Do you think it makes more sense buying a used car in a warmer state?

[fujiyama]

I'll be making a trip from CA to MI soon and I figured I'd buy a car out here and drive it back. I'm guessing that 50k miles in CA is definitely not the same as 50k in MI, which has terrible roads and winter weather...I would have preferred compacts, but have basically had it driving in rain and snow with a small RWD car (just my preference).

What do you think?

Also, any good recommendations for an AWD vehicle? I considered small SUVs (including American cars like Escapes) but am really leaning toward an '03/'04 Audi A4 and a Subaru Legacy. Both have great handling in winter weather. I had a bad experience last winter and want to be prepared this time when snow hits (hell then again it snowed just a week ago in MI).

[taterguy]

1. You might end up spending a bunch of money transferring the title and tags to the new state

I'd also be careful about warm states. If you get one that's spent a lot of time in a coastal area the salt in the air will lead to rust issues.

But I'm really not the best person to ask about car purchases. :P

[XemaSab]

3. I think in order for the car to get salt damage in California

it has to be RIGHT on the coast. Like, within 2 miles or so for a significant length of time.

You'd be more likely to see salt damage in a cold-weather area than in most of California.

[taterguy]

4. I wouldn't buy a car from someone who lived at the beach in NC

Hell, I don't even take my bike there when I go

[Kali]

2. I don't know

I sure see a lot of transport trucks hauling used vehicles traveling in both direction - probably easier to shop at home - I am pretty sure there are websites where you can really search the vehicles ownership history.

[lies and propaganda]

5. the roads here in Cali are the worst..

i get your logic, but I just wanted to throw that in..

[Swede]

6. Some places use a lot of salt for icy roads,which promotes rust in cars.

So watch out for that,too.

[Haole Girl]

7. Some things to think about

If the car has been kept near the ocean (in CA) it might have more rust (from the salt water).

California has some extra costs associated with their cars (at least they used to) like emissions standards... this can be a good thing, but it might be less expensive to buy a car where you live.

Driving cross country has its hazards.

I would buy a Subaru before an Audi (fewer mechanical problems). Given my choice of any SUV, I would buy a Toyota-- they have great safety records and are extremely reliable. Even though Toyota SUV's cost more, you get what you pay for.

Good luck & happy trails to you!

[mnhtnbb]

8. I bought an 07 car I found on the internet, flew to Cincinnati for purchase and drove home to NC

about 10 days ago. I wanted a specific color and options that were hard to find locally in a pre-owned car.
Got a fairly good deal--about $3K under Blue Book. If you're going to buy from the internet, be sure
to drive a similar model locally so you don't waste your time going to pick up something that doesn't have options you want (especially in seating).

My previous car I bought from Carmax, and this one I found through autotrader.com