Buying a bike out of state, is it worth it?

[Doc_V]

I'm considering buying a used bike out of state and would appreciate any and all advice, tips, warnings, etc. Also, any idea what the typical costs involved are? Do you get hit with paying tax twice; once by the out of state dealer and the other by CA DMV?

Years ago, when living on the Calif side of Lake Tahoe, I purchased a new car from a dealer in Reno. It was a surprise to me when I got hit by the CA DMV with a bunch of unexpected fees and headaches that the dealer neglected to inform me about. So I'm just wondering what it's like for a used bike.


Thanks.

Doc_V

 

[RickM]

minimum 7500 miles if it's not a 50 state vehicle.
Make sure it has all the factory emissions stickers.

Engine number and vin# match on title.
Get the signed title and bill of sale .

This is what I had to check and make sure each time I bought an out of state bike.

DMV charges slightly more for reg beacasue it's a new registration in state. I forgot how much extra it was compared to an in state purchase. I think $100-$150.

 

[sckego]

Tell the dealer you're registering it in another state and they will give you an MSO/title, you don't pay them any taxes or registration fees.

 

[fast4d]

get the mso

saves you alot of headaches if you are buying new.

used....see above

 

[Hazardous Waste]

Saved me 1k and that's after I drove the truck there to get it

Paid no tax in state where I bought it

 

[SixShock]

Interesting thread, could i save more buying from a state like Oregon? Or will the fees getting it registered in CA make it not worth the hassle?

 

[RickM]

Interesting thread, could i save more buying from a state like Oregon? Or will the fees getting it registered in CA make it not worth the hassle?

Depends on your purchase price.

As far as registration fees go, it will be higher than what you'd pay for an already CA registered bike for the same bike price.

But sometimes you can find way better deals out of state and the savings on purchase price offset the additional cost of registration, transportation and your time etc. Otherwise it doesn't make sense to buy out of state (rare bikes are an exception)

 

[larry kahn]

Solely out of curiosity what kind of motorcycle is it that you can't find one in California?

 

[auntiebling]

I'm considering buying a used bike out of state and would appreciate any and all advice, tips, warnings, etc. Also, any idea what the typical costs involved are? Do you get hit with paying tax twice; once by the out of state dealer and the other by CA DMV?

Years ago, when living on the Calif side of Lake Tahoe, I purchased a new car from a dealer in Reno. It was a surprise to me when I got hit by the CA DMV with a bunch of unexpected fees and headaches that the dealer neglected to inform me about. So I'm just wondering what it's like for a used bike.


Thanks.

Doc_V

there used to be a penalty tax just for brining in a vehicle from out of state. i don't know how long they were doing that but 10 years or so ago that practice ended and a bunch of refunds were issued. that fee might have been a contributor to your surprise

the 7500 mile rule has already been mentioned but know that if a bike is 50 state legal, it must have a sticker specifically stating CA emissions compliance, the 7500 mile rule isn't applicable. you could bring it in with Zero miles on the odometer and just pay the fees.

 

[ocoas]

California charges the difference in sales tax.
If you pay sales tax in the state you bought the bike California deducts that amount from the tax you pay in California. There is no tax saving but no additional cost either.

To be considered used the bike must have 7,500 miles or have a sticker that says California compliant not just 50 stare compliant.

The bike must be inspected by the DMV. They check the vin number with the paper work, takes about 15 minutes.

 

[EastBayDave]

California charges the difference in sales tax.
If you pay sales tax in the state you bought the bike California deducts that amount from the tax you pay in California. There is no tax saving but no additional cost either.

To be considered used the bike must have 7,500 miles or have a sticker that says California compliant not just 50 stare compliant.

The bike must be inspected by the DMV. They check the vin number with the paper work, takes about 15 minutes.

also depends on what kind of arsehole you get at DMV. Last ZRX I brought in from NV in 99' couldn't see the engine number in daylight (it's under the airbox, little hard to see but easy w/flashlight.)

SO he refused to get a flashlight & demanded I remove engine so he could read the engine # !!! :wow I went around & around w/this moron to no avail; all the while had my wifie on the phone to DMV HQ telling them what was going on. Finally someone at HQ asks to speak to this idiot, & told him

"to accept the number on the VIN as it's a motorcycle."

He reluctantly agreed & hung up, finishing my paperwork. What a nightmare. Advise all to be sure you got everything in order BEFORE you go to dmv.