If I need to take possession quickly, what's the best way? ...

[Anonymous]

I am a bit overwhelmed. I need to buy a car and have been looking at new and late-model used from dealerships and used car lots. I live in Maryland but have a sick family member in another state and need to go and take care of them in the next few days. I expect to be there for months and don't want to be stuck out there without a car. What is the quickest way to do this? Can I get possession within a few days or is that unreasonable? If it's unreasonable, is it faster to lease?

[Anonymous]

You can walk off the lot with a car today if you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can walk off the lot with a car today if you want.

Does it matter if it's instate or out of state? In other words, would a dealership or used car lot in Virginia or Pennsylvania be able to do the Maryland paperwork as quickly as one instate in general? Thank you.

[Anonymous]

why not try Carvana? Your story and need sounds custom made for a commercial. Maybe if you suggest/agree to sharing your story/buying experience with them they'll give you an extra awesome deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:why not try Carvana? Your story and need sounds custom made for a commercial. Maybe if you suggest/agree to sharing your story/buying experience with them they'll give you an extra awesome deal.

I would think if they know I'm in a hurry, they'll be more likely to raise the price. As it is, I have reached out about cars I see online and am getting no answer from one person and got the complete run-around from another.

[Anonymous]

Just don't tell them you're in a hurry. Call the dealership and make an AM appointment. Show up to the appointment and say you're in the market for this car. Test drive it. Then take the approach of "I'm in no rush and might shop around but if the price is right I would consider buying today."

Trust me, they will have no issue getting you to drive off in a car same-day. In fact that's exactly what they want to do.

Especially if it's in the AM, you should have no problem getting in and out in 2 - 3 hours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can walk off the lot with a car today if you want.

Does it matter if it's instate or out of state? In other words, would a dealership or used car lot in Virginia or Pennsylvania be able to do the Maryland paperwork as quickly as one instate in general? Thank you.

I don’t know about Pennsylvania but I live in Dc and have bought cars in Maryland and Virginia, never had a problem leaving the lot with the car that day.

[Anonymous]

Is there any reason why you can't use their car. Sounds like they won't be in a position to drive if you are going to be out there for an extended time. Or, maybe just considering a long term car rental?

[Anonymous]

It shouldn’t be a problem. I bought my current Jeep on July 4 and drove it off the lot that afternoon. Across state lines. Plates will come in the mail (unless you are trading in which case you may be able to keep your old ones).

[Anonymous]

Since I moved to this area, DH and I have bought a number of cars. Every single one we bought we were able to drive off the lot the day we bought them.

As PP mentioned above, plates, etc will come in the mail if you buy out of state. Dealer will give temp tags for the state you purchased the car in. When buying a new car in Virginia (where we live) the dealers had regular plates to put on right away.

[Anonymous]

If you want to pay cash instead of finance, be prepared for it to be a next day thing if you have to have a cashiers check prepared. But the bank can do it pretty fast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a bit overwhelmed. I need to buy a car and have been looking at new and late-model used from dealerships and used car lots. I live in Maryland but have a sick family member in another state and need to go and take care of them in the next few days. I expect to be there for months and don't want to be stuck out there without a car. What is the quickest way to do this? Can I get possession within a few days or is that unreasonable? If it's unreasonable, is it faster to lease?

Used cars are currently at a premium. If you can’t find one suitable for your needs and budget than I would suggest renting a car one way to go see your family member. Than continue car shopping at your new destination without the artificial pressure to get one in a few days.

[Anonymous]

What is your financial position, OP? How do you plan on paying?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want to pay cash instead of finance, be prepared for it to be a next day thing if you have to have a cashiers check prepared. But the bank can do it pretty fast.

Just bought a car with cash and the dealership was happy to take my personal check.