Friday, April 30, 2010

What Are the Additional Fees When Buying a Car?

If you plan to purchase a vehicle privately without registering or titling it, you may not pay any fees at all. Registering and titling a vehicle requires you to pay a variety of fees, which depend on the state and county you live in. You'll also pay additional fees if purchasing from a dealership.

Tax

    Most states charge tax for a vehicle purchase, and some charge more than others. Taxes are figured differently by state and county. Some states may require you to pay more than 8 percent for a car purchase. While the amounts vastly differ, some states allow you to deduct the trade-in value -- if you have one -- from your purchase price before applying taxes. Some states also view manufacturer discounts for new cars differently; some require buyers to pay tax on the vehicle's full purchase price before applying any discounts.

Document Fees

    If you're purchasing from a dealership, you can expect to pay a document fee. This fee is justified by dealers as a charge for handling bank contracts or motor vehicle paperwork on your behalf. A document fee differs by dealer and state, and some states cap the total amount a dealership can charge. A capped fee might be under $100, but some dealers can charge moe than $600. Because the cost can fluctuate by hundreds of dollars, you should consider purchasing from a dealer who does not charge the maximum price for this fee.

Registration and Titling

    To register and title your vehicle, you likely have to pay for your title application and registration fees, which are based on the weight and type of vehicle. If you are purchasing from a dealership, it handles the process for you and collects the state's applicable fees. Each state has a different process and charges differently for registration and titling. The pricing information can usually be found on your state's motor vehicle website.

Inspections and Emissions

    Inspection and emission requirements also differ by state. Most cars have to pass some form of safety inspection or emissions testing. If purchasing from a dealership, you can expect the process to be completed before you purchase your vehicle; the dealer charges you for any inspections your state requires. If purchasing privately, you likely have to complete the testing on your own. Some states offer a temporary inspection sticker, giving you time to complete the inspection or testing, while other states require that the tests be completed before you apply for the car's title or registration.

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