Tips for Buying Used Cars
Tips for Buying Used Cars
Before you buy a used car, a consumer should realize his responsibilities and be aware of the scams which
run rampant in car sales. Here is a short list of "Do's and Don'ts'" that every buyer should think about.
Do
Call your local Tax Office/DMV to see what is required to transfer the title to the vehicle. The car is not in
your name if you have not visited the office. If you are buying from a dealership, the clerk can tell you
whether or not the dealer has a current license to sell. If you have already bought the car from an individual,
take all your paperwork to for examination. The clerk cannot tell you everything you will possibly need
without properly assessing the individual situation.
Save enough money to pay the taxes. You have to pay taxes to the state every time you purchase a vehicle.
If you buy from a dealer, the taxes are collected among all the dealer fees with each monthly payment you
make. If you buy from an individual, you are responsible for pay taxes in a lump sum at the time of title
transfer. Call to get a good idea of how much money you will need for this.
View the title before you buy. If the name of the person from whom you're buying does not appear typed on
the front of the title (unless buying from a dealer), they do not have legal ownership of the vehicle and
cannot legally sell it. And you, the buyer, will be left with a difficult time obtaining one in your own name.
Meet the other party for the transfer or title. Many vehicle owners exchange money and do all paperwork at
the same time. This is a smart move. Both parties can be sure the deal is legit, and if any paperwork
problems arise, you can solve most of them in one visit.
Don't
Buy a car off of the internet! This has caused more problems with title work than any other thing. I once met
a lady who bought her car off the internet and brought her title in to transfer as she should. She had
unfortunately been duped, as the vehicle was classified junked . . .non-repairable, and not allowed to be
registered or driven on the road again. There was nothing she could do but sell it to a junkyard.
Make up your own rules. A bill of sale is always a good idea, but doesn't necessarily legally cover you in
any instance. Your local DMV usually has their own paperwork to fill out, and a handwritten note is hard-
pressed to prove your case in court, should the need arise.
Trust your dealership to do everything correctly. Check the dealer license, ask around, and ask questions.
Examine your contract closely for any unnecessary fees. Even if they're not shady, the dealer clerk is only
human. Make sure you tell them exactly everything you need in regard to registering your vehicle, and keep
in contact with the title clerk regarding your paperwork if you do not receive your new plates within a few
weeks.
As they say - buyer beware! Don't take the purchase of a vehicle lightly - it may be more complicated than
you think, but most problems are easily averted with the proper preparation.
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