[Tarheel_in_MD]

Hello everyone,

I am in the market to purchase a mini-van and, through my quest for knowledge, came across this web site. This site is great for learning everything one wanted to know about the Honda Odyssey, as well as convincing me that the Odyssey is by far the better choice right now for mini-vans. Thank you to all. Now, on to my question:

I am on a waiting list right now at a Maryland dealership for a Odyssey. I was thinking that over my holiday vacation, I should check out the dealers in my family's home state. Part of my family lives in a rural area and their honda dealers may be able to 1) give a better deal, or 2) shorten the wait time for the Odyssey.

My question is (finally): Is there an added cost to purchasing a car out of state one lives in? The state I will be visiting does have a higher sales tax (6%) than Maryland (5%), but are there any other added costs I am not thinking of? Will Maryland add some fee when I claim it on my Maryland insurance?

Thank you in advance for your responses. Take care,

-Tarheel in Maryland

 

[ljayweiss]

I came to Western NC from your new home area several years ago. I purchased an Outback in College Park and drove it down to Asheville back in '99 because the price was significantly less up your way. The dealer simply didn't charge any sales (excise in MD) tax - it was paid when applying for a license plate. It should be the same for you in reverse if you find an Odyssey down here. Good luck - I am waiting here for the Havasu Blue to hit the showrooms but in looking around, I have not found any vehicles to be in the showrooms. I have also heard the typical markup stories. Bill Gatton Honda in Bristol TN is willing to sell me one at list when my color arrives or when I give up holding out. I know that Herson's Honda in Rockville MD only adds on a $25 fee. Probably your best bet overall.

 

[Tarheel_in_MD]

Thank you for your response ljayweiss. I too want a Havasu Blue Odyssey to match my love for the Tarheel state.

We will be coming close to your area to look for cars, but I am pretty convinced from looking at other buyers' attempts, that every dealer is offering the same deal. Herson's dealer is offering at MSRP, but I have not ironed out all the details.

Take care and enjoy the Asheville air!!

 

[Gettin'AVan]

Some neighboring states have reciprocal arrangements where they collect sales-tax for each other on major items like automobiles.

 

[billt]

I got my LX from Hersons a few weeks ago. Got a quote from them via autobytel at MSRP. They honored that, but their accessory prices are totally outrageous and a secret--at least I finally got prices out of them over the phone when the van arrived, and thanx to ODYclub I could say no

They also kept us there for two hours at pickup playing games to get us to use their financing.

Probably not the worst Honda dealer around but I had much better experiences buying other brands in this area.



------------------
2002 LX

 

[ragenp]

Tarheel in Maryland,

I live in Maryland and just purchased a (Certified) used Odyssey in West Virginia.

I did not pay tax in WV but will pay it in MD when titling/registering.

I think going "rural" is a great idea. Near the cities there are too many rich people fighting over these vans. We got a great deal I think because there was not as big of market to buy these expensive vans.

However, for a new van they quoted about the same price and wait as one DC area dealer we talked to, but since we purchased the used Ody, we did not get into the details.

If you should care to check it out, we dealt with Plohal Honda in Bridgeport WV (888) 842-5600 and had a very pleasant buying experience.

Patrick

 

[pward76]

I live in a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa. My local dealer cannot get me a RP EX until at least March. I got on the web, created a list of all Honda dealers in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Nebraska. Started calling - closest to farthest. Found 2 vans (at seperate dealers) in the Kansas City area, due for delivery in January and not spoken for. 2 and a half hour trip - one way - no big deal. Put a deposit on one of the KC vans with a credit card - now all I have to do is sell my 94 Grand Caravan in 2 weeks.....

Will pay Iowa tax (sales and property) when I license it.

Pat