Buying a car out of state

[Jab161]

I live in ny and want to buy a car in NC from a private seller.If I'm ready to get the car and and the price is right how would I go about going to see the car, buying it and driving it home all in one short trip? In regards to plates and insurance.

[John in VA]

VA has a special "in-transit permit" that differs from a temporary tag. It is good for ~3-4 days and can be put on whatever car you buy (in case you're at an auction, for example) to get it home/to the DMV. NY may have something similar. Or you take a chance and bring along a set of tags from a vehicle you own to avoid suspicion with a tagless car, but you didn't hear this from me!

For insurance, just call your company and tell them when/where you bought the car, along with details & VIN, and you should be covered.

[chowdah]

Would suggest putting the words "buy out state" in the Google custom search box to read similar experiences, and additionally talking to your insurance agent.

[split71]

I just went through this and have done this many times...I live in Fl and just bought an M5 in NC. My son had previously inspected the car so I just had to go get it.

1) I used the Tag from the car it was being transferred from.
2) The M5 was fully insured.
3) Had signed title in hand.
4) Drove it home.

If you have to fly-in, inspect and pay for the car it could go like this:

1) Agree to a day for the inspection and fly-in. The buyer may offer to pick you up from the airport.
2) Inspect/drive car.
3) Agree on price.
4) Go to buyers bank and wire transfer the money into his/her account.
5) Do the title work, keep in mind, in NC the title will have to be notarized.
6) Talk to your insurance company and make sure the car is covered.
7) Drive it home.

Just my .02...