Buying a New Car in Mississippi

Mississippi's stereotypical costal and agricultural image might have many thinking that pickups are the only vehicles to be found on new car dealer lots across the state. In reality, there are a great number of different car brands to cross shop when looking for a new car, truck or SUV in Mississippi. It's always easier to decide on a vehicle if you can visit multiple dealerships and get a number of first-hand impressions to help with your comparison process. For this reason, this article lists a number of cities and towns in Mississippi where you can find good groupings of different car dealers, all located conveniently nearby to each other. It also walks you through the different rules and regulations surrounding the registration and titling process in the state.

Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, is also the state's largest city, and as a result it provides fertile hunting grounds for new car buyers on the prowl for a good deal. Columbus, Hattiesburg and Gulfport round out the list of towns that are worth a look thanks to their clusters of car dealerships.

Mississippi car dealerships are willing to help you out with the paperwork and fees that need to be paid when registering your brand new car. However, you will most likely have to present the documentation and funds to your local county tax collection office in person. All new vehicles in Mississippi are subject to a first time registration fee of $14.00. Sales tax on a new car is 5 percent, along with a series of privilege taxes and ad valorem taxes that vary from county to county. There is a very large range of rates, and you must contact your county tax collection office in order to find out specifically what additional fees you will have to pay, in addition to your tags. These taxes are based on the weight and value of your vehicle.