buying a used care?

Question

Okay so I am going to buy a used car from some one but I am a bit unsure of a few things. Okay after I pay him how does the car go in to my name. what do I do about licence plates? this is my first car so I dont have plates yet. and any other info you can give would be great

Answer 1

1. Be sure they give you the title to the car. If you don't get the title, the car does not belong to you. Do not give them money unless they can produce the title for the car. The title will have the official state seal on it. Double check the vin number on the title with the vin number on the lower left side of the windshield to be sure the title matches the car.

2. Get a written receipt. If the seller has promised to fix something get that in writing too.

3. Take the paper work down to your local DMV (Department of motor vehicles) In some southern states this is your local court house. Get the car title transfered to your name. You will typically pay some transfer fee and possibly some property tax, so have your check book ready to pay your state. They will either give you a set of plates immediately or give you a paper that you can stick inside your car to make it legal to drive until you receive your official plates for your car.

In some states the Plates follow the person, other states the plates follow the car, so depending on your state, it will determine if you will personally get new plates.

I would definitely recommend getting the car checked out by a mechanic before purchasing. (I recommend getting a compression test done to make sure the rings and valve seals are in good condition). Make sure you get the transmission checked as well. Run a car fax report. If you pay for the car fax report and a serious problem is later discovered, car fax guarantees their reports to be accurate. (http://www.carfax.com)

That's my 2 cents.

Good luck on your purchase.

Answer 2

Here we go to court house and sign papers to transfer car= plate stays with car unless u want a special plate.

Answer 3

Check the back or the bottom of the title. There's usually a form you both have to fill out and take to the DMV. Depending on the state, you may both need to file paperwork separately, or you may need to go to the DMV in person. Basically, call the state or provincial (I don't know where you are) motor vehicles department and they will tell you what you need to do.

Answer 4

you have to sign the title in order for the car to really be yours. he has to sign it too, by the way. it is a pink-red form. then take the title and your insurance card to the DMV to get the car registered. they will give you plates. then get the car inspected.