Buying a used car from out of state can be an appealing option for finding an exclusive model or getting a better price Vehicle from Another State and Transporting it Home. However, there are additional steps involved when compared to a traditional local purchase.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the complete process from finding the right vehicle online to safely delivering it to your driveway.
Research Cars for Sale in Other Areas
The first step is browsing online classifieds sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or specialized pre-owned auto trading platforms to search their inventories nationwide.
Setting up alerts for your desired make, model, year range, trim level, and maximum budget is a handy way to be instantly notified of new listings.
You should thoroughly read descriptions, carefully examine photos from various angles, and take note of any available service records or Carfax reports.
Negotiate the Sale Remotely
Once you’ve found a potential car, contact the seller to discuss details like price, remaining factory or extended warranty coverage if any, known issues, last service dates, and accident history.
Ask plenty of questions and try negotiating a lower price since you won’t be able to do a traditional test drive or inspection at this stage. Get the seller to send additional photos of smaller hard-to-see areas as well as a short video of the engine running.
Vehicle from Another State and Transporting it Home – Arrange Transportation
With a sale agreed upon remotely, it’s time to coordinate transporting the vehicle to your location. Several company options exist to handle this professionally:
- Enclosed car haulers – Offer fully enclosed protection from weather and can load multiple cars. Slightly more expensive but best for long distance moves.
- Open car haulers – Open air transport that is less expensive than enclosed. Only suitable for short/medium distances without concerns about rain or snow.
- Shipping by freight – Utilize commercial trucking companies for door-to-door transport. Cheaper for long distances but less visual checks done during travels.
Be sure to get binding estimates upfront from multiple transportation vendors to get the best rate.
Inspect and Test Drive Upon Arrival
When the car finally reaches you, take time for a full pre-purchase inspection. Check for any new dents, rust, or issues not disclosed or evident in photos. Have a trusted mechanic thoroughly evaluate mechanical and electrical systems too.
Test drive it under varying speeds and road conditions while remaining attentive for noises, handling concerns, or operational quirks. Do not finalize the sale or pay the transport fee until completely satisfied.
Vehicle from Another State and Transporting it Home – Complete Paperwork and Payment
With the used car passing inspection as described, you can proceed to officially purchase it. The seller will need to provide the signed title and other important ownership documents to transfer over to your name.
Additionally, arrange any remaining payments if the full cost was not covered upfront. Consider specialized auto transportation insurance too to protect against damages in transit. Finally, register your new pre-owned purchase in your home state.
Tips for a Smooth Out of State Used Car Buying Experience:
| Do Thorough Homework on the Specific Vehicle |
| Conduct in-depth research on pricing trends, common issues, recall history, and average repair costs. |
| Insist on a Pro return policy from the Transport Company |
| Make sure damaged or unacceptable vehicles can be returned for a full refund. |
| Use Escrow or Shipping Protection Services |
| Places funds between buyer and seller until you’re fully satisfied with purchase. |
| Have an Independent Inspection Arranged |
| Pay a professional to inspect before you receive the car long-distance. |
With diligence checking details, negotiating price, carefully inspecting, and properly insuring transport, purchasing a used vehicle from another state can be a secure transaction. Just be sure not to let your guard down or wire funds too hastily until you’ve thoroughly vetted the car and seller.
Going through this outlined process should set you up for a smooth cross-country used car buying experience.
