Live in CA - buy in another state?

I would certainly contact both states' DMVs and pose your intentions to see what you have to do to comply with their requirements. Are you flying to Maine and driving Prime home; are you having Prime shipped? What taxes, fees, one-way-trip permits, etc. do you need? Do the warranty documents in Maine match the highly protective docs in California?
What docs will California need to register as new car?, MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin), etc. What about insurance til you get car home. Are you financing? What does bank need to ok loan?
There's a lot to look out for.
Me, I bought locally 'cause I figure if I have a problem, I can always drive back to the person I bought it from, and grab 'em by the throat....Har, har

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I suggest you contact your state tax assessor, you will need from the dealership manufacturer of certification, vehicle inspection, pay state tax, title and register. I suggest you go to Maine inspect car and drive it home, think of it as vacation, you will learn a lot on your vehicle.

 

As far as we know, Maine is good full CARB importable to CA.
Apparently dealers have some way to enter VIN to get the warranty info, but I have never heard using that for a new car.
But that is one approach. Touching base with Toyota USA always a chance we could learn something useful, but I do not anticipate a problem with Maine.

Basically take a look at the warranty guide and make sure Maine is in the same CARB category with CA...should be listed as such.

 

Sam- historically all Prii are CARB certified, which is why Toyota needs to have complex internal policy rules governing which cars they are willing to cover via CARB warranty. That's why it's a bit of a complex issue, in some cases.

US manufacturers like FORD typically have CA vehicles via emissions stickers, so in that case the rules are easier: either you physically have a CARB car or you don't. But I am a little out of date on Prii for Gen4 I assume all Prii still CARB-certified.

 

Ah, gotcha.

That being the case, I at least would just wait for an appropriate one to come available in CA.

iPhone ? Pro

 

I would think MD 95 beltway dealers fairly experienced with CA purchasers

 

5000 off msrp?! from Maine - 1600 for enclosed shipping = 3400 is savings or 2000 discount from CA... what is 1400 worth? If it is not worth hassle in doing paper work, then just wait and buy in California. "FA6" purchased from VT and transport to Houston enclosed. While I drove, from Portland Maine to Houston.

 

Yes, but for comparison reference what will you save buying in your state if available

 

Humble Apologies!
I stand rightfully corrected.
It's not right to make blanket statements like that and I was wrong to do so.

I will state that a healthy amount of skepticism should accompany anyone to a car dealership, and we'll leave it at that.
I'll also stipulate that sellers of cars get lied to by customers from time to time as well.

 

Hey my friend, I'm with you on the skepticism!! That's why I always try to get a referral from trusted friends, in all situations, where possible. My GP, Cardiologist, lately my surgeon and of course my Toyota dealer. I'm lucky to have several hundred decent business contacts to help me. You all here at PriusChat I also value. Thanks!

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Where do you live? CA has the best supply of Primes. I can't believe you can't get what you want here. As far as I know, Toyota does not have better rebates in other states. The whole thing seems like a foolish exercise to me.

 

Do you know anyone who lives out there to verify these price claims? They really sound like too good to be true. I mean you're talking about dealer markups like we had back in the '80s on $46,000 Jaguars. Maybe Toyota has a dealer incentive program exclusive to the East Coast? Or maybe as one of our fellow Chatters has said, we've got some liars here? I'm going to ask my nephews who live on the East Coast if they can find out.

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That price seems too low and below dealer cost. No dealer is going to take a loss. Have you tried other CA dealers in other cities?


iPhone ? Pro

 

I agree, that 25,800 is most likely for the plus. When I bought mine in Jan. the dealers were pretty much at MSRP in NJ.

 

I've got my Prime research detectives working on East Coast pricing right now! They are my nephews and live in that region of the world. Hopefully we should get some realistic numbers from them.

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