Dean


I found a car i like about half an hour away from where i live and its from a private seller. It will be my first car. I was just wondering what is it that i exactly need to do when i confront the seller with my father? Is there a lot of paperwork involved? And do i take the vehicle home the same day i make the visit? The car is only 2 grands.

4 Responses to “What exactly do i need to do before buying used car?”

1. mccarthy410 on May 22nd, 2009 6:48 am

   Obviously, the money. I would get a money order or cashier’s check for that part. If you have plates to put on it, all you need is the car’s VIN, sale price, bill of sale, proof of insurance and DMV fees to register it. The seller has the title, he’ll sign it over to you after you give the money and then the car is yours and he will give you the title that he just signed over to you.

   A word of caution, make sure the seller has the title and if doesn’t have it, DO NOT give him a dime until he does. One, the title is proof of ownership and if it is his, will have the car’s VIN, his name and address with no liens. If it has a lien on it, someone else has interest in the car and he cannot legally sell it unless he has that lien removed. Two, you will not be able to register the car without the title. Three, it will be YOUR proof of ownership if you are stopped by the cops for any reason until you get your own plates.

2. L on May 25th, 2009 12:21 pm

   You definitely want to have another person you trust and someone with experience and knowledge of cars to come with you to verify that the condition of the vehicle suits the price. Also, check blue book or other places that give the prices of various vehicles to be sure you are not being scammed or such when purchasing your vehicle. Finally, you probably should find another vehicle similar to the one you plan on purchasing and compare the too.
   DO NOT just buy the car with out alternative comparison.

3. notadeadbeat on May 28th, 2009 7:28 pm

   Contact your father’s insurance agent and ask about liability insurance for the car. If you have it, give them the VIN. Start the paperwork and take your father with you to look at the car. Give it a good once over and then take it for a drive. If everything works out OK, again contact the insurance company to start the insurance. In some states, the plate comes with the car but in others you have to go to an agent or the DMV and get a license plate for the car. They will ask for proof of insurance before they issue a plate.
   I’ve gotten insurance on a newly purchased car, then went to the local State Police station and got a one way permit, (again must show proof of insurance) to drive the car home until I could have the title changed into my name and a license plate.
   Remember, from a private seller, the car is “AS IS” and will have no warranty unless the seller gives you one in writing, something most will not do.
   hope this helps

4. teoftx on May 31st, 2009 2:24 pm

   Everything so far is great advice…I would do a carfax check on it also and make sure it has no history such as flood damage, etc. I live in Texas and to transfer a title there is an application that must be submitted with the title and signed by the seller. You might check your state and see if it is required. If so you need to take that with you also.

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