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Old 09-21-2009, 10:29 AM
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Gunner Gunner is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sacramento, CA
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA 707, 446ci FE
Posts: 1,115
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Default California registration for out of state purchase

Hi - yet another new member. I've lurked around the Cobra sites and forums for a long time but never had anything to contribute. Now, I come equipped with a hunting license from my wife (anniversary+birthday gift) and it's time to get serious.

It's going to be an ERA, no question, with a traditional big-block driveline (no 4.6L, no EFI, no six-speeds...)

I have some candidates but find myself a little lost in the forest of interstate purchase and registration. I'm hoping someone can hit the major points for me and save me (and probably some confused others) some time in sifting the great mass of information here and elsewhere.

Bottom line, I've never bought a significantly expensive vehicle across a state line. (I've been lucky and found all mine within California!) Now I'm looking at a couple of ERAs on the East Coast, and am not sure what I'm looking at in purchasing one of them.

I understand the SB100 situation and my plan is to acquire my Cobra between now and the end of the year, then celebrate 2010 by standing in line at DMV at the crack of dawn 01/04/10.

What I don't have a handle on is the period in between. Short answers, or links to answers, for these would be greatly appreciated!
  • If I buy a car in NY, do I owe sales tax in both states or just CA?
  • What's my situation between the day I get keys in hand and the day I finally get my SB100 certificate? Can I insure and drive the beast on interim paperwork? If I go through the normal registration process, what can I do about the smog issue between, say, October and January? In short, is there any way I can insure and drive the car while waiting for the SB100 certificate and registration?

Thanks for all info... looking forward to being a productive contributing member here.
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