Any problems, or hassles in going to Texas (or another state) to purchase a MSRP Mini and bringing it home to California? I'll fly and drive. Just don't want any DMV issues.

 

The MINI's built the same for all 50 states, so there are no emissions issues. But I think you have to pay CA sales tax.

MINI of the Hamptons (Southampton, NY) does a LOT of business with CA buyers - they can tell you more about the regulations.

 

When my Mini arrived from MOTH I had it smog tested, made an appointment with DMV, arrived about 30 minutes early, completed the verification and the 3 minutes of paperwork, stood in line for 5 minutes, joked about Arnold with the DMV staff, paid the sales tax, and left with my California registration and plates.
I was quite surprised with how easy it was to register an out of state purchase. The smog certificate is a must. A DMV appointment is essential unless you like to wait in long lines. Arrive early, park in a space designated for vehicle verification and raise the bonnet. Point out the 'Catalytic Converter" plate located on the outside driver side wheel well to the verifier. Bring all of your purchase documents, a pen to complete the paperwork, a copy of your scheduled appointment and your checkbook .

 

I Also Bought Out Of State, Portand. If You Keep Your Car Out Of Calif For 3 Months And Drive It Regularly, State Tax Is Not Collected.for More Info Check Dmv Sight.. Good Luck.

 

Thanks everyone. It sounds painless, and I'll save a lot of money and have it all broken in by the time I return home! The three months out of state is interesting....CA tax will be $1860....maybe I could just park it in a cave in New Mexico for a few months...I don't think so.

 

I understand they have long wait times in Oregon if you custom order. Is this true?

 

There was a similar thread a while back and here is a copy of my post:

I had the best experience last year when I bought my 04 MCS from MINI of Murray (Salt Lake City area) that I wonder why more So Cal buyers don't do the same. The process and service was actually enjoyable.

I visited three dealers around Orange County and called every MINI dealer in California, Nevada, and Arizona. All either wanted $3K over MSRP or it was MSRP with about a year wait. I was surprised when MINI of Murray said they would sell it to me at MSRP.

I placed the order in August and took delivery Oct 31. My wife and I flew to SLC on Delta (about $75 for each one way ticket). Karen Johnson, our MA, picked us up at the airport in her MINI and she was decked out in her Haloween costume, remember it was Oct 31. We spent about an hour and a half looking over the car and signing papers before driving off for the 700 mile trip to Orange County. Stopped for one night in Las Vegas, had a great buffet at the Bellagio (we could have stayed at the Bellagio for all the money we saved).

The trip was all freeway driving on I-15 so had to vary the speed -- still averaged 75 according to the computer. There is a spot in southern Utah through the Virgin River canyon that has some high speed twisties that put a huge grin on my face as I slashed through them at over 90 mph. By the time I got home the MCS was more than halfway broken in.

The only expense was about $35 for Utah temporary plates and a CA smog check. You pay no Utah tax but pay CA sales tax when you register it.

I would recommend this method for anyone in SoCal thinking of getting an MCS.

 

same thing I did, just had it shipped. Just make sure your paperwork is in order and everything will go smoothly. Congratulations on not feeding the greedy SoCal dealers egos.

 

Oh boy, more tales from the "People's Republik of Kalifornia"

 

JUST THE USUAL TIME , 5 MONTHS FOR A CUSTOM ORDER. I DO HERE IT IS SLIGHTLY LONGER NOW BUT STILL WORTH IT. THE DRIVE HOME WAS BEAUTIFUL!![

QUOTE=speltzer]I understand they have long wait times in Oregon if you custom order. Is this true?[/QUOTE]