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Tips for buying a car out-of-state?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by AtlantaBIRT, Aug 4, 2012.

  1. AtlantaBIRT

    AtlantaBIRT Junior Member

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    I have been waiting for a few weeks now for a C3 in Habanero with 15" alloy wheels and a moonroof to come in to the southeast (I am in Atlanta) and have been working with a local dealership through the Costco Auto Program. Unfortunately there have only been a couple to come in to the southeast (I am in Atlanta) and they were either special orders or already flagged for particular dealerships.

    I just got the call last night from the dealer saying that there were none destined for the southeast on the next ship coming from Japan and that they would get the next manifest in a couple of weeks or so for the late-August shipment.

    At this point I am considering purchasing the car from a dealership out-of-state. I can fly one-way, take a train and cab to the dealer and drive the car back for about $200-$300 of travel expenses (plus I get the added bonus of a little vacation!).

    I would like to know if anyone here has done this and what their experience was as well as what I should watch out for.

    Here are my concerns:

    - Sending a deposit
    - Buying a one-way plane ticket, arriving at the dealership and finding that the car is not as advertised - incorrect options, damage, etc.
    - Arriving at the dealership and finding that the car is not there for whatever reason ("But we do have THIS car.. Not the same color / trim / etc..")
    - Arriving at the dealership and being told that the price I was quoted doesn't include this fee, or that option charge, or some other trash charge..

    1. I am assuming that I will need to pay a deposit for the dealership to hold the car until I am able to get there (probably 1-2 weeks). Is there anything I should watch out for with this request?

    2. What kind of paperwork should I request before I buy a plane ticket to ensure there won't be any surprises once I arrive at the dealership?

    Thanks to all for any advice you can offer..
     
    #1 AtlantaBIRT, Aug 4, 2012
  2. WD0AFQ

    WD0AFQ Active Member

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    Well, I would first call the dealership on the telephone to make sure the vehicle has everything I wanted. Then decide the price and go from there. Internet is fine to get things rolling but talk with someone, by name, on the phone. I would have no reason not to believe what they say but you could have them fax you the sheet listing the options on the car. They may or may not want you to wire a down payment, maybe paypal. When I made the deal, locally last week, I did not have my checkbook. The dealer wanted me to drive the car home anyway, 30 miles. I would not do it. Told him I would go home and get my checkbook before I took the car. I have bought several cars from the place so they knew me.
    However: why not have the local dealer make the deal and get the car from the out of state dealer shipped to his lot. I once had a local dealer get me the pickup truck from La. I live in Mo. No dealings with the guy in Louisiana myself, just the local dealer. If I wanted the car now, no way I would wait for another ship to come in.
    Just some thoughts based on my experiences.
    Dan
     
    #2 WD0AFQ, Aug 4, 2012
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    In 2000 I bought an SUV in ID when I lived in NV, I did the entire deal on the internet, waited until the car I wanted was on their lot, and drove up with a bank draft and bought it. I put my emergency kit in the center of the spare and drove home, following my daughter in what was suddenly her car. No hassle, no fuss. Having a bank check for the exact amount agreed on limits their ability to bait and switch.

    Once in NV, I had to have a vehicle inspection done and pay NV Sales tax. I was not required to get ID tags or sales tax.
     
    #3 JimboPalmer, Aug 4, 2012
  4. jadziasman

    jadziasman Prius owner emeritus

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    Sales tax is an important consideration. You're facing at least $1000 here that might be paid to the state you purchase from.

    I purchased my used Prius in Indiana, which has a slightly higher sales tax than Michigan. To avoid paying MI sales taxes, I needed to provide proof that I paid the IN sales tax when I went to the MI Secretary of State office. The dealership in IN gave me the proper tax form. After that, there were no snags and I was able to get my MI title and get my MI registration. MI and IN are reciprocal states (most bordering states are). Each accepts/recognizes the others proof that sales tax was paid. I lost the difference in sales tax - not much maybe $50.

    I'm not sure how non-reciprocal states sales taxes work if you buy your C far from Atlanta - you might need to pursue a refund for the out of state sales tax after you pay your Georgia sales tax - just something to consider. I don't know how easy/difficult that would be.

    Good luck with your search. Hopefully you won't need to travel far.
     
    #4 jadziasman, Aug 4, 2012
  5. has been

    has been vote for anyone except Trump

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    I emailed 12 dealers within 250 miles with number I wanted to pay.
    One called me in 10 minutes, emailed me a clear picture of the sticker in window of car, VIN, and his phone number.
    I called him and gave him $500 over the phone to hold it for 3 days.
    It was real ez.
    And we got a free tree!

    Not everyone is out to get you.
    Just be kinda smart and you've got it on 1/2 the population.
     
    #5 has been, Aug 4, 2012
  6. AtlantaBIRT

    AtlantaBIRT Junior Member

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    Thanks for the great info. I had wondered about the sales tax aspect of the purchase. Unfortunately the closest match to what I want (C3, Habanero, Moonroof, 15" wheels) is in Connecticut and I am in Atlanta so it is a substantial distance.

    WD0AFQ (my call is KG4ONJ by the way!) - I was under the impression that dealers could only trade cars within their regional distributorship (i.e. southeast dealers could only trade within the Southeast Toyota distributor states, Gulf States Toyota within their territory, etc.). Maybe I'm wrong about that - could a Georgia dealer trade with a Connecticut dealer? If they can, would there be any easy way for that to happen?
     
    #6 AtlantaBIRT, Aug 4, 2012
  7. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Two 8.5 hour days to drive home with a stop near Harrisonburg VA
     
    #7 JimboPalmer, Aug 4, 2012
  8. AtlantaBIRT

    AtlantaBIRT Junior Member

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    For those following - I did some research on the sales tax issue. Connecticut will issue some type of transit registration upon purchase of the car. At that point I would drive it back to Georgia and pay sales tax here so that should work out easily.

    I sent the dealer an email earlier today to ask if it's possible for them to do a trade with a dealer outside their distributor's territory (Southeast Toyota in my case). The reply was "Unfortunately, our dealer agreement prevents any SE Toyota dealer from getting any merchandise from out the the SE region." so that question is answered I guess.

    Now I just have to decide whether to continue to be patient and wait for one to come in or just pull the trigger and go to Connecticut..
     
    #8 AtlantaBIRT, Aug 5, 2012
    JimboPalmer likes this.
  9. south central

    south central Member

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    With CT temps in the mid 85's next week, sounds like road trip time :)
    Things to see and do while you are there:
    Visit Connecticut - CT Travel, Tourism and Vacation Guide - Connecticut Vacations, Attractions, Events

    I'm curious to know if you go.

    Deb
     
    #9 south central, Aug 5, 2012
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