R50/53 Mini shopping
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: California
I am looking to buy a MINI. I live in California and have found that the best way to get one at a semi resonable price is to look out of state.
The question I have is regarding emissions. I need to find a MINI that meets california requirements. Now I have spoken with a dealer on the east coast and he says he ships them here all the time but that means nothing cuz people often don't check if they will have a problem registering their car they just buy.
THE POINT: Does anyone know if all MINIs in the US are CA emissions cerified. or could you take a peak under your bonnet?
Thanks
The question I have is regarding emissions. I need to find a MINI that meets california requirements. Now I have spoken with a dealer on the east coast and he says he ships them here all the time but that means nothing cuz people often don't check if they will have a problem registering their car they just buy.
THE POINT: Does anyone know if all MINIs in the US are CA emissions cerified. or could you take a peak under your bonnet?
Thanks
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 0
From: Lakeside, CA
I'm sure they are the same as Crevier gets them from out of state all the time.
I bought mine here rather than go through any kind of problems. That way I had someone here to talk to /ask questions of/ and show me what was what.
How much will you save out of state? How much hastle with the DMV?
Earl
I bought mine here rather than go through any kind of problems. That way I had someone here to talk to /ask questions of/ and show me what was what.
How much will you save out of state? How much hastle with the DMV?
Earl
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Right here smelling exhaust fumes
Hello...
I have had a bunch of cutsomers from California. MINIs in the US are CA emissions certified. You should not have ANY issues registering your MINI in your state if you purchase out of state.
I have had a bunch of cutsomers from California. MINIs in the US are CA emissions certified. You should not have ANY issues registering your MINI in your state if you purchase out of state.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 1
By all means, buy from out of state -- don't give these miserable CA dealers a single dollar more than you have to.
I purchased mine out of state. As someone pointed out earlier, MINIs are 50 state cars.
However, you will still have to get an emissions test done before you will be able to register it in CA.
The other thing you should be aware of is the sales tax. If you have to pay sales tax in the other state, and if that tax is less than what CA would have charged, you will owe CA the difference (if the other state charges no sales tax, you will owe CA the entire amount). However, if you paid the other state more tax than CA would have charged, you won't get any money back from CA.
It's a small price to pay to avoid being gouged by CA dealers.
I purchased mine out of state. As someone pointed out earlier, MINIs are 50 state cars.
However, you will still have to get an emissions test done before you will be able to register it in CA.
The other thing you should be aware of is the sales tax. If you have to pay sales tax in the other state, and if that tax is less than what CA would have charged, you will owe CA the difference (if the other state charges no sales tax, you will owe CA the entire amount). However, if you paid the other state more tax than CA would have charged, you won't get any money back from CA.
It's a small price to pay to avoid being gouged by CA dealers.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 354
Likes: 3
From: Encinitas, Ca
Quite a few CA people have bought/are buying out of state. There have even been a few group buys to minimize transportation costs. See this thread (Ultimate Classic MINI Group Buy) for more information about what you need to do/know to register your car in CA.
I live in CA, I've ordered a MINI Cooper S thru Julie at Classic MINI, should be late May to early June delivery. I'm willing to bet they have MINIs in stock if you don't like to wait.
Shelly
I live in CA, I've ordered a MINI Cooper S thru Julie at Classic MINI, should be late May to early June delivery. I'm willing to bet they have MINIs in stock if you don't like to wait.
Shelly
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
MINIs are emissions certified for 50 states. There is lots of informative and helpful information about the California lisence process here and at MINI2.
I ordered my Works MCS from Mini of the Hamptons not only because of the California dealer gouging but also because MOTH is very knowledgeable, straight forward, have tremendous experience shipping MINIs to the west coast, and very easy to work with. Mike Ditto worked late to process my order January 7 and my MINI arrived at Mike's desk on February 14.
I made an appointment at DMV to register Poco Loco, did the smog test, had DMV verify the VIN and emissions compliance, paid the tax and left with my plates. It's a painless process if you make an appointment and follow the DMV procedures.
I am a very happy with all that Mike Dito did and how he kept me informed and I am exceptionally happy with my Works MCS.
I ordered my Works MCS from Mini of the Hamptons not only because of the California dealer gouging but also because MOTH is very knowledgeable, straight forward, have tremendous experience shipping MINIs to the west coast, and very easy to work with. Mike Ditto worked late to process my order January 7 and my MINI arrived at Mike's desk on February 14.
I made an appointment at DMV to register Poco Loco, did the smog test, had DMV verify the VIN and emissions compliance, paid the tax and left with my plates. It's a painless process if you make an appointment and follow the DMV procedures.
