The right Sprinter van doesn't always live in your backyard. Customers drive and fly from across the country to purchase from Sprinter of Hoffman Estates because the selection, pricing, and expertise here are worth the extra miles. This guide walks you through how the process works, what to expect, and how to make it effortless.
Why Buy Out of State in the First Place?
Most buyers start their search locally — and that's perfectly natural. But Sprinter vans are specialty vehicles. Inventory, trim levels, and configurations vary widely from one dealer to the next. If your local market is limited, you could end up paying a premium for less van, or waiting months for the build you actually want.
Here are the most common reasons shoppers go out of state for their Sprinter purchase:
- Access to a broader, in-stock inventory
- Better pricing and fewer dealer markups
- Specialized Sprinter expertise on staff
- Higher-quality pre-owned certified units
- Conversion-ready vans built to spec
- Shorter wait times vs. factory orders
- Paperwork and title transfer process
- Getting the van home safely
- Paying sales tax in the right state
- Not being able to see it in person first
- Financing from a distance
The good news? Every one of those concerns on the right is manageable and our team at Sprinter of Hoffman Estates guides out-of-state buyers through this process regularly.
Step-by-Step: How an Out-of-State Sprinter Purchase Works
Once you've found the right van, here's the typical flow from first contact to driving it home:
Browse Inventory Online & Connect With Our Team
Start on our website. Filter by body style, wheelbase, roof height, mileage, and features. See something you like? Call or email us we'll send you a detailed walkaround video, additional photos, and answer every question you have about the specific unit.
Get Pre-Approved for Financing
Financing across state lines is entirely normal. We work with a network of lenders familiar with multi-state Sprinter transactions. You can complete your credit application online. Many buyers are approved within a few hours.
Review the Vehicle History & Inspection Report
For used Sprinters, we provide a full CARFAX report and a current inspection summary. Our certified technicians go through every van thoroughly before it hits our lot and we'll share that documentation with you upfront.
Sign the Paperwork Remotely
We can handle the majority of the documentation electronically. A deposit holds the vehicle while we prepare your paperwork. In many cases, you'll sign digitally and we'll overnight the remaining documents for your wet signature no need to step foot in Illinois until you're ready to pick up the keys.
Fly In or Arrange Transport
Many out-of-state buyers choose to fly into O'Hare or Midway, do a final walkthrough at our Hoffman Estates dealership, and drive home making it a great road trip in a brand-new Sprinter. Alternatively, we can connect you with a trusted transport service to deliver the van directly to your door.
Register the Vehicle in Your Home State
We issue a 90-day temporary Illinois transit permit so you can legally drive or ship the vehicle. We'll also provide all the title documents you need to register the Sprinter in your state and in some states we can do all the registeration on your behalf. Our team will walk you through exactly what your DMV requires.
What About Sales Tax?
This is the question we get most often from out-of-state buyers and it has a clear answer: you pay sales tax based on your home state, not Illinois.
We collect no Illinois sales tax on out-of-state deliveries. Some states also offer a credit if you've already paid tax elsewhere, so it's worth checking with your state's DMV or a local tax advisor before you finalize your purchase.
Before you buy, call your home state's DMV and ask about registration fees, title transfer costs, and any emissions or safety inspection requirements for out-of-state vehicles. This takes five minutes and eliminates surprises after the sale.
Flying In vs. Shipping the Van Home
Both options are popular with our out-of-state customers, and both have real advantages depending on your situation.
Fly In and Drive Home
If you're within a day's drive of Chicagoland think Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, or Iowa driving the Sprinter home is often the most practical and enjoyable choice. You get the full delivery experience, a chance to see every detail of the van in person before you take the van home, and that satisfying feeling of piloting your new rig all the way home. We're close to I-90 and I-290, making the on-ramp to anywhere in the Midwest easy.
Vehicle Transport
If you're in Texas, Florida, California, or the Pacific Northwest, arranging transport often makes more logistical sense. We work with reputable carriers who specialize in commercial and specialty vehicles. Door-to-door transit typically takes 3–7 business days depending on destination, and pricing is often more reasonable than buyers expect particularly when weighed against the value of a well-priced Sprinter.
If you can make the trip, fly in. O'Hare and Midway are major hubs with direct flights from almost everywhere. We'll pick you up from the airport, bring you to the dealership, and get you on your way. It's an experience our out-of-state customers consistently enjoy — and a great story to tell.
While we're happy to help coordinate shipping and make the process as seamless as possible, please note that all transport fees are paid directly to the shipping carrier — not to Sprinter of Hoffman Estates. Additionally, once a vehicle has been released to a carrier, Sprinter of Hoffman Estates is not responsible for any damages that may occur during transit. We strongly recommend confirming that the carrier's insurance coverage meets your expectations before shipment, and conducting a thorough inspection of the vehicle upon delivery. Any damage claims must be filed directly with the transport company.
Why Out-of-State Buyers Choose Sprinter of Hoffman Estates
We're not a generalist lot. Sprinters are what we do. Our team lives and breathes these vehicles whether you're buying a cargo workhorse, a passenger shuttle, a 4x4 adventure rig, or a professionally converted camper van.
We understand that buying remotely requires trust. That's why we lead with transparency: full documentation before you commit, video walkarounds on request, and a dedicated point-of-contact throughout the entire process. You won't be passed around to a dozen different people you'll work with someone who knows Sprinters and knows how to get you taken care of.
Your Out-of-State Buyer Checklist
Before you finalize anything, make sure you've covered these bases:
Confirm the vehicle's VIN and history report
Request CARFAX and review any service or accident records.
Verify your financing is locked in before traveling
Have your wire or cashier's check ready before the trip.
Understand your home state's registration requirements
Call your DMV or check online some states require an emissions test and/or vin inspection within 30 days.
Get insurance in place before you drive and before shipping is arranged
Contact your insurer and add the Sprinter's VIN to your policy ahead of pickup.
Plan your route or confirm transport logistics
If driving, map your rest stops. If shipping, confirm pickup windows and carrier contacts.
