Buying a Car out of state, need info..

[contraband831]

Ok fellas, since I'm at a loss here trying to find info related to registering a used vehicle from Texas in California.

The vehicle I am looking at is a 2003 Lexus LS430. My question is will i run into any issues getting this vehicle registered in California? smog, license, title etc.. It is not a private sell it is located at a used car lot. if anyone has info on this or has had experience buying a vehicle out of state, i would greatly appreciate the help.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Ric, the saleman/dealership you are buying the car from should be able to answer your question. If not, then I personally wouldn't buy a car from them.

You keeping the Vitz?

[nemelek]

Buying a car out or state is sometimes a pain.

You probably will need a VIN verification when you get the car back to your state. Then you will need emissions done by your state even if the car passed Texas standards.

[OTA'sTOY]

ask for the CARFAX!

[sickpuppy1]

You could also ask your local DMV what you will need. Thats the safest way.

[Yaristeve]

Originally Posted by sickpuppy1

You could also ask your local DMV what you will need. Thats the safest way.

Or, just go to the CaDMV website. It will tell you what you need to do.

Basially, IIRC, it has to be more than 7years old and have more than 7,000miles. I think you need to get it smogged as well. As long as the smog equipment has not been tampered with at all, there should be no problems.

Anyway, full details are on the website...

[Mead]

Assuming the car is not stolen , the first to-do list is pass smog before walking into your DMV. Normally smog is the sellers responsibility cuz if it fails it could be a $50 or a $500 fix, the buyer should not take that risk. Having said that, put in the contract that they are responsible for smog costs if it fails.

Another thing, is the car heavily modified? it may not pass visual inspecton. FYI TX allows tinted front window but not CA as far as I know. You might have to peel that off, just a guess.

[contraband831]

^^ haha stolen..

thanks all

I am worried about the smog part, and i know if it transfers ownership its all on me to fix if there is any issue, but i will put that fix back on them, in the contract, if we make this deal, the car is not modified at all, so that is a plus. I will continue to do my homework and hopefully I will find a good deal in state, so i can skip some (not all) of the hassles.

@ kaotic: of course im keeping my vitz, thats my daily driver..

[mazilla]

http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr29.htm

[john21031]

I drove my Alabama registered car when I moved to california and had no issues. Just pass the smog inspection and register it at the DMV. They will ask you to apply for california title.

I also bought my new fit in new mexico and drove it to CA. Also had to pass the smog and pay the CA sales tax (since the New Mexico dealership did not charge me any tax knowing I will not be registering it there). You get something like a month to register it from the date of entry.

Id say that if the car is legitimate and is more or less stock, and has clean Tx title, and you buy it with all the legal docs, you should have no issues whatsoever.
BTW, certain japanese cars of newer models have to pass the special CHP inspection (behind the closed doors) where the verify that the car is not stolen. I had to do that with my Fit when I brought it in.

Good luck.