BUY a CAR

You found the car of your dreams but it's in another state. What do you do? You can purchase a new or used vehicle out of state, but you'll have to take some extra steps. You'll have to get your vehicle's history report, inspections, insurance, registration, taxes, and title before it passes state lines.

You should first make sure your vehicle is available for you to own. Some dealers have state restrictions while others allow vehicles to be sold anywhere. You should also determine if it's a great deal by reading the Ford Explorer review online.

Vehicle History Report

The first order of business is receiving a vehicle history report. Purchasing a car in another state is harder than buying one in your home state. You should order your vehicle history report from an online service. If there are any problems found with the vehicle, you should address them before you purchase the car.

Notice if there are any liens on the report. Make sure action has been taken for those liens before you move out of state.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

This step is mandatory when purchasing a vehicle in another state. If your vehicle is across the border, you can still test drive it and have a local mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection. If your vehicle is being sold halfway across the country, then you'll have to get to the vehicle and have it inspected in that state. Or, you can find someone else to do it for you.

Cost should be a factor when it comes to your car history report and pre-purchase inspection. You don't want to waste money on a vehicle that's not safe, unreliable, or needs repairs. If you're an AAA member, you can find AAA mechanics in your area who can perform the inspection for you.

If you're purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle that the dealer claims is already inspected, you should always get a second opinion. If the car is being delivered to your home, consider the transportation costs with your budget.

Tax Time

While most states don't have a sales tax, you may live in a state that does. The state where you operate your vehicle will require you to pay for applicable fees and taxes. You should pay your taxes before you even register the vehicle under your name. You can ask the department of motor vehicles, a local dealer, or your tax advisor to determine the tax rate you're required to pay.

Purchasing a vehicle from a franchised dealer is relatively an easy process. In this case, the dealer handles the paperwork and pays the taxes on your behalf.

State Emissions Test

Some states have strict emissions rules. If your vehicle has less than 7,500 miles, some states consider it new. You need proof that it meets your state's emissions standards. You can also modify your vehicle to fit the state's criteria unless it's an expensive and complicated process.

If your vehicle is brand new, it will need to be registered and titled under your name. The dealer usually takes care of this process by using a temporary registration. If you purchase from a private dealer, then you'll have to handle this process on your own.

State Inspection

It's time to get those state inspections. Check out your state's department of motor vehicles to see if your car has to meet emissions, odometer inspections, or other safety requirements. You should also visit your local DMV office with all of your paperwork, so you can finally get your title and registration. Most DMVs require a government-issued driver's license and utility bill for proof of address before they register your vehicle under your name.

Title and Registration

You also need to pay for the title and registration. Find out how soon you need to register your vehicle. In some states, it could take as long as 30 days after moving to a new state or buying a vehicle out of state.

A title will be placed under your name in the state that you operate your vehicle. Each state has its own laws. A vehicle that doesn't need a salvage title in one state might need one in another. Vehicles that don't need to be branded or salvage titles are typically harder to insure or finance.

Insurance

You should talk to your insurances agent to determine what kind of insurance you need for your vehicle. Some states don't even require owners to have auto insurance. If you don't have car insurance, you should still get a new policy before you purchase your vehicle.

Purchasing a new vehicle in another state will be the hardest part of the process. Keep the state laws in mind along the way. If you purchase a new or used vehicle, you want to get the financing out of the way. If you're shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, then you need to know what to look out for when buying a used vehicle.