Another MN car buying question (but unique!) (St. Paul: sales, lease)

[giuseppe juice]

So my wife and I currently live in Chicago and are moving up there end of August. We currently do not own a car, nor have we had one in ten years, but are looking to buy one. This whole process is rather unnerving to say the least, as we don't know much about cars. Anyway...

We're coming up there next week to look for a place to live and thought we could buy a car while we're at it, that way we don't have to register it twice (Chicago city stickers and all that nonsense) and save money. My question is: Can I buy a car up there with temporary plates, with the intention of coming back in 30ish days to fully register it in MN? I called a couple dealers and got the run a rounds. One person sounded like I could give them my families address in St. Paul without having to prove residency (copy of lease, bill etc.). Sounds fishy...

Any other options? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!




Giuseppe

[rzzz]

Yeah, I had a situation like that and registered my car at my dad's place in northern MN. As far as I remember I didn't have to prove residency, just give an address.

[giuseppe juice]

Thanks for the speedy reply rzzz.

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Giuseppe.

[vivithemage]

Not sure if late to the game, but if you buy from any decent dealer they'll give you 21 day plates.

[MnMomma]

We bought in Chicago just before moving to Minnesota. We didn't pay sales or registration taxes in IL--but had to provide them with a signed lease in Minnesota. We then paid the taxes and registration here. Worked out great and saved us money.

[plain and simple]

The last time I bought a car (1993) was from Saturn. I sold it in 2000 at more than the Blue Book value because it was in mint condition. They paid for every oil change (and car wash) as long as I brought it to the dealership. There were also quite a few other freebies throughout the years - tire rotation, fixing flats, engine checks, etc., They held annual summer picnics for Saturn owners, free of charge.

Sadly, Saturn has gone out of business. I don't know why and it doesn't really matter to me. My personal experience with them was nothing but stellar.

The reason I bought a Saturn in the first place was because I didn't want to haggle. Tell me how much the car is and, if I'm willing to pay it, I'll buy it. I don't trust auto dealers where you can haggle. I don't like playing games.