I am a very happy with all that Mike Dito did and how he kept me informed and I am exceptionally happy with my Works MCS.
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: California
>>I'm sure they are the same as Crevier gets them from out of state all the time.
>>
>>I bought mine here rather than go through any kind of problems. That way I had someone here to talk to /ask questions of/ and show me what was what.
>>
>>How much will you save out of state? How much hastle with the DMV?
>>
>>Earl
Thanx for your input. I will either save $3000 or 10 months. I don't mind waiting but ten months is a while. Is that your mini? I am thinking of liquid yellow. Though everyone I know think I am crazy.
>>
>>I bought mine here rather than go through any kind of problems. That way I had someone here to talk to /ask questions of/ and show me what was what.
>>
>>How much will you save out of state? How much hastle with the DMV?
>>
>>Earl
Thanx for your input. I will either save $3000 or 10 months. I don't mind waiting but ten months is a while. Is that your mini? I am thinking of liquid yellow. Though everyone I know think I am crazy.
Winechick:
Piece of cake registering a MINI in CA that was purchased out of state. I've registered 3 after purchasing from Julie Saxa at Classic MINI in Mentor, OH (See the Dealer Ratings on NAM (left sidebar) Here's the info:
Registering a MINI in California that has been purchased out of state is a straightforward process. There are only a couple of minor differences from buying a car from a CA dealer, and they include having to handle the DMV transactions in person rather than having the dealer do it for you (which they generally charge you for as a "documentation fee" ) In addition, you have to take the car to be tested at a Smog station, and have the vehicle "verified" by a police officer or a DMV employee to be sure the documentation matches the vehicle and that it is
CA smog-legal.
The requirements are laid out at the CA's DMV website, here:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/osreg.htm#BM2561 including what forms you will need---which you can download from their website (including the verification form, page 2 of Form 343)
Essentially the steps include:
What paperwork you need:
-Purchase Agreement which DMV will use to establish value for CA registration fee and tax purposes.
-Statement of Origin from BMW or a Vehicle Title issued by the State where you bought the car. This establishes your legal right to possession of the car. This should be FedEx'd to you from the dealer after purchase.
-Proof of insurance coverage from your insurance agency/agent.
-Vehicle Verification performed by a Police Officer or DMV. The forms are not available online, and must be obtained at DMV or AAA. The owner cannot complete this form. It has to be done by the officer or DMV
-Smog Certificate (see below for requirements)
-Application for Title and Registration (DMV Reg Form 343, available online from DMV)
What you have to do:
-Get a Smog Certificate. Check:
http://smogcheck.ca.gov/ZIPAREA/ziplookup.aspx by your ZIP Code to see whether you live in an area that requires a Basic or Enhanced Smog test. The MINI will pass as it is certified in all 50 states (as is the JCW Kit) You just have to have a Certificate to register an out-of-state car in CA
-Have the Vehicle Verified Check with your local Police Department to see if they provide this service or check with the local office of the Highway Patrol. Otherwise, you will have to have this done at the DMV Field Office, and it usually requires an appointment. You'll need all your documentation AND the vehicle for this, and it generally can be done in less than 1/2 an hour.
-Make an Appointment at DMV. Once you have your Smog Certificate, your verification, and all the paperwork mentioned above, you're ready to register the car at DMV. Bring your checkbook. They don't take credit cards at most offices. You can make an appointment online at DMV. Look here for how to make an appointment:
https://eg.dmv.ca.gov/foAppt/Welcome.jsp
What it's going to cost:
-Registration: Approximately $40. You may pay about $17 more if you are changing the Title or adding registered owners
-Use Tax which is equal to the sales tax you would pay in the CA city in which the car will be registered. You can use this link to determine what what percentage of the purchase price the tax will be:
http://www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/pam71.htm
-Vehicle License Fee (VLF). VLF is equal to 2% of 100% of the value (purchase price) of the vehicle when first registered in CA, less 66 2/3% . For example, VLF for the 1st year of registration for a $23,000 MINI would be $23,000 x 1 x .02 = $460 less 66 2/3% or $460 - $306 = $154 . (Next year when you register the car it would be $23,000 x .9 x .02 less 66 2/3% or $414 - 276 = $138) and so on.
What many MINI buyers don't realize is that they pay sales tax on the $2,500 or $3,000 over the MSRP that some CA dealers are charging. In addition, they pay VLF on that amount when they first register the car and every year thereafter. This amounts to at least $250 in extral fees when initially registering a car in CA.
