how to buy a car from owner?

Question

i think im goin to buy a car from a ower. i found it from http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/car/298499970.html
n' i like this car. im going to meet this owner. what should i ask?and if i decide to buy it, whats the next? is he gonna prepare some paper work for this transaction? are we gonna go to DMV together to change the ownership?

Answer 1

He will have to write a sales agreement / receipt which you should both sign before a notary. It should include info about the car including make, model and year, current mileage, and VIN #, along with sales price and payment made. Make sure you keep the original and he has a copy. He will sign the title over and give it to you. You (just you) then need to get insurance and go to the DMV to show them title and insurance to get it registered in your name.
Some guys answering this probably knows best questions to ask about the car.

Answer 2

Always ask if you can test drive, and also ask "can I take it to my mechanic to have it checked out?"
Different states have different laws, so I don't know about having the seller go to the DMV with you, but I do know that you have to have the signature of both the seller and the buyer witnessed on the transfer title by a Notary Public and it must have the Notary's seal on it. If you need advice on the paper work that should be made up a Notary can help you there, as they see many transactions like this, they know how it should be worded. You also may have a friend that sells cars or has in the past that could help you. This paper work should also protect you, althought privet sales are almost always as is. I hope this helps you at least a little. You sound like a young person, so I am going to say don't forget your folks, they have been there already, and will know a lot. Give them a chance.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Before you go get the serial number from the owner and go to carfax.com and check to see about accidents and the cars history.