I need to know EVERYTHING about buying a car?

Question

Lots and lots of things - need someone EXPERIENCED who knows to please answer this question for me!

How do I pay for the car? Wire transfer? Money order?
How does title transferring work? What do I have to do?
Where do I go to register my car? Or pay tax on it?
I know I have to get it inspected after I get it. What do I ask for? An inspection?
What else do I need to do?

I have so many more questions but I can't think of them all.
I need someone to please walk me through the entire process, every little detail. This is my first car buying experience and I am so nervous.

Thank you!

I'll be more clear - I can pay for the car. I don't need help paying for the car. Just need to know what things to do to make me and my car legal.

Answer 1

If you are buying from a dealer, then you don't need to worry about anything. Check your car, ask them for a carfax report, test drive it until you're totally satisfied, negotiate the price and they'll handle all the paperwork for you.

If you are buying from a private seller, then never try to wire transfer or money order unless you've seen the car or test drive it before hand. Buying a car from ebay or online will never work because you cannot rely on their words to pick a car. Meet them in person, test drive and check with your DMV to get the required paperwork and forms.

How does title transferring work? What do I have to do?
Pink slip. And there should be a title transfer form, and it might vary from state to state. Check online at your state DMV website and you should be able to download it.

Where do I go to register my car? Or pay tax on it?
Usually in CA, there're 2 forms. Both seller and buyer signed it, then seller takes half to submit it to DMV. You take the other and go to DMV (if the car is old, then smog check is required and usually, seller pays for it) and they'll tell you registration fees, tax, etc.

I know I have to get it inspected after I get it. What do I ask for? An inspection?
Don't get it inspected AFTER you get it. Inspect it BEFORE you get and inspect it UNTIL you are completely satisfied. Usually, whether from dealer or private seller, you cannot return your car back if you bought it and not satisfied. Always do a carfax report if you are buying from a private seller to check all the accident record. You might find out that the car can be salvage title and will cause you more maintainance than you'll pay for a good condition one. Test drive it both locally and on the freeway. Also talk to the seller so that you can drive it until you are satisfied. Check if all the components are working. If you are buying a over 10 years old car, and you don't have the knowledge to repair or check the condition of a car, then find a mechanic and pay $50-100 to inspect it for you.
For more information, check out this site, or google it to find some buying a used car to do list:
http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Used-Car

Answer 2

You pay for the car by giving cash or money order, or check. Not that hard to figure out. I'm not sure why you'd wire the money..

Before you buy the car, pay the $25 (or so) to get a VIN history report. The VIN number is located usually on the bottom, driver side corner of the windshield on the outside. It's a bunch of letters and numbers. You can go to Carfax.com and pay for a vehicle report. It's worth it. It lets you know if you're buying a lemon or not.

Speaking of which, look up "Lemon Law", just so you know the rules.

You transfer the title where you go to get registered, I believe. Which is your local tag office, or DMV. When you buy the car, make SURE the title is in YOUR name. If it's a new one, your name will be the only one and the business/person you bought it from. If it is used, there will probably be a couple names. Just make sure there are no leins/loans on it.. and if there are, make sure you ask if they are taken care of and have proof of that.

If you're buying the car from a business, you will pay taxes on it when you buy it, they should be included in the price. ONLY IF they have a tax i.d. number and business license. DO NOT pay taxes if they don't have those! If you are buying it from an individual owner (i.e. just someone trying to sell their car), you pay the taxes when you register.

In order to get it insured, tagged and registered, you have to have a license first. Then, you buy insurance, then you register it, and then you get your tag.

To get an inspection, just go to a mechanic and ask for one. They know what it is, they know what to look for, and ask as many questions as you feel necessary.

Do you not have a friend or parent who knows any of this?

**One other thing, when you call around to get insurance quotes, make sure you ask for FULL coverage since this is your first car. That way, if anything happens.. or if someone hits you, you're okay because of the insurance. =)

Answer 3

The best way to go is go to your bank and have them walk you thru the process. That way you can also see what you can really afford. If buying the car you want is going to over stress you income then you might consider something more in your price range. A vehicle can be like a demanding child wanting all the attention and emptying you bank account at the same time. Choose wisely.

Answer 4

You want to know everything? Buy a book then! I could write hundreds of pages on the subject.

Answer 5

it doesn't matter. i just have 2 advise u 2 buy a car that runs on electricity with hybrid technoology so u dont use gas. it is hurting the earth and it will result in global warming.