Charlie
Piece of cake registering a MINI in CA that was purchased out of state. I've registered 3 after purchasing from Julie Saxa at Classic MINI in Mentor, OH (See the Dealer Ratings on NAM (left sidebar) Here's the info:
Registering a MINI in California that has been purchased out of state is a straightforward process. There are only a couple of minor differences from buying a car from a CA dealer, and they include having to handle the DMV transactions in person rather than having the dealer do it for you (which they generally charge you for as a "documentation fee" ) In addition, you have to take the car to be tested at a Smog station, and have the vehicle "verified" by a police officer or a DMV employee to be sure the documentation matches the vehicle and that it is
CA smog-legal.
The requirements are laid out at the CA's DMV website, here:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/osreg.htm#BM2561 including what forms you will need---which you can download from their website (including the verification form, page 2 of Form 343)
Essentially the steps include:
What paperwork you need:
-Purchase Agreement which DMV will use to establish value for CA registration fee and tax purposes.
-Statement of Origin from BMW or a Vehicle Title issued by the State where you bought the car. This establishes your legal right to possession of the car. This should be FedEx'd to you from the dealer after purchase.
-Proof of insurance coverage from your insurance agency/agent.
-Vehicle Verification performed by a Police Officer or DMV. The forms are not available online, and must be obtained at DMV or AAA. The owner cannot complete this form. It has to be done by the officer or DMV
-Smog Certificate (see below for requirements)
-Application for Title and Registration (DMV Reg Form 343, available online from DMV)
What you have to do:
-Get a Smog Certificate. Check:
http://smogcheck.ca.gov/ZIPAREA/ziplookup.aspx by your ZIP Code to see whether you live in an area that requires a Basic or Enhanced Smog test. The MINI will pass as it is certified in all 50 states (as is the JCW Kit) You just have to have a Certificate to register an out-of-state car in CA
-Have the Vehicle Verified Check with your local Police Department to see if they provide this service or check with the local office of the Highway Patrol. Otherwise, you will have to have this done at the DMV Field Office, and it usually requires an appointment. You'll need all your documentation AND the vehicle for this, and it generally can be done in less than 1/2 an hour.
-Make an Appointment at DMV. Once you have your Smog Certificate, your verification, and all the paperwork mentioned above, you're ready to register the car at DMV. Bring your checkbook. They don't take credit cards at most offices. You can make an appointment online at DMV. Look here for how to make an appointment:
https://eg.dmv.ca.gov/foAppt/Welcome.jsp
What it's going to cost:
-Registration: Approximately $40. You may pay about $17 more if you are changing the Title or adding registered owners
-Use Tax which is equal to the sales tax you would pay in the CA city in which the car will be registered. You can use this link to determine what what percentage of the purchase price the tax will be:
http://www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/pam71.htm
-Vehicle License Fee (VLF). VLF is equal to 2% of 100% of the value (purchase price) of the vehicle when first registered in CA, less 66 2/3% . For example, VLF for the 1st year of registration for a $23,000 MINI would be $23,000 x 1 x .02 = $460 less 66 2/3% or $460 - $306 = $154 . (Next year when you register the car it would be $23,000 x .9 x .02 less 66 2/3% or $414 - 276 = $138) and so on.
What many MINI buyers don't realize is that they pay sales tax on the $2,500 or $3,000 over the MSRP that some CA dealers are charging. In addition, they pay VLF on that amount when they first register the car and every year thereafter. This amounts to at least $250 in extral fees when initially registering a car in CA.
Charlie
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: California
Charlie-
You are my hero. Thank you so much for all the info.
Has anyone dealt with or heard anyting about MINIS IN MOTION. They are a dealer in CT. Or does anyone have a suggestion of from whom to buy?
Thank you
You are my hero. Thank you so much for all the info.
Has anyone dealt with or heard anyting about MINIS IN MOTION. They are a dealer in CT. Or does anyone have a suggestion of from whom to buy?
Thank you
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 633
Likes: 0
From: so cal
I used Amy at Mini of Jacksonville FL. Paid MSRP, and the paperwork and professionalism was top notch. I am also a CA resident. Have also heard good things about Mini of the Hamptons back east. Good luck.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
All the forms required to register an out of stae auto are available on line and you can make an appointment at DMV Appointment. It is well worth the while to look the DMV web site to understand the difference between sales tax and VLF; they are separate items which will be detailed on the receipt from DMV. You will be charged your county sales tax rate plus the California VLF.
