The advent of online vehicle sales makes it easier for you to find the precise car, truck, or SUV you want. It even makes it simple to find a minivan, a vehicle type only two manufacturers still make for sale in the U.S. Whatever you want to buy, you can probably find for sale somewhere in the country, but a few caveats exist to buying an out-of-state vehicle. Let’s consider both sides.
Wider Selection
Shopping across state lines offers you an amazing array of options. Most online vehicle sales sites let you shop their inventory from anywhere in the U.S. If you reside in North Dakota, you can shop everywhere and potentially purchase your favorite vehicle, which happens to be available in Wisconsin.
Access to Manufacturer and Dealer Incentives
Anywhere you reside in the U.S., you get access to manufacturer incentives, but dealer finance incentives vary by city or state. Perhaps while on vacation in Nevada, you watch a commercial that touts a $1,000 dealer incentive for a new electric SUV. You could buy the same SUV in your home state of California, but purchasing in Nevada gets you an extra $1,000 off.
The Process of Car Shopping Across State Borders
Shopping out of state does include a few extra steps in the process. Consider following these steps as you navigate the process. Shop using sites like CarMax, CarGurus, Autotrader, and Vroom. Find the vehicle you want. Check the vehicle’s history by obtaining a Carfax report. Annual maintenance and repairs for a vehicle cost about $356, but not everyone spends that time or money. The report provides you with the honest facts about the vehicle’s condition. Contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to determine whether the car you want meets your state of residence’s emissions and inspection standards. For example, California uses stricter emissions standards than other states.
Next, you’ll want to hire a mechanic local to the vehicle to conduct a full inspection of it. This double-checks the Carfax report. Most auto technicians, about 79%, use a state step-by-step diagnostic process to determine vehicle condition. Purchase your new or used vehicle. This may include paying for any liens against the vehicle. Buy auto insurance for the vehicle. If you already own auto insurance, have your agent add your new vehicle to the policy.
Transport the vehicle to your home. Sales platforms like Vroom include delivery in the sales price, but if you purchase from an out-of-state dealership, consider how you will get it home. If you’re on vacation or go on a trip to the location of the car, you can drive it home. Visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to pay the sales tax, undergo inspection and emissions testing, register the vehicle, and request the title.
Special Considerations When Buying an Out-of-State Vehicle
Avoid skipping any of the steps involving checking the vehicle’s history. A used vehicle from any state could have been damaged in an accident that negated its proper function. Statistics typically focus on accident numbers and injuries; for example, a 2020 study revealed 105,600 traffic accidents occurred in Virginia that year, resulting in 52,668 injuries and 847 fatalities. The Carfax report and mechanic’s physical examination of the vehicle revealed to you any damage that could make the vehicle a bad purchase.
Find Your Perfect Car by Shopping Out-of-State
The plethora of online shopping choices provides you with numerous options for buying the car of your dreams. Shopping online lets you shop in states with lower prices, better finance incentives, and a larger selection. That leaves getting it home your only obstacle. Enjoy your new vehicle and take it on amazing adventures!
