Buying a car in IL vs WI or IN to save on sales tax (Chicago: leases, credit)

[lenniel]

Has anyone here bought a car in WI or IL to save on the Chicago sales tax? If you have relatives in either state, you can register the car to them but I think if you want a neighborhood parking sticker, you have to register the car in Chicago but not necessarily buy it here. Correct?

Am I missing something on why you wouldn't buy outside of Chicago to save considerable money on taxes?

(also, if anyone has great tips on buying a used car from the dealer, would love to hear them).
Thanks

[Thepreacherswife]

If you try to register the car in Illinois, you'll have to pay use tax at the time of registration on the difference between the sales tax paid to the state where you purchased and the Illinois rate (generally 6.25% but higher in the collar counties).

Illinois Tax Requirements for Vehicles

AFAIK it's not necessary to have Illinois plates to get a city sticker and zone permit.

[radiojunkie2006]

I bought a new pick up truck in Wisconsin and live in Chicago. They get you for the Illinois taxes at the dealership if it's going to be registered in Illinois.

[xeverex25]

Basically, your SOS. I know this because I bought a car 3 months ago. They will get you.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Originally Posted by lenniel

Has anyone here bought a car in WI or IL to save on the Chicago sales tax? If you have relatives in either state, you can register the car to them but I think if you want a neighborhood parking sticker, you have to register the car in Chicago but not necessarily buy it here. Correct?

Am I missing something on why you wouldn't buy outside of Chicago to save considerable money on taxes?

(also, if anyone has great tips on buying a used car from the dealer, would love to hear them).
Thanks

Agree with the other posters if you register in Illinois you will pay the sales tax for Illinois.

On the flip side you just may be about even it costs more to plate a vehicle in Indiana than in Illinois.

Nothing is for free the money comes from your front or back pocket both states will willingly take your money.

[lenniel]

Thanks for all the comments. I figured that they would get the taxes one way or another so thanks for confirming.

[Vlajos]

Also, a lot times you can negotiate a better price here than in WI or IN.

[Larry Siegel]

I've done this, bought a car in Indiana (not to avoid the tax, but because I thought I was getting a better deal, but I had no intention of paying the extra tax) and boy was I surprised when I got a tax bill from the State of Illinois! The same will happen to you. Sorry.

[lenniel]

Any car buying pros out there?
I'm interested to hear your thoughts on a particular lease promotion that we're considering with Acura. I've never leased a car before but I've read up on some of the small print pitfalls to be aware of. We both have over 800 credit so we will qualify. We're also going to negotiate the annual mileage to be 15k instead of 10k. My only other concern are the 'fees' that are excluded. Deal expires 1/3/2012. I've looked at several other manufacturer promotions on leases and virtually all of them require money down ($2-3K).
Any opinions on this deal?

Here's the details:
2012 MDX 6 Speed Automatic Featured Special Lease -
$0 Due at Lease Signing
$0 down payment

$0 security deposit
$0 first month's payment
due at lease signing Excludes taxes, titles and fees
$570 a month for 35 months thereafter



Excludes taxes, titles and fees. For well-qualified lessees.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

I believe its called a cap cost (actual sales price of the auto or a cap cost reduction.

Ask the dealer the sales price of the vehicle (cap cost) or (cap cost reduction)
Try to negotiate that down.

Be careful with a trade in

if you plan in trading a vehicle negotiate the lease first without telling the thieves then throw it in at the very last minute


Good luck