Purchasing a car from another state has its benefits and drawbacks. If you’re a collector or have other reasons for wanting a very specific make and model in mind, you’re more likely to find that you need if you cast a wider net out of state. This is why there are a lot of out-of-state purchases. But buying a car out-of-state means you have to do a lot more homework. Here are some things that are important to know when purchasing a new or used car from out of state.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
When purchasing a new or used car from out of state you should always get a pre-purchase inspection done by a reputable mechanic. They will drive and check out the car that you are trying to buy. They will be a good middle man and honestly tell you the car’s condition. You are paying for their time so feel free to ask any questions you need about the reliability and safety of that model.
These are known as pre-purchase inspections (PPI) and is common practice with every dealership. While you could go for a countrywide network like Lemonsquad, simply searching on Google the keywords “car inspector [state or city]” should yield other local providers.
Shipping Your Car
Either across a state, the country, or the ocean you will need a car shipping company. There are dozens of companies so be sure to find the best-reviewed ones. These companies handle vehicle transport carriers with multiple cars per carrier. One big requirement is insuring your vehicle with full coverage and document to your insurance company about the shipping company. Make sure to have pictures taken before and after shipping so if anything happens to your car on transport you will be compensated.
Company Reviews
You always want to do your homework and check the reviews of every service. Today, there are dozens of scams happening with buying, shipping, and even inspecting cars. You need to make sure you are buying from a reputable dealer and paying reputable companies. There are stories of shipping companies delivering cars late or not at all. Also, dealerships don’t always tell the truth.
Vehicle History Report
When purchasing any vehicle, it is a good idea to get a vehicle history report. Popular websites like CarFax will show your car’s history in minutes just by looking up the cars VIN. This way you can find out the model of your car, all the maintenance documented by mechanics, and if there have been any accidents or thefts reported. It’s important to note that not all maintenance is documented if it’s a small mechanic or if it was worked on by the previous owner. This is why it’s always necessary to ask about receipts for car maintenance history.
After reading these four important rules for buying a car out of state you should have no problem finding a good car. These rules cover everything you need from finding reputable services to a reliable car. Remember to try to find something near you to avoid the extra fees. Don’t hesitate to shop around for the best prices either.
