What you'll need when you buy a car

There are just 3 or 4 things you will need to bring with you to help us close the sale for you. The list below will help you by your knowing what you will need to bring with you at the time of closing. 

1. Valid driver's license: Operator's or learner's permit, so we can copy it for you.  Out-of-State buyers: We'll need yours, too.

2. Your old tag, if you have one, and the registration for that tag: If you don't have one, please skip to section 3. If you do have one read on... A lot of dealers will  not tell you this but, you can save up to $150 over buying a new tag, by simply bringing your old tag with you when you purchase your "new" vehicle. You will be able to drive away after purchasing your vehicle with your old tag on your newly purchased car. We will give you a document that will legally allow you to drive your newly purchased vehicle with your old tag while the registration process is being completed (within 30 days). If you do not have an old tag, no problem- we will issue you a complimentary temporary tag, sometimes called a "paper tag," that will be good for 30 days until we get your new license plate for you from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Out-of-State buyers: If you choose to drive your car home, instead of having it delivered to you via transporter, we will issue you a complimentary temporary tag. Whether you have it shipped home or drive it home, you will take care of your own registration, title transfer, and tag in your home state. You will pay sales tax here at your home state rate* (*almost all states- ask for us for details).

3. Proof-of-Insurance specifically listing the car you are currently purchasing: YES, your insurance company DOES cover your newly purchased vehicle without you having to report it for up to 30 days BUT, in order for us to register the vehicle to you with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles THEY REQUIRE Proof-of-Insurance showing the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle you just purchased. This MUST be done in order for them to give us your new registration and tag (if a tag will be needed). Most major insurance companies these days have toll-free lines with operators on duty 24 hours a day/7days a week. So, even if your agent's office is closed at the time of your sale your insurance company can fax your Proof-of-Insurance to our office to help expedite the closing. The fax of your new insurance card will arrive before we have finished completing the paper work on your 'new' car! In order to help expedite the process, if you do not already have an insurance company you are happy with, we can recommend major companies that are easy to work with. Many of our customers have had success getting insured right over the phone with our local Geico agent in Gainesville, Ken Castellani. His numbers are: Office:352-375-AUTO and Fax: 352-376-7961. Tell him you were referred by Carrsmith. Out-of-State buyers: Call your agent. You will need proof of insurance, too. Take care of this before you fly down to pick up your vehicle. Have your agent fax your proof insurance to us ahead of time at 352-375-4400.

4. Money to cover your registration, tag, title, and sales tax: These funds are not included in the advertised price of the vehicles you see listed on our website, or elsewhere. These funds go directly to the State of Florida. We keep the price of the car, and the tax and tag money goes to the state. Therefore, for the privilege of being a licensed dealer in the State of Florida, we have the uncompensated privilege of collecting your tag and tax money for the state capitol (we look at it as being a part of our civic duty). Sales tax is 6.25%. You pay exactly the amount that goes to Tallahassee. The amount for your registration, tag and title is estimated at the time of sale and any overage collected is refunded to you after the new vehicle registration has been processed by the state. The amount you pay for your tag depends upon whether you are getting a new tag for the vehicle, or are "transferring" a tag from one of your previously owned vehicles- new tags are more, transfers are less. New tags are about $185. Transfers may be as low as a little less than $40, depending on the weight of the last vehicle registered under that tag, whether or not the tag is expired and if not, how many months are left on the tag, etc.- ask us for details. Out-of-State buyers: You will pay for your tag in your home state. You will pay your tax here. Bring proof of residency- your driver's license will do. We will charge you sales tax at the same rate as your own state or the State of Florida-whichever is lower. We will provide you with a document to prove to your state that you have already paid the tax.

5. Shipping vehicles to Out-of-State buyers: We encourage buyers to come and get the vehicle themselves or send someone they trust to get it- this saves trucking hassles. The price of shipping a vehicle out-of-state is not included in any advertised prices or any other pricing you get from us. Shipping arrangements and the cost of shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. The vehicle must be paid for in full before the shipper arrives to pick up the vehicle. There are many choices of transport companies that are easily found on the internet. We are not responsible for the vehicle once it is in the possession of the transport company so, make yourself aware of their policies- including damage policies. If you need help we can refer a transport company but, we will in no way be responsible for anything to do with the shipping or transport of the vehicle. 

When you are ready to buy, or if you have any questions, please contact us at:

email: carrsmith@carrsmith.com

Ray at 352-373-1150.