i've seen a number of threads describing much lower pricing in the northern areas of the USA, chicago in particular. seems like it would be simple to agree on a price over the phone, get documentation faxed, send payment, and wait for delivery.

due to a long ingrained distrust of car dealers in general, however, i'm wondering if this really works seamlessly. any special precautions that need to be taken (to make sure that the car arrives as advertised, that is, new and in new condition as promised)? after all, it's not quite like you can just stick it back in the box and call UPS!

many thanks for comments/suggestions.

 

What I'm really wondering is when Chicago moved to the northeast....

But, here's my take on ordering from outside your state:
- for one, the car is going to go through several people's hands, from being moved from the dealership, to a transport, off the transport, etc. If I'm paying for a new car, I don't really want everyone and their brother getting to drive it before me.
- second, a long trip on an exposed trailer makes for a messy car. I had my VW shipped from CA to VA years ago... you can't imagine how disgustingly dirty it was.
- third, if you buy from another state, you'll have to make a trip to the local DMV, pay sales tax, get registered, etc. That's a pain in the ass... I'd rather let a local dealer take care of all that crap for me.

 

heffergm, I don't see where he says Chicago is in the northeast.

Anyways, I bought my car in another state and saved over $1000 even after buying my one way plane ticket the day before I picked up the car and drove it back. I was living in Austin at the time and the car was in Lafayette, LA so it wasn't too bad of a drive, but you should consider picking it up and driving it back instead of shipping. What better way to get to know your new car than a road trip?

Best thing to do is get some references from people that have purchased through that dealership before you place an order. I got several good references for the dealership I used and it was about as smooth as a car purchase could be. My salesman picked me up at the airport and took me back to the dealership where my car was freshly detailed, locked, and ready to go. I signed a couple of papers and gave them some money and I was on my way. I don't think I was even in the city of Lafayette for an hour from when my plane touched down to hitting the Interstate on my way back to Austin. If you feel like you can save enough money and don't mind picking up your car, then you should definitely consider ordering it from a dealer in another state.

 

I bought my car from the Chicago area back in October, right after the 04's came out. No one in California had the color combo I wanted (Silvestone/Red/Black). There was none in the state, my car had been stolen and totaled, so I couldn't wait for one to come in.

Lou, from Joliet Honda had just the car I wanted, and I got a great deal on it.

Shipping and the DMV can be a hassle, but InterCity Lines shipped the car, and it was perfect when it arrived. They only ship with enclosed trailers. And my car was driving onto the trailer, and stayed there for the whole trip.

 

Yep, nothing wrong with buying and shipping. You can definitely save even more if you fly there and drive it home.

Check it out: http://marketplace.s2ki.com/docs/2004S2000/index.php

 

thanks, everyone! good info.

come to think of it, i did the DMV thing when i bought my wife's car in SC. i agree it is a hassle, but probably worth it.

references -- great idea!

going to pick it up is a possibility as the drive would be fun, but i'll have to weigh shipping cost against airline cost and time.

i guess my big fear is having the car arrive with something wrong (paint chips, swirl marks in paint, whatever) but if it is a reliable dealer this probably won't happen.

thanks again for commenting!

 

This seems to be the out of state dealership of choice for someone looking the Chicago area. To save even more bucks, see if you can fly into Midway Airport instead of O'Hare (MDW instead of ORD for those searching expedia or orbitz) Midway is closer to Joliet, and is usually cheaper to fly into.

I have not personally worked with them, but have never heard a bad report from anyone on their deal with Joliet. Kim would be the other person to talk to there if Lou is not available when you call.

 

Yes, both Lou and Kim were a pleasure to deal with. Buying a car from them, even though we were 2000 miles apart, was the easiest and most pleasurable buying experience I have ever had.

As far as shipping fears go...if you use a good shipper, they insure the car while they are transporting it, so if it shows up with any damage, they have are responsible for it.