Buying a Car Out of State

Gorm

With any luck we will be there by Tuesday.
Jul 6, 2010
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Cedar Rapids, IA
I have purchased 3 cars out of state in the past. Two from dealers, one from a private owner. All 3 were cash deals and I had the titles within a week. (Cashiers check clearing)

I just take the title over to the DMV, they ask if I have any documented taxes I paid on it from other states, and I never have. So they bill me the amount and give me a new title. Couldn't be easier.
 

MeanDean

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Jan 5, 2009
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Blue Grass IA-Jensen Beach FL
Yeah, depends on the stealership you work with, I think. I bought in Missouri over the winter, they didn't charge me any TTL; I ended up paying all of that to Dallas county when I received the title and registered the vehicle. Of course, a ridiculous notion to pay sales tax to a state in which the vehicle was not sold, but that's a topic for another day and thread......

I think they don't call it a sales tax. They have some other obtuse wording for it. So there you go, government making up rules to get your $$$.
 

MeanDean

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Jan 5, 2009
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Blue Grass IA-Jensen Beach FL
I'm a FL resident and last year looked at cars both in IL and IA. The IL dealership said they could title it in FL for me directly but there was a significant fee to do so. The Iowa dealerships looked at me like I just asked them to deliver the vehicle to the moon. No comprende.

My experience living on the border of IA/IL all those years is that the dealers in proximity have no issues because they have enough customers to make it worth their time/effort to know how to do it. If you're 5 states away, forget about it.

The rest of the story. I ended up just buying one in IA (best deal) and title/licensing it here for a few months, then transferring title in FL. Thankfully FL doesn't sock you with huge transfer and license/personal property tax fees like here. I think it was under $200 for everything. Including a TWO year tag.

(That gets offset in the budget with auto insurance. About a 40% premium due to crazy NY/NJ East Coast drivers moving down there.)
 
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Natacastan

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Mar 15, 2023
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When it comes to buying a car out of state, there are a few things to keep in mind. In terms of tax, title, and registration, it depends on the state you're buying the car from and the state you live in. Generally, you'll pay the taxes and fees in the state where you live, but you may need to get a temporary tag in the state where you buy the car to drive it home. If you're worried about transporting the car back to Iowa, there are several options available, including door to door car shipping. Just be sure to research different companies and read reviews to ensure you find a reputable and reliable one. Hope this post helps someone.
 
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SmithAnderson

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Jun 26, 2023
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Once you're back in Iowa, you'll need to visit your local county recorder's office to take care of the tax, title, and registration. They'll guide you through the steps and ensure everything is done correctly. Besides, auto transport costs can vary based on factors like distance and the type of transport you choose. It's a good idea to obtain multiple quotes from reputable transport companies to find the best deal. Just remember to do your due diligence when selecting a transport company. Check reviews, ask for recommendations, and ensure they have the necessary insurance and licenses for a hassle-free experience.
 
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mkadl

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Mar 17, 2006
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Cornfield
Like the prior posters mentioned you'd go downtown.

Bring a checkbook, and be prepared for potential bureaucratic ********: I registered a new car a few months ago and they initially turned me down because the printed name line for the dealership rep was literally printed from a printer, opposed to handwritten (signature line was handwritten).
This is where small counties are really convenient. The Courthouse where I live only has 5 people at the most waiting for service. Many time phone calls get everything right before you show up.
 
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CoachHines3

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Oct 29, 2019
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Buying a car out of state can indeed be a bit of an adventure. When you make the purchase, you typically won't pay tax, title, and registration right away. Instead, you'll handle that when you return to Polk County, Iowa. The dealership should provide you with a bill of sale, which you'll need for these processes.
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