Most cars are cheaper in the US than in other countries and hardly anyone pays the list price. Car dealers are usually willing to negotiate and prices may vary considerably from dealer to dealer.
Generally, there aren’t long waiting lists for new cars, although in recent years some new sports and luxury models have been in short supply, in which case instead of obtaining a discount you’re likely to be charged a premium.
Dealerships are usually grouped in one part of a town, which makes comparing cars and prices relatively easy. There are taxes on new and used cars; these vary from state to state and include a sales or use tax. Sales tax is levied on the proceeds of retail sales of tangible personal property, including cars. All but five states have a sales tax which applies to new and second-hand cars (states without sales tax may levy a special car tax).
Some states levy a lower or higher sales tax on cars than on other goods. In most states, sales tax is payable on the balance of a sale after the value of any trade-in has been deducted. A city or county sales tax may be payable in addition to state sales tax. Sales tax on a used car may be levied only if it wasn’t previously registered in the state. Any vehicle sold by a person other than a licensed dealer, manufacturer or dismantler may be subject to a ‘use tax’, which is comparable to the sales tax collected by licensed dealers. Any sales or use tax due must be paid at the time of registration.
All states have ‘lemon’ laws covering new and used cars, which protect buyers from buying a clunker, i.e. a vehicle with major defects.
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