I reviewed documents from a prior auto purchas and found absolutely no difference in the tax and VLF rates for an in state purchase vis-a-vis an out of state purchase. The big hit is that the sales tax and VLF must be paid at time of registration. Smog test cost me about $45and took 30 minutes. DMV took about 45 minutes, most of which was talking MINIs with the verifier.
Like I said, it is a painless process if you make an appointment with DMV. Morning appointments are best. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment, park in a designated Vehicle Inspection spot, open your hood and point the verifier to the 'Catalyst' plate located on the driver side front wheel well.
Registration is not a bureaucratic maze or a nightmare unless you forget your paperwork or checkbook. PM or e-mail me and I will be happy to walk you through the process. If you are in Orange County I would be happy to accompany you.
I reviewed documents from a prior auto purchas and found absolutely no difference in the tax and VLF rates for an in state purchase vis-a-vis an out of state purchase. The big hit is that the sales tax and VLF must be paid at time of registration. Smog test cost me about $45and took 30 minutes. DMV took about 45 minutes, most of which was talking MINIs with the verifier.
Like I said, it is a painless process if you make an appointment with DMV. Morning appointments are best. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment, park in a designated Vehicle Inspection spot, open your hood and point the verifier to the 'Catalyst' plate located on the driver side front wheel well.
Registration is not a bureaucratic maze or a nightmare unless you forget your paperwork or checkbook. PM or e-mail me and I will be happy to walk you through the process. If you are in Orange County I would be happy to accompany you.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 0
You could always give MINI of Hawaii a call. Randy (Kohu'ula Mini) and Justin (ESOTERIC) are members here and have sold many cars to mainland owners and are experienced in shipping them to the mainland. 808-593-8699
Shipping to CA is @ $950.
Shipping to CA is @ $950.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
How much can California buyers save buying out of state, can you actually pay below invoice in other states? By gouging, do you mean the $2K-to-$5K added by most California dealers? I bought my MINI in Califonia and wasn't "gouged", you just have to find the right dealer.
retroom
retroom
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: California
>> I bought my MINI in Califonia and wasn't "gouged", you just have to find the right dealer.
>>
>>retroom
Where?
I have found only one place that doesn't charge 2500 or more over MSRP and they have a 10 month wait for the MCS.
>>
>>retroom
Where?
I have found only one place that doesn't charge 2500 or more over MSRP and they have a 10 month wait for the MCS.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara
Also depending on where your DMV is located make your reservation early. The car must be registered within ten days of getting it. My DMV had over a month long wait for an appointment so I had to wait for two hours in line. So if you know when it will be there call now :smile:
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
I found that all Southland dealers, except Long Beach Mini, were adding $3-6k of 'dealer add ons' which added no value to the bottom line and that excludes any shipping charges from other sources. The MA's are all nice people but never could provide a reasonable answer concerning the add ons. I offered cash not wanting to pay over MSRP for a spec MCS meeting price resistance and/or extremely lengthy wait lists of 6 to 16 months. Seemed to me that what I wanted locally was not available within a reasonable time frame so I did a bit of homework, made calls, did more homework and more calls.
I was quite pleased with several out of state dealers. The SoCal attitude just vanished with these dealers; very friendly, no noses in the air, just down to earth nicee people. Immediate ordering was possible and no 'dealer add ons' were in thier vocabulary.
Mini of the Hamptons had it all hands down. Nothing wrong with the other dealers I talked with but MOTH had the experience I was in search of. I learned from the shipping agent that they had seen more MOTH MINIs arrive in SoCal than from any other dealer.
Did I save $? I pocketed the dealer premium of $6,000, less shipping, was able to get what I wanted in a very reasonable time.
Yea, I'm happy.
I was quite pleased with several out of state dealers. The SoCal attitude just vanished with these dealers; very friendly, no noses in the air, just down to earth nicee people. Immediate ordering was possible and no 'dealer add ons' were in thier vocabulary.
Mini of the Hamptons had it all hands down. Nothing wrong with the other dealers I talked with but MOTH had the experience I was in search of. I learned from the shipping agent that they had seen more MOTH MINIs arrive in SoCal than from any other dealer.
Did I save $? I pocketed the dealer premium of $6,000, less shipping, was able to get what I wanted in a very reasonable time.
Yea, I'm happy.
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, OH
I'll give a big thumbs up to Julie at Classic in Mentor. They do have that group buy going (at least I think it's still going).
I'm ordering my MC from her this Saturday, and have been quite happy with her work.
I'm ordering my MC from her this Saturday, and have been quite happy with her work.
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