I was wondering if anyone has bought out of state. An ohio dealer has offered me an S2000 for $500 under msrp, with a $500 shipping fee. He told me that all Honda cars are 50 states emissioned. Can anyone let me know if I will have to pay any extra fees or such by ordering out of state, especially in CA (because of the strict emissions). I would really appreciate it!

 

I bought out of state (Indiana). There is only one S2000 motor, 50 state certified, so there should be no problem there. Does CA do an emissions inspection on new cars? Some states do. You should not have to pay Ohio sales tax on a car delivered and titled out of state, but you can expect to pay CA sales tax when you register your car. $500 shipping from Ohio to CA is cheap - open shipping on a car carrier I presume?

 

I'm purchasing out of state. However, I am also registering there since this is where my permanent residency is. CA registration is very expensive and taxes as you know aren't any cheaper. $500 is dirt cheap for shipping. I'm shipping from MD to CA for $1575. This is a top notch service though including an enclosed trailer, special cloth covers and an onboard GPS system so you can track your baby the whole ride. I would be devasted if I spent all of this money on a limited run car just to have it shipped on an open car carrier with scratches and chips galour. Don't forget all of the harsh weather it's going to have to go through as well across country this time of year. $500 under MSRP is unheard of!!! Pay the extra for enclosed car carrier it'll be worth it. By the way, the car carrier is at http://www.intercitylines.com. Check 'em out!

 

hey JackTs2K,

i can chime in on that one. yes, CA does require a smog certification on all vehicles upon entering the state for registration, even on brand new vehicles. and, depending upon state taxation, you'll most likely just pay the difference in tax to CA when bringing in a new vehicle.

 

do a search
you'll find this has been discussed in the past.
one sample.

 

Even my very anal credit union was OK on an out-of-state S2000 after I got a photo from under the hood of one in the showroom in Ohio. Should be easy at DMV as well, the emissions plate explicitly states CA Smog Certified. I agree on $500 for shipping, it is too cheap to be safe. You are saving on the price so be comfortable with the transit. You are still beating CA pricing.

 

Why not see if you can get the dealer to hold the car for another month, use the $500 for a plane ticket and have a nice cross-country trip back to CA to break in your car and a little vacation? It would be a great way to get to know your S2K.

 

Thanks for your replies everyone. I've spoken with the dealer regarding the delivery, and we're working on something we both are happy with. He told me that it would be shipped the same way the S2000's are initially shipped to dealers, so I'm not sure. But thanks for the help regarding CA emissions!

 

I live in CA and bought my S2k in Oregon, Eugene Oregon to be exact. Here's what happened:

Since I financed the car, Oregon dealer collects the reg. and tax upon pick up of car (factored into the financing). They then sent a check for the CA reg. and tax fees to the CA DMV of my choice (wherever you plan on registering it) along with the the title docs and other stuff. Shortly after I returned from Oregon with the new car, I called the DMV to verify that they have received these materials and made an appointment to bring the car in for inspection. I then went to the DMV on the appointment date and filled out some paperwork and let them inspect the car, they will look for things like the VIN placard, the emissions sticker under the hood, and things like that. Then you will need to get a smog check, and if you have time you can go straight back to the DMV with the smog cert. otherwise you will have to make anothe appointment. I was able to get it in the same day. Upon my return to the DMV later in the day with the smog cert., they gave me my reg. cert. and new license plates. Kind of nerve racking if you're new at this, but they do it all the time and this is the standard procedure.

Check out this thread from a while back that I posted regarding this issue:
http://www.s2000online.com/forums/showthre...p?threadid=5195

 

or you can be a scofflaw and run out-of-state plates until its time to renew. I know, I am a bad influence

But seriously, I would see if you can get a closed transport fot the vehicle. Definitely worth the price, and if your car is paid in full and tax is paid in OH, you can wait 30-60 days (check DMV website or call) until CA sales tax (or use tax) would be waived b/c it would then be a "used vehicle"

Good luck.