I'm trying to buy a car off of Craigslist in California. What are the proper procedures?

Question

Trying to buy an used-car from private party. I just don't want to get ripped off, and I've never bought a car before. I want to get familiar with the registration system and to know what forms to obtain from the owner. Thanks!

Answer 1

I've seen that Craiglist website, and despite the fact that alot of people seem to like it I find it a bit confusing myself.

I much prefer http://www.autotrader.com

Give that a try.

Answer 2

Craigslist has nothing to do with the transaction, they just put you in contact with the seller, just like newspaper classifieds.

Autotrader is almost nothing but dealers in most areas. I say don't bother.

How it works is, you have either cash or a cashier's check ready to go, for enough to buy the vehicle. Private parties generally will NOT accept installments.

If you don't have insurance already, call an insurance company and find out what you need to do to go about getting coverage as soon as possible. If you already have insurance, you don't need to worry about it immediately, you'll be covered for a while after you get the new car...just call them and have the car added soon after you get it.

What you MUST have is the signed title transfer (which is part of the actual title document) from the seller. It should be self-explainatory which fields need to be completed and by whom. If the seller does not have the title, DO NOT BUY THE CAR. The title transfer is what you take to DMV to get the title and registration in your name.

Also, in California a car must have passed an emissions test within, IIRC, 90 days before it gets sold. A lot of people don't do this, but legally it's the seller's responsibility. Make sure the car has passed smog. You don't want to be stuck fixing it.

That's it. It's really not that difficult, unless the owner doesn't have a clear title. (That's THEIR problem, not yours. If they don't have it, don't buy it.)


As for making sure the car is worth buying:

Ideally, the owner also has receipts for parts and/or labor on major services performed on the car. This isn't make-or break, but it's nice. This isn't for any official reason, just to reassure you the car has been maintained.

Take it to a mechanic if you like. If the owner won't allow it, walk away.

Otherwise, test drive with the stereo off. Make sure all the interior amenities WORK, but don't use them while driving. AC/Heat, stereo, defrosters, windows, seats. Check them out and then forget about them.

Pop the hood before you drive it and check the coolant (if it's cold, if not, well, you can check the overflow tank at least)...it should be green or orange and at least translucent. If it's brown, the owner hasn't been maintaining it. If it's brown because there's OIL in it, run away.

Check the oil fill cap and dipstick. If the oil is black, run away. If there's like milky residue on it, run away.

The engine should be dirty. If it's clean, it could be hiding something. Dirty engines show you exactly if and where they are leaking. They have no secrets.

When you're driving you're listening for any squeals, taps, rattles, knocks, or pings NOT coming from the interior of the car. If there are any sounds you can't explain, walk away.

If it's front wheel drive or all wheel drive, do turns with the steering at full travel both ways, and listen for knocking. If it's present, knock off a couple hundred from the price to fix the CV axles.

When you're done test driving, pop the hood and smell the engine. There should be a faint oily odor, and that's it. If you smell anything burning, if you smell gasoline, you don't want the car.

Check to make sure the suspension bushings aren't too far gone (though you'll be able to tell when you're driving). Also look for rust on the body and the underside of the car.

Check to make sure the tires aren't worn unevenly.

And that's pretty much it, though specific cars may have other things to look for.

Answer 3

1st off, pay a mechanic to go with you to inspect the car. It will only cost you like $50, but could save you a ton of money if he/she finds something wrong.
When you do go to buy the car, get a WRITTEN agreement buying the car, and anything you want, such as a policy that says that if the car has any problems within 5 days you get your money back. Unless they are trying to hide something, they should sign it.
After that, you will have to go transfer the registration. The current owner should bring a copy of the title with them, which he/she will sign over to you in front of a notary. You will then pay any taxes, and you are done.

Answer 4

...I would definitely go with having a quick check at the mechanic. This way you know if the car has major or any minor repairts in the near future..or not. Also, on the sale agreement (which you should definitely do!!!!), you can add in what condition this car was sold to you.

Did you ask the seller how he wants to be paid? Either way, have him give you a signed receipt.

Good luck!

Answer 5

here's a link on ebay motors that offers advice for buying cars over the internet