What are the steps to buying a Used Car from a Private Party?

Question

What does the DMV require me to do in order to register/put the car under my name from the private party i am buying from? and how long would the whole process take? from the time i inspect and test drive the car, do i have to make a contract or something just in case something is wrong with the car that wasnt stated? I have the cash to pay, so there will be no need for loans or anything, thanks in advance

Answer 1

1. You will need the title made out in your name.
2. A bill of sale
3. Insurance stamp or card
4. In most states you will need a safety and emission inspection
5. Some states have lemon laws that cover private sales

6. Have car inspected by mechanic before doing anything

7. A private contract as to condition is a valid document

Answer 2

All the DMV care about is the ownership
depending on the year you will also need a safety inspection and clean air inspection.
You would draft the contract as any other and specify any warrantee if the seller agrees to it.
Normally you would take the car to a mecanic and have him check it out. This is the right of the purchaser (and if you choose to save money and not have it done then you cannot return the car or force the seller to fix it if something breaks down)

There is also a document (from the motor vehicle bureau) showing if the car had any accidents.

The DMV will normally charge tax based on the book value of the car as opposed to the negotiated price if it is lower.

Answer 3

It's unfortunate that in this day and age we must be wary of buying from individuals, but this is where the risk of used car buying is at its highest. Before arriving at the home of the private party seller, it is advisable to ask the seller a series of questions about the vehicle.

Get as much information as possible on ownership history, mileage, maintenance upkeep and especially the condition of the car. Is there any body damage, even relatively small dents or dings? Is the exterior paint dull, chipped, scratched or peeling? Is the interior of the car stained, faded, cracked or torn? How does the car drive? Does the steering pull to one side or the other? Are the brakes working well? Do the tires have wear and do they match? Another very important question is this: Is the seller in possession of the title or certificate of ownership?

One good way to protect yourself from buying an unsatisfactory car is to check the vehicle's history.

But, I would advise you to buy a used vehicle online. This is a safe and easy way to buy a vehicle. There are many used car trading sites, including Repokar Auto Auction, where you can search for the car you need and easily get in touch with the seller.

Answer 4

#1. You need to come up with your financial backing (bank to finance your loan) to give him the check ON HAND.

#2. You need to obtain a Bill of Sale from him (a letter from him and signed by him saying how much he's selling you the car for).

#3. You need to go to the DMV along with the title, and Bill of Sale (they'll ask you for it) where you will pay the sales tax of the car, and transfer of tag & title.

# 4. Once all this is done and take possession of the car, you need to notify your insurance of the change.

#5. You need to drive away with the car, and enjoy it.

I dont think I missed any steps.

Answer 5

Test drive, and or have amechanic inspect the car yo uwish to buy in order to detect any issues with it. Obtain a "Bill of Sale" from the seller. It is your recepit. Obtain the Title from the seller. Got to the DMV and pay registration and taxes. The DMV will take the old title from you and issue you a new one in your name. Wallah!

Answer 6

there are no warranties when you buy a car from a private seller, unless it is still under manufactures warranty, sign over the title have him write bill of sale and take all that down to the dmv and get it turned over to your name pay taxes and get plates and it is yours

Answer 7

you probably won't get any kind of contract.used cars from a private party are "as is".
take it to a trusted person,mechanic ,and have them look it over.
anytime you buy a used car it's a roll of the dice.sometimes you get a good one and other times not.
you hand them the money they sign the title and it's yours.warts and all.

Answer 8

Will you be able to have your mechanic look over the vehicle with you, before you turn over the cash?