Buying a car out of state is cheaper than instate? Is this worth it?

[maginvizIZ]

Hello!  I'm pretty dialed down to getting a 2012ish Chevy volt.  Here in SLC, UT; there are 2 private party ($7700 with 135k miles; $9250 with 100k), and a couple dealerships ($8200 for 122k; $8995 for 97k).... So $8-$9k... But then I noticed on carguros app that they sell for $6-7k in other states!

Below is an example of one selling for $7k (2013 premium 107k miles) in Orlando Florida.

Obviously shipping that to Utah is expensive.  I did get some quotes from San Francisco to SLC and received a $495 offer to ship a car.

It seems I can potentially save ~$2k by finding a deal (preferably in a nearby state; most likely Cali); then booking a 1 way ticket to that place to drive it home.I supposed 20 hours of flying/driving would be worth $2k ($100 an hour?).



My other idea is buying a car via online auction.

https://abetter.bid/en/42440579-2014-chevrolet-volt

This one is in Denver (90 min flight ~$50-$75 one way via frontier), and an 8 hour drive home.  Has Hail damage... I don't care about appearances.


This idea is a bit crazier... But could get me to score one for cheap!

https://www.copart.com/lot/43412359

Salvage. I'd have to replace 2 side doors, and pray the frame isn't bent (it doesn't look like it but I'm no mechanic).  Quickly looking, I can get doors for $300 a pop.


Thoughts?

[mozar]

I've thought about doing this except I live a lot closer to another state. One issue would be inspections. If the car doesn't pass inspection then you have to drive it back.

[magnet18]

Every vehicle I've bought has been out of state, usually because I have specific tastes, but it hasn't caused any issues

You'll pay your state tax when you go to register, and look up license plate rules (my state you're allowed to drive without a plate for 30 days after purchase, yours may be different)

Keep smog law differences in mind but that's probably not an issue in SLC

Salvage is risky, do plenty of research

[RWD]

Buying out of state is fine. Gets trickier/riskier if it's so far away you can't inspect and test drive it though. Avoid Florida as they are known for washing titles.

I'm no mechanic

Then you should stay far away from Copart and salvage titles.

[six-car-habit]

 Depending on the dealer you may have to pay your state sales tax when you pick the car up. Be ready for the # they calculate [ +you already paid ]  to be wrong when  you get home and you bring the paperwork to your local Dept Motor Vehicles to register it.  If you buy private party there will not be this issue as, you should be driving home with a title in hand and paying all fees at home.

  I'd say go for it, even at a few hundred more $$. Make it an adventure, see towns + sights you haven't before.  " Bond" with your new car on your first drive, it'll treat you better 'cause you went out of your way just for it !!

[Dave1442397]

I'd also stay away from Copart if you don't know much about cars. I watch a guy on youtube (samcrac) who buys and rebuilds Copart cars, and even he has been blindsided a couple of times by hidden damage.

The fly-drive thing is something I would do. I've never had to do that only because there are so many cars available around here, but it would be fun.

[Platypuses]

I tried this when my family was in need of a minivan. Found a "deal" on a Toyota Sienna in Georgia ( I live in TX). The van ended up being a lemon. I test drove it, and the steering wheel began to shake violently. Took it to a vehicle inspection place and the van had been in a wreck with the airbags deployed, yet it was not reported on CarFax or noted on the title, and it looked fine from the pictures.

Luckily I had a connection with the airlines so I could fly standby, and just had to pay taxes for the flight and for one nights hotel room. Was a hassle, but not as bad as it could be. After that I decided I would not buy a used car out of state. Your experience could differ though.

[seeyalater]

I've purchased several cars out of state, sight unseen. Just be sure to use an escrow service. You basically wire the funds to the escrow company, and once you get the vehicle delivered you have 24 hours to release the funds if the car checks out.