Buying a used car out of state

[WhiteLightningGTP]

Hey MM, looking for some advice. I haven't found much info on this, everything on the DMV site is pretty vague.

I am considering buying a car near Albany, NY from a private seller, it would then be shipped here (regardless if I go out to check the car out, I'm not driving it on these filthy roads right now, dodging potholes in a very low car... Not fun.) From my understanding, I'd have to pay 2% tax when it gets registered here, since NY tax rate is 4%. This specific car has been very well documented and there are several "build threads" on various forums with hundreds of pictures, so I am really debating on whether it would be worth it to make a trip out there? The seller has been very up front about a couple of issues with the car, and all of which I have seen pictures of... Seems very trustworthy.

My main worries are the paperwork aspect, transferring titles, registration, etc. Will it be a huge headache?

Does anyone have recommendations for a shipping company?

Thanks a bunch Mowtown!

 

[68gtscode]

I have moved around a lot, and never had much an issue registering cars from out of state. When I lived in Michigan, I bought a car from Ohio and had no issues at all registering it in MI. In fact, it was one of the easiest registrations I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with! There was no inspection or emissions I believe. All you have to do is show up with proof of insurance, and a signed title. I believe that was it. You will have to pay registration and sales tax, but have the seller leave the price field blank

As for shipping companies... I have used Intercity, Exotic, and Plycar. I have had good luck with all three so I would call around and go off the best cost. I recently shipped my GT500 to CA with Plycar, and was by far the cheapest. Another time Exotic was better. They all provide about the same level of quality service, in my opinon. A few other things to consider... These companies only offer enclosed transport. If you're ok with an open truck, you could get it shipped much cheaper, but it is likely going to sit at crossdock facilities, etc. along the way. Finally, you may have trouble if the car includes a lot of parts. Most transport companies won't pick up parts. My brother is dealing with this issue right now- he bought a 67 427 Vette from Maryland and is trying to find someone to transport it along with the original engine (not currently installed).

 

[TooSlo86]

You will have to pay 6% sales tax to MI when you register it. They don't care about NY, they want their $. Not long ago I purchased a truck from out of state and it wasn't difficult other than the original state hanging onto my damn title forever before I could get it titled in MI. The transport co. I used stays in a certain area which is in the wrong direction for you so I can't help there.

 

[moneypit]

You will have to pay 6% sales tax to MI when you register it. .

you pay a total of 6% If NY charges 4% you own the remaining 2%, odds are you wont pay any tax in NY

 

[capone]

I recently bought a truck from Nevada. I brought the title and a copy of insurance to the Secretary of state and paid the 6% Michigan tax and $5.00 extra for an instant title. It was pretty much the same as an in state transaction.

 

[4 cam tbird]

I bought a car in New Jersey a week ago. The private seller isn't going to charge you tax. The state of New York won't have anything to do with the sale in any way at all. You will pay tax on the amount that it says you bought the car for on the title when you take it to the SOS or the amount listed on the bill of sale if New York doesn't handle the title that way. The NJ title was like a Michigan title and acted as the bill of sale as well. I had a bill of sale in addition to the title that I took to the SOS and they completely ignored it. You only even need a bill of sale if the title doesn't have lines for purchase price and all the buyer's and seller's info.

 

[Scooter70]

There's no reason to pay tax in NY. You pay for the car, have it shipped, and take the NY title to the SOS to pay tax and apply for a new title here in MI. The NY title is similar to MI in that there is a place on the back for the buyer/seller's signatures. However, there is not a line for selling price. I bought my Z06 in NY a couple of years ago and had a Bill of Sale with the "selling price" but the worker at the SOS just asked me what I paid and calculated tax based on that.

I went to college in the Albany area. The roads around there are just as bad as here. The drivers are even worse though.

BTW, you can't have a first post like this and not post pictures. What are you buying?

 

[lethalss]

You're not buying from a dealer, so you dont pay the tax in NY. You pay the 6% when you take the car to the DMV. The real issue with buying out of state is when you want to finance the car. Banks are a pain in the ass when it comes to this.

 

[WhiteLightningGTP]

Thank you so much for all the info guys! It is very much appreciated!

 

[4 cam tbird]

Getting the car shipped to you isn't a bad idea though. Even beyond potholes and salt, you never know what other shit is going to be laying in the road.
Car I went to NJ to get two days before I flew out to get it.

Car I went to NJ to get two hours after I left the dude's house.

 

[WhiteLightningGTP]

Got the car today. Shipping wasn't nearly as big of a hassle as expected. Ended up using a broker (who has good reviews) by the name of Envision Auto down in Florida. They looked me up with Vitalie at Balkan Express and he was great to deal with... Very quick, friendly, and knew what he was doing.

Thanks again guys for the tips!