Top considerations for buying a car out of state

Due to the severe smog problems in Los Angeles, California has been given special permission from the federal government to enforce its own emission laws.

California’s emissions requirements are stricter than that of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). So, learn the requirements and make sure your car is compliant.

California requirements are tougher on hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which become smog. The state also requires older vehicles to be retrofitted to operate cleaner.

Some of the states that have followed Californian emission standards are Connecticut, Maryland, New York and Colorado. These states are often referred to as "CARB states" since the California Air Resources Board defines their regulations.

The Californian emissions test standards have been adopted by the EPA. The EPA collaborates with the state's regulators to enforce stricter national emission standards for future car models.

The provisions in your car insurance policy determine whether you need to get coverage for your new vehicle before or after buying it.

Some insurance agencies cover newly-purchased cars for a certain period, even before it is included in the policy. In case you do not have this provision, you need to get insured immediately.

You can get financing for your car from another state, but the process can be more tedious than taking out a loan in your home state.

If you take out a loan to acquire a vehicle, a lender may require specific conditions, such as proof of insurance, before they release the money.

Before buying the car, get a quote from your insurance company to know how much it will cost to insure it. Review your home state's insurance laws to fulfill minimum coverage standards.

In some instances, your insurance agency will give you a grace period to acquire new auto insurance under the existing policy. If you don't have insurance or your vehicle's value is significantly different, you need to secure a new policy before taking possession of your new car.

Are you planning on driving your car home after purchasing it? If so, then you'll need to secure a temporary registration and insurance before you can legally drive the vehicle.

Requirements depend on the state law and whether you're buying the vehicle from a private seller or an auto dealer.

If you have existing insurance policies, securing coverage for the car may be as easy as making a phone call. Otherwise, you might have to get insurance before you can drive home.

You can also choose to have your car shipped to your home state. Do some research first to find a reliable shipping company that offers reasonable rates, or ask the dealer for referrals.

EchoPark has been growing its delivery centers in various states to make it easy for out-of-state buyers to get the car they want.

An out-of-state auto dealership helps car buyers process the necessary paperwork for their vehicles. They often collect the state tax themselves, and then you have to make up the difference upon visiting the local DMV.

Buying from a dealer also gives you more legal rights, as they have to follow stringent laws. If you encounter any problem with your purchase, you can get a warranty service or possibly a refund.

Buying from a private party means that you have to secure the car's title and registration on your own, which can be time consuming.

With taxes, the fees are usually collected after the actual sale from a private seller. Paying the sales tax is necessary before you can process everything else.

Also, note that a private car seller may not disclose everything about the car’s history to a potential buyer. So make sure to have the car checked for mechanical defects before the purchase.

You should have a used vehicle thoroughly inspected by a mechanic before buying it. Taking the time to have a used car inspected is crucial as the mechanic can evaluate and report any potential problems, particularly with emissions.

With a new vehicle, you may not have to get an emissions test. Even so, the standards can be different in each state. It's essential that you know your area's emission laws before you commit to purchasing a car.

Buying an out-of-state vehicle may be worth the savings depending on the deal. In some cases, it can be beneficial if you buy from a dealership nearby, or if you live on or close to the border of the state you’re planning to buy the car from.

Some out-of-state dealerships offer knockout deals for first-time customers or special discounts on a specific vehicle that you may not find in your state. The potential huge savings can make the long drive and the hassle worthwhile.

These general tips can help you purchase the right car regardless of where you're buying:

• Acquire a Carfax vehicle history report to learn the history of a used vehicle.
• Ensure that the desired car is as advertised and take it out for a test drive.
• Learn about your home state's specific odometer, safety and emissions inspection requirements before purchasing a car.
• Secure a Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, to verify that the car is not stolen.

EchoPark makes it easy for you to buy a car out of state by having delivery centers open in various locations.

Our facilities serve guests from coast to coast, and more are slated to open in the next year.

At EchoPark, we offer one to four-year-old used vehicles priced up to $3,000 less than the competition. Many of our cars are still under the manufacturer's warranty and include an accident-free Carfax report.

Whether you're in the market for an SUV, truck, sedan or something else, EchoPark has you covered.