There are two major purchases most people consider at some point in their lifetime. One is a brand-new home that often requires years of saving up and careful planning. The other, slightly easier one, is purchasing a car.
The average cost of a new vehicle in the United States is over $49,000. For a used car, it is still roughly $28,000. When you add in tax, dealer fees, and working with car shipping companies to ensure you’re not breaking any interstate transport laws, those costs go up. The best decision is to take your time planning and hiring a trusted team that can manage pickup and delivery for you. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Begin with a Clear Budget in Mind
Most car buyers will already have an idea of how much they can spend. You want to put as much of a down payment on the vehicle as you can. That will lower the “principal” amount of any car loan. The lower the principal you have to pay back, the lower the interest.
A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10-20% of the total value of the car as a down payment. You should also set up a spreadsheet and use AAA’s budgeting recommendations. They are on the higher side, so if you don’t spend your allocated amount each year, you’ll have some leftover for a vacation or other expenses. That should cover maintenance, insurance, and any other fees.
How to Prepare for Before & After Buying a Car
Everything needs to begin with a thorough inspection. Many online shopping websites offer 360-degree interactivity and a car history report, to aid in decision-making. You’re checking for any:
- Damage to the car
- Features to confirm in the listing
- Ownership and accident history
- Color finishes and scratches
- Missing documents or outstanding debts/liens on the vehicle
You should also ask a reliable car transport company with a solid reputation for excellence in dealing with interstate shipping. Be sure to get a precise quote or estimate and delivery timeframe before making your purchase. That way, you can expect the car to be delivered to your home, workplace, or local dealership.
The top-rated car shipping companies will carry shipping insurance, but you can check your own provider if you have that as part of your policy. Be sure to keep a copy of all documentation pre- and post-sale. That will make selecting open or enclosed auto transport easier and help you register your car as well as secure insurance in your state of residence quicker.
Details About Interstate Vehicle Shipping
Interstate or cross-country car shipping involves moving a vehicle from one destination in one state or territory to another. For example, someone may find a bright purple Honda Civic with aftermarket parts in Iowa and have it shipped all the way to Tennessee.
The trick is to find the best car shipping companies to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape when it arrives at your location. Yes, you could always fly out and drive from state to state, but who has time for that?
With interstate vehicle shipping, you can use a licensed, insured, and verified company with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) that has a DOT (Department of Transportation) number, so that you can rest easy. Get a quote as early as you know you’ll need assistance to save a bit of money. It helps if you have a flexible delivery timeframe, but never sacrifice savings for customer support and experience.
Do Your Car & Shipping Research Ahead of Time
Go to your local credit union or preferred lender and get a “preapproved” document that confirms you can get a car loan and for what amount. That will help you stick to a budget and shop around for the make, model, year, size, and fuel efficiency you want.
You can also use what many savvy vehicle buyers rely upon for trending cars or features. Both Edmunds and Consumer Reports rank the safest, fastest, most efficient, or vehicles with versatile storage and seating. Dealer and seller reviews are also helpful, and you can always check the NHTSA and IIHS for safety ratings or car recalls.
The top-rated shipping companies are easy to find because of user reviews and recommendations. However, always make sure that the company you choose understands interstate shipping. You don’t want to be waiting for a new SUV for the winter and get it stuck due to a clerical error.
Don’t Forget Tax Implications
Registering a car in a different state from where it was purchased takes time. A car tax rate in Alabama is only 2%. Get that same car shipped to Nevada, and you’ll end up paying 8.25% in taxes.
You may also run into challenges with registration and the paperwork required. While the dealer can offer some help, good transport carriers will connect you with the info you need because of their history with interstate shipping and fleet management. If nothing else, you can always contact your local DOT (Department of Transportation) for additional details about your specific state.
You’re looking for information on sales tax, use tax, registration, title fees, emissions, and inspection standards. There are some online calculators you can use, but it’s best to verify with the DOT.
Find a Local Mechanic or Trusted Buyer on Your Behalf
The final tip you need to use for buying a car and having it shipped across state lines is to contact a local buyer. Using a mechanic you know will treat you right, or having a trusted family member check out the car, goes a long way to saving money if there are any mechanical issues that weren’t noted in the listing.
A good mechanic will cost anywhere from $100 to $200 to act on your behalf, but should check for brake issues, tire wear, suspension trouble, fluid levels, and signs of accidents to the frame or engine.
It also helps to have an extra pair of eyes before using transport carriers. That way, you can list any known issues on the paperwork so there are no surprises when the vehicle finally arrives. A dealer should have some form of return policy, warranty, or guarantee that ensures you won’t run into trouble, but if you’re buying from an individual seller on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or some other platform, you want to lower your risk of car issues in the future.
Confidence Through Preparation
Cross-country car shipping and moving your new or used vehicle across state lines isn’t as complex as you might think, but it does take specific checking of boxes and crossing of t’s. While you can figure out how to do it all yourself, the better option is to hire enclosed or open vehicle carriers with experience, a long reputation for success, and clear estimate policies.
Shopping for a car should be fun. You should feel excited and like you’ve been treated fairly by the dealer, seller, or other entity offering you a vehicle. Take the time to go the extra mile and research the best car shipping team as well. That will ensure your new ride shows up in excellent condition just like you pictured.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
