN number and add it to your insurance.

Then all you need is proof of insurance, bill of sale, and the title and you can drive back home.

Then you get home, go pay your property tax and go to your DMV and pay your sales tax, so that you can get your registration and plate.

Its a pretty easy process.

Most people claim that you need a plate to get back, but you will be fine with just your proof of insurance, bill of sale and title. ( I didn't get pull over on either of those drives back home and I passed or was passed by a lot of cops)

Its even easier when buying from a deal because they do everything for you, but it could turn out to be more expensive.

 

I am still thinking about using a dealer simply because they offer a warranty! I doubt i'll have to worry about it for a while but I'd feel better about it