[Ickdeep]

Hey guys,

So I need some help in understanding how the whole getting a car out of state system works (sorry US only). Example, I live in Washington and I found a few cars I want to get next (possibly M5) that are scattered through the country (California, Texas, MS, CO). How it work in terms of tax?

From I've found so far is that I don't pay the tax from where I buy the car. Instead, I pay the taxes when I bring the car back to my home state and get my plates; right?

Also, any other helpful tips with this topic would be much appreciative.

Thanks,

[UPSROD]

You pay the tax when you go to the DMV to get the tabs and the title transfer.

[rlmesq]

The Washington state equivalent of DMV is apparently the DOL (Division of Licensing).

I would start by reviewing their FAQ.

http://www.dol.wa.gov/

[CO_Steve]

I've done this three times in the last year. Are you shipping or driving back? If you're shipping it's not much different than any other used car purchase except you'll probably need a VIN inspection before you can register the car. States differ on how this is done. If you're driving it back you'll need a temp tag from the state it's currently registered in. If you buy from a dealer they can usually provide this. Private party you'll have to go to the local DMV. If that happens to be on Long Island allow 4+ hours (ask me how I know).

[Ickdeep]

Originally Posted by CO_Steve

I've done this three times in the last year. Are you shipping or driving back? If you're shipping it's not much different than any other used car purchase except you'll probably need a VIN inspection before you can register the car. States differ on how this is done. If you're driving it back you'll need a temp tag from the state it's currently registered in. If you buy from a dealer they can usually provide this. Private party you'll have to go to the local DMV. If that happens to be on Long Island allow 4+ hours (ask me how I know).

We are thinking of driving it back. I prefer to see the car in person before I buy it.

[Jdub679]

Originally Posted by Ickdeep

We are thinking of driving it back. I prefer to see the car in person before I buy it.

I was thinking of doing this down the road, buying out of state, that is. How do you inspect prior to committing to taking the trip? Just curious if there's something very obvious I'm missing. Thanks.

[CO_Steve]

Originally Posted by Jdub679

I was thinking of doing this down the road, buying out of state, that is. How do you inspect prior to committing to taking the trip? Just curious if there's something very obvious I'm missing. Thanks.

Nature of the situation. Car still under warranty can still have cosmetic problems. Check pictures carefully. There's always a chance you'll come home empty handed.

[R3dliner]

Do the drive back. It's a good way to feel out the car and get accustomed to it.
Heck I did a 1600 mile trip from TX to NY.

If there is a lien on the car, find out what it takes to register the car in your state.
You will need to work that out with your bank since they would have to send paper work.
You will need to do any inspections necessary as well. tax will need to be paid at the time of registration.

Before you jump to see the car in person, I would schedule a PPI to not waste your time.

[BEM-S4]

Depending on the dealer (assuming you're buying from a dealer) they can deal directly with your state and get you a plate and everything. May take an extra week for paperwork. The only thing you'd need to do when you get home is a state inspection.

[Ickdeep]

Originally Posted by Jdub679

I was thinking of doing this down the road, buying out of state, that is. How do you inspect prior to committing to taking the trip? Just curious if there's something very obvious I'm missing. Thanks.

Well first is via the photos and car fax. The second thing I do is have them take the car to the dealer (official BMW) dealer and get it inspected by them.

[allinon72]

It is highly dependent on the state. Make sure the dealer is highly rated and you're comfortable with their communication. I bought my car one state over and the dealer handled all my taxes and registration for me. However, Indiana is easy because there are no inspections or smog checks or anything like that.

[to_riffic]

Bought my car out of state with 700 miles on it. The dealership sold it to the original owner so just speaking to them I didn't worry too much about having to fly in and do my own inspection. Had it shipped back to CA and went to the DMV and wrote out a heart attack worthy $9888 check to register it in CA....

[HawkeyeGeoff]

I'm doing this tomorrow actually.

Procedures vary state to state. In my case I'm picking the car up in New York and driving back to the Mitten.

In New York they require a temporary plate (most east coast states do I guess) to drive it across state lines. In Michigan you can drive without plates for up to 3 days before requiring that you plate it; you just have to have the title in hand and preferably a bill of sale to prove everything.

Pay the taxes in your state upon registration and that's about it. If you buy from a dealer they usually will use some kind of service to figure out how much you owe for taxes in your state.

In all: it's no big deal. Just plan on stopping at a DMV with the title, fill out a form and get a temp tag before leaving (unless you are buying a dealer).

[msan]

Sales tax depends on state reciprocity. Example, I am in CA and bought a used car in NV and only paid CA sales tax to CA. But then bought a used car in IL and they collected IL sales tax and then I paid CA sales tax net of what I paid IL because IL and CA were non-reciprocal states.

Also please note all my purchases were through dealers. Private party may have their own rules.

[shadow191]

I've been on both sides of out of state sales.

Few years back, I bought a car in NY and drove it home to GA. Didn't have time to get temp NY tag (flew up in evening and drove overnight) so I just risked the drive - had bill of sale, title, and valid insurance with me. Ended up being fine, drove by several NY and other state police without hassle.

If possible get the temp tag but if you can't, it's likely not a huge deal.

If you need a loan to buy car, usually bank will give you check and you present to seller or they may wire to seller. Then after picking up car or having it shipped and getting the titles, you'll need to go to DMV to sign over title to bank. But they're pretty good about providing instructions and it's easy.

I just sold both my cars to buyer out of state and after I received funds, cars were picked up and shipped. Then I overnighted the titles.

Originally Posted by HawkeyeGeoff

I'm doing this tomorrow actually.

Procedures vary state to state. In my case I'm picking the car up in New York and driving back to the Mitten.

In New York they require a temporary plate (most east coast states do I guess) to drive it across state lines. In Michigan you can drive without plates for up to 3 days before requiring that you plate it; you just have to have the title in hand and preferably a bill of sale to prove everything.

Pay the taxes in your state upon registration and that's about it. If you buy from a dealer they usually will use some kind of service to figure out how much you owe for taxes in your state.

In all: it's no big deal. Just plan on stopping at a DMV with the title, fill out a form and get a temp tag before leaving (unless you are buying a dealer).

[OlBloo]

1. Get pics
2. Pre pay your shop of choice to do an inspection (Typically $100-$200)
3. Figure out whether you are going to pick up the car or have it transported
4. Purchase, get bill of sale and title and any other documentation by hand or certified mail
5. Ensure vehicle insurance is in effect day purchased. Usually takes a day to take effect after speaking/paying insurance company
6. Register and emissions test(if applicable) in home state

When driving it back, it's not an issue if you are pulled over by the police as long as you have documents proving you own the car. Ensure tags are up to date