I'm thinking about ordering from out of state, to avoid the huge markups over MSRP here in southern CA (Universal Mini $6,000 over MSRP!!!). Anybody know of what hoops (if any) you have to jump through to register your new car in California? I know the DMV doesn't like it ...they say so on their site.

 

hey bbuskas welcome to the board. i order my mcs in baton rouge. pay msrp. i check with the dmv they said as long as the car pass the cal emission. you not going to have any problem register, just pay the diffrent in the taxes. for example if you going to oder the car in the state that the taxes is 6%. you have to paid 2.5% diffrent at the dmv.

 

Ok sounds good, I figured out the taxes and fees. My dealer in Indianapolis assured me that the MINI is CA emissions certified and MINI even certifies it for 4 or 5 years-paying for any necessary repairs in the meantime. Thanks for your help!

 

I got mine thru MINI of Murray in Salt Lake City. No problems registering in Ca. Just had to get a smog done ($57), and pay liscense and tax. As soon as I got all the paperwork (title) I could pick up my personal plates too.. :smile:
I figured a hotel room and gas was alot cheaper then paying the CA mark-up.

Nik

_________________
Picked up on Dec 28th, Mini Cooper S, Liquid Yellow w/ white roof, premuim, and sports package......

 

I purchased mine through Haberstad Mini in Long Island, N.Y., and I'm taking it to Calif. DMV this afternoon. I had it smogged as required (even though all Minis are 50-State certified) and taking my purchase paperwork, including Certificate of Orign.
Apparently that is supposed to do it. The car has to go to DMV so that they can verify the under-hood tag as smog certified. I plan to pay Ca. sales tax and standard registration fees.. If I have any problems I'll make another entry here when I get back from DMV.

 

Hi BBuskas!

I ordered mine from Keeler MINI in Latham NY this past Saturday. I already have my production number and production date!

I live in South Orange County, and have already talked to a lady that bought her MINI from Latham as well. She lives in the San Diego area. Keeler MINI says they will take care of all the California DMV paperwork and sales tax and will pay it directly to the CA DMV. I just give them my check for the total purchase price, plus tax and doc fees and I'm done. I know I will have to get a smog check, but that's no big deal. By the time I get my car, I'll run down and have the smog check done. Since it's done electronically here in California, I won't even have to walk into the DMV! I'm working on getting quotes to have my car shipped here since I just don't have the time to fly to NY and drive back.

Good luck! It's easier than you think!

 

I bought my MCS in NY at Westchester MINI. They gave me a transit tag to drive out here. When I got home, I had the car smogged, easy, and went to the DMV with all the paperwork I had. Got my plates, paid CA tax, thought it was all done. Got a letter a week later saying they needed the NY title. Coincidentally, the Certificate of Origin got to my mailbox the same day I went for the first time. Took the C of O down there, waited forever, but once I showed it to them I was officially done......still much better than waiting extra months here....Bruce in Santa Monica

 

What is the Certificate of Origin? Is it something I'll get when I buy my car?

 

Thanks TWINS! Good luck waiting in all the lines at the DMV! Thanks to everybody else as well. Sounds like Mini has made it pretty easy sailing for us here in Cali. The smog check I had already included in my list of things to do when I get my Mini in April! I'm probably looking to be shipping it from Indianapolis (still debating enclosed transportation vs double-trailer truck [about $800open trailer and $1200enclosed at most places]). Let me know what other people chose for shipping as for carrier and costs! thanks!

Bryan

!!MCS on the way, dark grey, Premium, Sport, Cold Weather, Harmon Kardon, Roof Rack [for my surfboard! :smile: ], black/lapis blue leather, alloy patina interior.!! :smile:

 

i got mine at mini of universal...500 bucks over invoice.........waited 3 weeks..delivery this sat--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

What kind Red? what are the specs?

 

I guess TWINS did not have a problem!

Doug

 

Ok, which out of state dealers deal with DMV for you? One of my concerns was the tax, I mean, if I get the car delivered here, or drive it, I would have to pay tax, I rather have that rolled into the loan, save my "cash" for other things, you know? I do like the idea of ordering from NY, as they get thier cars in 7-8 days, as opposed to the CA dealer who get them in 22-27 days.... any hints, suggestions for me? Thanks.

Doug

 

Sales tax can still be included in your loan (mine was). All you need to do is show that you are paying the same sales tax rate as if you bought the car locally (it will be on the invoice from the dealer).

 

Yes. It will be with the rest of the paperwork. A little half-page with one of those "do not photocopy" background patterns.

 

There are no hoops. The DMV only has a problem with just-barely-used cars being purchased out-of-state and then brought to California. New cars are fine.

Get car (I got mine from Mini of the Hamptons, $500 shipped to CA primarily via train), get car smogged, take paperwork to DMV. Sales tax can either be added to the purchase price/loan, or you can pay a lump sum at the DMV.

 

I'm in the same boat. PA resident, buying from Classic MINI in OH.

Here's the skinny my creditor (USAA) gave me:

If purchasing out-of-state, and you want to roll tax and tags into your loan amount, notify bank of correct fee amount (you can get this in advance) and recipient, and they will cut a check to state DMV or duly authorized agent (I use a services agency with great hours -- Saturdays!) for you.

You should certainly, with bill of sale in hand, call DMV, verify needed paperwork, and have them compute the necessary total on the spot.

At least, that's the plan on this end :-)

Cheers,
Matthew Z