Traveling Out of Town To Buy New

savaytse66 · August 9, 2015

I've seen mention recently scattered over a few different threads referring to going well outside of one's home town to buy a vehicle. How does this work, exactly? Not from a paperwork standpoint or anything, but logistically?

For example, I found a truck (actually three of them) that I like at Laura's near St. Louis. Those trucks simply do not exist near me. The closest I've found is about 150 miles away. Dealers are happy to bring it in, but they are not offering any good deals. Laura's is already offering it about $2,500 less than anyone near me, and with some other possible rebates (credit union, for example), I could get this thing for $3-4k less than anyone is willing to deal around here. I've obviously got to factor airfare, fuel for the 650 mile ride home, and I'd lose a day travelling. But in the end it could be worth it. Plus, I'd get to spend a day in the new truck getting used to it and learning the features, all on the highway.

However, I'd have to take a leap of faith without ever test driving the vehicle. I'd obviously do it before I sign the paperwork, but if something was wrong with it, I could go home empty handed. Also, I wouldn't have a local dealer. Granted I can take the vehicle into any GMC dealer for warranty work and free 2-year maintenance, but...well, maybe it doesn't really matter? At this point, part of me just says to order one and be done with it. On the other hand, even doing that, I might be tempted to do so with a high volume dealer that would give me great pricing on an order.

So have any of you gone that far out of your way for a new vehicle? If so, what advice do you have?

Robert.jean1 · August 9, 2015

Where you buy your truck is not a problem the sale would happen as usual. Only thing you must stay aware of is the tax rate. Depending on how your state does their Tax, title and license fees. When I bought my Harley out of state the tax rate was different than my home state so they cut me a check for the tax that I had financed into my loan and I took that to my local tax office when I registered my bike.

Chevor · August 9, 2015

I don't pay state taxed where I bought it only the state where it's registered.

Crooks · August 9, 2015

Test drive some trucks local to you so you know the options and gear ratio you want. Then go there and find a truck you like they have plenty to choose from.

Roader · August 9, 2015

I would have drove from texas to laura but the local dealership got the exact truck i wanted a few weeks before my planned trip. I didnt get as good of a deal staying local but i also didnt have to do the long round trip drive.

As far as taxes and registering from out of state, the dealership should take cars of most of it. Im in texas but will register in Ohio. Just have to wait for the title to arrive at the ohio DMV and then I can get my plates.

Also, it doesn't matter where you buy it. Once you get home you can set up a GMC profile with your local preferred dealership.

SMiller · August 9, 2015

Factor in the travel cost and add that to the cost of the truck, if your local dealer will not sell you the same truck for that cost then buy from Laura's. You will not have any problems with a truck on their lot, be sure to test drive it at high speeds and spend some quality time test driving it, after that signs the papers or walk away, I am sure you will sign papers and be completely satisfied.

I would be ashamed if your local dealer did not go out of their way to earn your business.

Kent2500 · August 10, 2015

I just custom ordered the exact truck I wanted. Sure there is a 2-3 month wait, but if something you plan to keep for a while... I used the GM Supplier discount with no trade-in, so an easier deal to control since they knew I wanted a specific truck.

Silverado Steve · August 10, 2015

I bought mine out of State (Arkansas). Had a lot of the same concerns, but they all worked out. Biggest concern was the dealer pulling a bait and switch, but they were great,meverything was as promised. Imalso feared i wouldnt like the truck or somethingwould be wrong with the truck, but i test drove similiar trucks in my area to get a feel for what i was looking at. Ask the dealer to send you specific pictures of the truck, not the ones posted online, but from his cell phone. My selling dealer comped me for my hotel room and took the price of my airline ticket off the end price. More and mkre people are buying cars out of state and im sure Laura GMC is experienced inhandling such a transaction.

I've had zero,issue getting service or warranty work done here eventhough my truck was purchased elsewhere but this is a big military town so most dealerships are used to catering to out of town purchased vehicles; doubt it ill be different for you. Last you payntax where you decide to register the vehicle. More than likely Laura will give you the temp tag and you'll have to go to you local DMV with your bill of sale to pay the tax, titling and plate fees. Hope it all works out.

20SierraL8T24 · August 10, 2015

I don't pay state taxed where I bought it only the state where it's registered.

Then you can't finance in the tax. If u can pay all the sales tax upon registration its OK.

Silverado Steve · August 10, 2015

Then you can't finance in the tax. If u can pay all the sales tax upon registration its OK.

Not every state will let you pay sales tax if you are buying and from out of town.. Best bet would be to check with your state's DMV. I wasnt allowed to pay my Colorado tax through my Arkansas dealer.

Doobs41378 · August 10, 2015

I bought mine out of state and it was easy. I also worried about bait and switch but they did not try anything shady and all went well. We do not pay sales tax in NH so I cannot help you on that front.