Buying a Z out of state

ZeeingAround · 05-31-2011, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick663

I'm new to the forum and have finally located the Z that I've wanted. I'm in Michigan and the Z's in California at a dealer. Hoping to get some feedback on problems that I might expect in the transaction. I'm planning on having the car shipped to my location. Thanks

Where in Michigan are you?

didymus · 05-31-2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bvl

As mentioned, you need to check with your local state laws as to how to correctly pay tax and register. Adjacent states are used to dealing with this kind of thing (I too recently got a 2010 in MD, we are in PA: they collected the tax to pay to PA (6%) else I would have to pay it when I registered the car. I expect PA plates soon as they submitted that for me).

If there is a specific option/color combo you want, it may never come close by given the low volume of the Z, or if it does you may not be able to get them down in price: that is the chance you take.

If you feel that is the case, then work with the CA dealer. If you have time, may be
a good opportunity to get a cheap one way ticket out, buy the car, and road trip it home: could be some lovely sights to see, and some nice variable speed break in on the Highways (where in some states you can go quite fast

)

Otherwise, if you are shipping it back, the $ you save probably is not going to make sense on the sale vs. waiting for a local model. Invoice pricing is invoice pricing.
- b

I did the opposite. Bought in PA, live in MD. Paid the MD tax and registration. I would just talk to the dealer and see how they can work it. Obviously negotiate a firm price before going out there (if you are).

rick663 · 05-31-2011, 08:42 PM

Clinton Township....about 20 miles north of Detroit.

waZoo · 05-31-2011, 09:01 PM

I just went though what you are doing a couple of months ago. I live in Texas and bought a used 2010 convertible from a dealer in CA. At the time the price was a lot better in CA, this was right before the earthquake in Japan. The dealer I used had never shipped out of state so it took them a little while to get everything straighten out with regards to Texas taxes and registration. They finally decided to use a vehicle registration service (I think they were call RegUSA). The service handled all the registration and title transfer, no cost to me.

Overall the dealer did what they said they would do and the car was exactly like they said it would be except for it did not have a spare tire (but they sent me a check to help offset the cost).

Shipping was properly my biggest mistake, I used a company that the dealer recommended. They shipped the car on a open trailer. Normally when they shipped a convertible they are usually loaded on the top, but for some reason mine was loaded on the bottom. There was a wrecked car on the top which leaked oil on to my car. Mine was the last one delivered so they had to move my car on and off the truck about 8 times in the shipping process and scratch the underside and side of the front end pretty good. If I had to do it over again, I would definitely pay the difference for an enclosed trailer.

Good luck with your decision, I know it is hard buying a car without seeing or driving it first.

gbrettin · 05-31-2011, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeeingAround

That car will be sitting for a while. I bought a nicer car in wisconsin for thousands less. This is the second time i found a great car deal over there. The GR dealers did not have the inventory nor the deals. most
Usually had one 370z and thought it was special.

It was an option.

personally I would tell them to kick rocks if they are trying to get 30k out of it. I would check the classifieds on this site.

rick663 · 06-01-2011, 07:11 AM

Thanks Guys for all the input. The deal fell through in Cali. so I'll just be patient and hopefully one will become available closer to home.

Teddy KGB · 06-01-2011, 09:54 AM

If you do decide to buy out of state PLEASE have it shipped closed (covered) trailer. I shipped mine open because it was $200 cheaper thinking "What could go wrong?". I ended up with a couple scratches that had to be repaired near the gas cap due to road debris hitting it. The Lexus at the front of the trailer was damaged so bad that it'll need to be repainted. The truck took a detour and ended up driving through construction zones, kicking up tiny pebbles, basically sand blasting that Lexus. Not pretty.

05-31-2011, 08:42 PM	#18 (permalink)
rick663 Base Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 4 Drives: nissan altima coupe Rep Power: 14	Z Clinton Township....about 20 miles north of Detroit.

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05-31-2011, 09:01 PM	#19 (permalink)
waZoo Base Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 3 Drives: 2010 370Z PG M6 Rep Power: 14	I just went though what you are doing a couple of months ago. I live in Texas and bought a used 2010 convertible from a dealer in CA. At the time the price was a lot better in CA, this was right before the earthquake in Japan. The dealer I used had never shipped out of state so it took them a little while to get everything straighten out with regards to Texas taxes and registration. They finally decided to use a vehicle registration service (I think they were call RegUSA). The service handled all the registration and title transfer, no cost to me. Overall the dealer did what they said they would do and the car was exactly like they said it would be except for it did not have a spare tire (but they sent me a check to help offset the cost). Shipping was properly my biggest mistake, I used a company that the dealer recommended. They shipped the car on a open trailer. Normally when they shipped a convertible they are usually loaded on the top, but for some reason mine was loaded on the bottom. There was a wrecked car on the top which leaked oil on to my car. Mine was the last one delivered so they had to move my car on and off the truck about 8 times in the shipping process and scratch the underside and side of the front end pretty good. If I had to do it over again, I would definitely pay the difference for an enclosed trailer. Good luck with your decision, I know it is hard buying a car without seeing or driving it first.

06-01-2011, 07:11 AM	#21 (permalink)
rick663 Base Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 4 Drives: nissan altima coupe Rep Power: 14	Thanks Guys for all the input. The deal fell through in Cali. so I'll just be patient and hopefully one will become available closer to home.

06-01-2011, 09:54 AM	#22 (permalink)
Teddy KGB Base Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 79 Drives: 40th Z, Tundra, CBR6 Rep Power: 14	If you do decide to buy out of state PLEASE have it shipped closed (covered) trailer. I shipped mine open because it was $200 cheaper thinking "What could go wrong?". I ended up with a couple scratches that had to be repaired near the gas cap due to road debris hitting it. The Lexus at the front of the trailer was damaged so bad that it'll need to be repainted. The truck took a detour and ended up driving through construction zones, kicking up tiny pebbles, basically sand blasting that Lexus. Not pretty.