Why Out-of-State Buyers Come to King Auto in Joliet

People drive from Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa to buy cars at King Auto Financing in Joliet. Not because there aren’t dealers in their own states - but because the prices, selection, and financing options make the trip worth it. If you’re considering crossing state lines to buy your next vehicle, here’s everything you need to know.

Why Buyers Cross State Lines for King Auto

Better Prices Than Your Local Market

Used car pricing varies by region. Dealers in downtown Indianapolis, Milwaukee, or Detroit pay more in rent, taxes, and overhead - and pass those costs to you. Joliet sits just southwest of Chicago with significantly lower operating costs than major metro areas. That means the same vehicle that runs $16,000 at a dealership in your city might be listed at $13,000-$14,000 on our lot.

In-House Financing That Works Across State Lines

Most dealers rely on banks and credit unions that only work with in-state buyers. King Auto handles financing directly. That means we can work with buyers from any state, regardless of credit history. No need to secure financing in your home state first - though if you have a pre-approval, you’re welcome to use it.

Inspected Inventory You Can Trust

Every vehicle on our lot goes through an inspection before it’s listed. We’re not flipping auction cars to out-of-state buyers who can’t easily come back. We stand behind what we sell because our reputation depends on it - check our Google reviews to see what other buyers say.

Easy Highway Access

Joliet sits at the intersection of I-80 and I-55, two of the Midwest’s major interstates. Whether you’re coming from Indiana on I-65 to I-80, Wisconsin on I-90/I-94 to I-55, Michigan on I-94 to I-80, or Iowa on I-80 straight through - King Auto is an easy drive.

How It Works for Out-of-State Buyers

1. Browse and Pick Your Vehicle

Start by browsing our current inventory online. Every listing includes photos, pricing, mileage, and details. If you see something you like, call us at (815) 368-4016 and we’ll give you the full rundown on the vehicle - condition, history, any work that’s been done.

2. Come See It in Person

We recommend making the drive to see the car before buying. Test drive it, look it over, ask questions. Most of our out-of-state buyers are coming from 1-3 hours away, so it’s a day trip. If you’re coming from further out, we can do a video walkthrough of the vehicle before you commit to the drive.

3. Handle the Paperwork

This is the part that scares people, but it’s simpler than you think. Here’s what happens at our end:

• We prepare the bill of sale with the purchase price
• We sign over the title to your name
• We provide an odometer disclosure statement
• We can issue temporary transit plates so you can drive the car home legally

That’s it from our side. You don’t pay Illinois sales tax - you’ll handle tax and registration in your own state.

4. Drive It Home

With temporary plates on the car, you drive it back to your home state. Most of our out-of-state buyers are back home the same day.

5. Register in Your Home State

Once you’re home, you typically have 30 days to register the vehicle with your state’s DMV. You’ll need:

• The title signed over to you
• Bill of sale from King Auto
• Proof of insurance
• Payment for your state’s sales tax, title fee, and registration

That’s the whole process. No shipping, no blind buying, no complicated multi-state paperwork.

What You’ll Pay in Your Home State

Sales tax and registration fees vary by state. Here’s a quick reference:

Indiana

• Sales tax: 7%
• Title fee: $15
• Registration: $21.35-$30.35
• Register at your local BMV branch

Wisconsin

• Sales tax: 5% (plus county tax of 0.5% in most counties)
• Title fee: $164.50
• Registration: $85
• Register at your local DMV

Michigan

• Sales tax: 6%
• Title fee: $15
• Registration: Varies by vehicle value
• Register at a Secretary of State office

Iowa

• Sales tax: 5%
• Title/registration: Varies by vehicle weight and age
• One-time registration fee instead of annual renewal for newer vehicles
• Register at your county treasurer’s office

The Drive Is Shorter Than You Think

Here’s how far King Auto in Joliet is from major cities:

Most buyers make it a day trip. Drive out in the morning, handle everything at the dealership, and drive your new car home by dinner.

What to Bring

Keep it simple:

• Valid driver’s license from your home state
• Proof of insurance (or be ready to call your insurer to add the vehicle)
• Payment - cash, cashier’s check, or financing through us or your own lender
• Pre-approval letter if you’re using your own bank or credit union

Why Not Just Buy Local?

You can. But here’s what we hear from out-of-state buyers who chose King Auto:

• “Same car was $3,000 more at dealers near me”
• “Nobody local would finance me - King Auto did”
• “The car I wanted wasn’t available anywhere in my state”
• “I checked the reviews and trusted this dealer more than what was near me”

The drive pays for itself when you’re saving thousands on the purchase price or getting financing that your local dealers couldn’t offer.

Ready to Make the Trip?

Browse our current inventory to see what’s on the lot right now. When you find something, call (815) 368-4016 to get the details and set up a time to come see it.

Have a car to get rid of first? We buy vehicles from Illinois and all surrounding states too. Get a free cash offer on your current car - you don’t have to buy from us to sell to us.

King Auto Financing - 701 E Jackson St, Joliet, IL 60432. Worth the drive.