Buying a car from another state.

FSETH · #1 08-03-2012, 07:56 PM

I live in Georgia, but am considering purchasing a car from a BMW dealer in Alabama. What do I need to know regarding taxes, title, etc? Will it end up costing me more than if I purchased in state or will I come out ahead if Alabama's tax rate is lower?

Have any of you purchased from a dealer out of state that can tell me what I am in for if I go this route? Is it a headache? Will I get double taxed when I register the car? Any help or advice is appreciated. I realize that calling my DMV would be a good start, but it is 8:23 on Friday night and I am looking at the car tomorrow.

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rebound · #2 08-03-2012, 10:03 PM

I'm sorry I can't say with certainty, but I don't think it's more expensive. You just tell the out-of-state dealer that you're going to take care of title and taxes in your home state. That's what I did when I lived in SC, and bought a car in GA. Worked with no issues, and I didn't have to pay "double." Good luck!

PersonaNonGrata · #3 08-03-2012, 10:40 PM

It looks like it varies from state to state. Some cases are that you don't pay any tax to the state of purchase but pay your home state when you register. Some pay where you purchased and there is some sort of reciprocity between states.

Vehicle Sales Tax Questions - Car Forums - Edmunds

AzNMpower32 · #4 08-03-2012, 11:08 PM

Generally you pay the tax once you register the vehicle in the state in which it is garaged. That way you're not paying double, and there won't be loopholes where out-of-state residents flock to low/no-tax states just to purchase a vehicle.

bmwbmwuser · #5 08-04-2012, 12:40 AM

You pay the tax when you register.

I would investigate the smog requirement also.

Good luck.

LeMansX5 · #6 08-04-2012, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwbmwuser

You pay the tax when you register.

Good luck.

I have bought a few BMWs out-of-state. All but one were new. What I learned is to tell the out-of-state dealer that I will register the car myself in my state and he will not bother. That is the simplest way as there have been times when dealers offered to register and things got screwed-up and I ended up registering myself.
You bring the car with temp plate to your state and then take it to DMV to register. No middlemen costs.
Good luck.

FSETH · #7 08-04-2012, 12:14 PM

Thanks so much guys. Unfortunately the car got sold out from under me last night. We were going to drive it and bring it home today if everything checked out. It was a great deal on a 2010 35d, so I am not surprised.

Thanks again for your help.

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