Anybody have experience buying from an out of state dealer?

[silver912e]

So I'm looking to purchase a certified Honda Accord that is 3-4 years old. It's not a car that has very many private sellers. Whenever I search Autotrader or Carfax, I can find dealers that have the same model Accord, same options, for vastly different prices. Some are a couple thousand less with all other things equal. Just wondering what I am actually seeing. Are they not showing a lot of hidden fees or are some dealers just that much better?

[cabmandone]

I have bought a few vehicles from out of state. Just ask them for a tax, title and fee quote understanding that generally if your local tax rate is higher you'll have to pay the difference when you title the car. In my state I have to take the car to the bmv where they "inspect" the vehicle which means they write down the VIN number and that's about it. Then I take the title to the courthouse where I paid the difference in sales tax and the cost to title and I'm done.

Most car dealers are honest and trustworthy! Shouldn't be a problem...

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by silver912e

So I'm looking to purchase a certified Honda Accord that is 3-4 years old. It's not a car that has very many private sellers. Whenever I search Autotrader or Carfax, I can find dealers that have the same model Accord, same options, for vastly different prices. Some are a couple thousand less with all other things equal. Just wondering what I am actually seeing. Are they not showing a lot of hidden fees or are some dealers just that much better?

Could be as simple as regional preferences.

Not all vehicles sell the same everywhere.

Back in the North East an SUV is 4WD. The 2WD variants are not as common and harder to sell.

Down here in TX it's the opposite, 2WD are more common. The 4WD's are no harder to move but the you won't get the same premium because few people need the 4WD option.

Mazda 3's are also very popular and common around here.

You can move them all day at a premium.

[LakeCleElum]

I bought a 3 year old Accord from a out-of-state Broker a few years ago. It had been lease car in Calif with 36,000 miles....Broker was very up front with all facts and records and sold for a great price.....I learned a lot about the person with the lease from going thru his GPS "Fav's".....Included his home address, work, church and everything about him.

[Tervuren]

Its really going to depend on your state and their state's laws.

I live just south of North Carolina's border, so even thought I bought my XK from a "local" dealer, it was an out of state transaction.

Since its a common thing, due to the dealer's location, everything was smooth.

I'd recommend going to the DMV website of your state, and the state the dealer is in, and checking out what needs to go on. The dealer can handle this for you, but you'll at least know what is going on.

Generally, the "flat" dealer fee is a cover all for different states. If you happen to see its a really easy transaction, that fee might be a bit more negotiable. If however, you start reading, and its a PITA, expect a higher dealer fee than dealers from a different state.

[bbturbo]

Hidden fees can be figured out if you get an "out-the-door price". I have had no problems buying from out-of-state dealers over the years. The one time I had an issue was Oak Lawn Mazda in Chicago area lied through their teeth about an Evolution I bought and I had problems there, but as long as you get it checked out, there shouldn't be any issues with it. I hate buying from dealers in the first place, though. Best of luck!

[scott540]

Bought a used car couple months ago from out of state dealer in chicago. Was easier and cheaper than buying same car from dealer here in town. Salesman in chicago emailed me the service history, we talked on the phone and then he even Skype me and with his phone pretty much showed me every inch of the car. We agreed on price out the door and 3 days later we drove down to get it . Test drove it and gave him the check. Were there about a 1/2 hour. They washed and gassed It up while we were doing paper work. Paid the WI sales tax at DMV when I registered it

[asphaltgambler]

Yes - several times. Just Google/ reviews - also see if they have a presence on EBay and the rating there. Lastly, how they respond to your questions, PPI, etc.

[Cajundaddy]

I bought my Cayman from a dealer in AZ. The car is great, the dealer was a straight shooter and getting reg in CA was a PITA requiring 4 trips to the DMV (I don't do govt agencies very well). Hindsight I could have paid a "consultant" to handle all the out of state paperwork for $100 and it would have been a lot less painful. Lessons learned.