Where to buy a car?

June 18, 2006 1:51 PM

I'm moving from New England to Southern Florida and I need to buy a car. Should I bother to look here, or just wait until after I move? I'm more likely to purchase outright than to lease, so mileage restrictions aren't much of an issue.
posted by feloniousmonk to travel & transportation (10 comments total)

Unless you need the car for your move, it will be much easier to move without the car.
posted by aubilenon at 1:57 PM on June 18, 2006

Also, in Florida you can get cars that have never known rust, that is a big big deal.
posted by jessamyn at 2:12 PM on June 18, 2006

Actually, the cars in Florida can rust, but it's more a result of ocean air than road salt and is rarely as bad as the northern kind.
posted by Doohickie at 2:47 PM on June 18, 2006

Good point, Jessamyn.

Are there any other issues I'm overlooking, such as financial incentives or regional deals?
posted by feloniousmonk at 2:49 PM on June 18, 2006

Also in FL you might have to worry a bit more about a car having been flooded any of several recent hurricanes.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 3:13 PM on June 18, 2006

you will find a lot more rental cars available for sale in Florida. This usually means the prices are better and the selection of the mundane is usually pretty good.
posted by ptm at 3:16 PM on June 18, 2006

Sales tax in Florida is 6% if the tax in your neck of the woods is less (or more) the difference could be significant.
posted by oddman at 3:25 PM on June 18, 2006

I just moved down here from Chicago a year ago-- I can't remember anything helpful about car taxes, but here's a website where maybe you'll find useful info on moving down here. My email's in my profile if you need anything. Good luck with your move! You're going to LOVE the winters down here!
posted by orangemiles at 3:35 PM on June 18, 2006

Another bonus if you buy in FL -- you'll be much more likely to find cars w/ working AC and tinted windows.
posted by brain cloud at 6:25 PM on June 18, 2006

You won't likely get your registration fee back from whatever state you buy it in when you move it out of state. So if you wait to buy it, that's a bit of money saved.
posted by jacquilynne at 7:02 PM on June 18, 2006