Anyone have experience buying a car out of state? Particularly pertaining to potential problems with the CA DMV. Any issues? Did you have your car shipped, or did you drive it home? If shipped, how much was it?

 

from where? enclosed shipping from mid or east coast is about $1,500~1,800. open load is about half of the cost.

when the car gets here u'll need to smog it first. the info will automatically sent to DMV. u can not register the car without smog check so make sure the car will pass before u buy. go to DMV pay for the 8.25% tax + 1st year license fee u're good to go.

 

If your buying a newer P-car to bring into CA your pretty safe. Porsche makes these cars to be 50 state certified so as long as it hasn't be altered like Super Charged your ok with CARB. I just brought in a 2001 C4 Texas car to CA and you'll need to get the car SMOG'd at a normal SMOG outlet and a visual inspection at the DMV. The DMV took all of 20 minutes and I didn't have an appointment, and they gave me the plates for the car at the same time. If you go to the DMV site for CA you can print out the forms ahead of time to save sometime. Just make sure if your buying an older car that it is 50 state certified which can be found in the engine compartment a label.

 

I used a open truck for my shipment the seller arranged for the shipment and it cost me $1000. Fuel costs are up now so your not going to get many deals on the shipping.

 

So you bought the car sight unseen? Weren't you a little worried, not being able to test drive the car and all?

 

I had digital photos of the car, from the seller, I had a contract and I did checking on the car dealer. And most importantly I made sure I had an extended warranty on the car just in case it had issues. I bought the car at trade-in value or whole-sale whichever sounds better and a deal better than I could get anywhere here in California. This is the third car I have bought this way and this one didn't go as smoothly as the previous ones but everything came out fine in the end.

 

anyone have experience to pass visual inspection at the DMV if car has supercharger, half roll cage, and loud exhaust?
(If somehow pass smog check )

 

If your trying to import an out of state car with these mods into California your not going to make it. They are pretty thorough, at least in my case they were, especially in regards to modifications to the engine from a visual standpoint. They looked around verified VIN# checked the 50 state sticker inside the engine compartment. IMHO if it wasn't a Porsche or some other sports car you probably could get away with it put they are also enjoying "looking" at your car as well with a higher degree if interest.

 

Shipping cost me $1k on open truck from MI to SF. I had the car looked at by a trusted friend. It had over 1 yr of factory warranty so I was covered mechanically. The only varliables were:

1. fraud sale (selling car without owning it). Get title faxed and inspect it again before handing over $$. If it's a company/dealer, make sure the seller is an agent/officer of the company. Get a business license and check with BBB.
2. not releasing the car after title is xchanged while waiting to be shipped -- Get the title so you can call the cops if the car isn't released to shipper.
3. how to pay -- most want bank transfer or MO. If you can't meet in person in exchange of title, this can be tricky. Once money is wired, it's GONE! There is no protection.
4. prior accident - get a PPI done.

For instructions and FAQ on how to title the car, go to dmv.ca.gov. If you have mod that are visible, you will have trouble passing the inspection at DMV. You aren't required to drive the car though so any exhaust mods that aren't visible is OK. They will pop the hood, read odometer and VIN on door, hood, sills, dash etc.

 

I'm a dealer, if you have questions pm me I can help.

 

just pm you, thanks!!

 

This is pretty much right on. I spent $1200 for an enclosed from Texas with Intercity. I highly recommend them.

 

I flew up to Virginia & drove mine home to Houston ....just keep it
under 85 till you are out of Virginia, anything over is reckless driving!!!

 

I bought mine from the East Coast (came from Brumos)..... It was shipped, make sure you find a good shipper, I had some issues with the company I used.

I just drove back from AZ today picking up a 57 Volks which was pretty nice. I would do this again since I was able to see the vehicle first hand.

As for the DMV, you'll need to get an inspection done...... They need to complete a form along with the smog and your cash to cover fees.

-Eli

 

never had a problem with any cars sight unseen out of state. just don't buy anything in areas with harsh weather like ny or north atlantic areas. the weather conditions beat up the cars. also do a car fax to see the origin, many cars are bought through auctions in NY and shipped to southern states and resold.