Selling used car, how do you get your money?

[StageLeft]

Not according to California Law.

California LOL

I didn't know that.

I also dug up a free "Bill of sale" document online that we both signed and we each kept a copy. Basically this was just state that I don't know of any hidden problems and there is absolutely no warranty.

From carbuyingtips.com I've used that one three times, now. It's nice.

No notary required in NY that I had heard about and the guy hasn't called back saying the DMV balked.

A cashiers check or wire transfer would also work (for larger amounts), but I'd keep the vehicle and title till it clears into my bank.

No way, nobody would give you a cashier's check and wait while it clears. That is the point of them; they are guaranteed to clear unless they are fraudulent. I think they are hard to dupe and really at that point the guy has a car with a VIN you know about so it would be hard for him to get away after making fake cashier's checks.

Also when you buy a used car from a big dealership, do they usually ship your plates or do i have to go to the bmv to get it registered etc etc...they gave me temps but I have not recieved any official plates or registration.

When I got my gay prius a couple weeks back from a big dealership they put real plates on it and registered it. It was absolutely a delight. This is in NY.

 

[NutBucket]

California LOL

Disagree with you here. If I was buying the car and the seller didn't have a certificate yet, I'd offer to go with the seller and get it smogged. The seller's reaction should say it all. Good way to make sure you don't get hosed.

 

[kornphlake]

Anybody who is looking at cars that cost $1000 should understand cash transactions, because they likely haven't had credit for a while. A cashier's check or postal money order would be a good alternative, but I'd want to be certain neither was a forgery before signing over the title. I'd ask the buyer for a copy of their driver's license and some proof of address as well, it's the buyer's responsibility to transfer the registration, the last thing I'd want is a stack of parking tickets or tickets from red light cameras because the buyer didn't get around to stopping by the DMV. I'd actually suggest going with the seller to get the vehicle smogged and then to the DMV for registration before accepting payment or handing over the keys.

 

[harobikes333]

Cash.

Like multiple people have said... just ask for cash. If a person can't come up with 1K in cash to buy the car... look for someone else..

 

[Raduque]

Since this is relevant; I forgot to take my registration and plates off the car I sold. I figured it was my loss and I don't have anything to worry about. Should I be worrying about something, its been about a month...

This could be a problem if the buyer never bothers to re-register it in their name - any parking tickets, fines, etc would be issued in your name.

Also when you buy a used car from a big dealership, do they usually ship your plates or do i have to go to the bmv to get it registered etc etc...they gave me temps but I have not recieved any official plates or registration.

How long has it been? My dad got his plates after about two and a half weeks, he had to go to the stealership to pick them up.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Anything up to ~$2500, cash. If it's more than that, then I would go with them to their bank and physically stand there and watch them get the cashier's check from the teller's hands.

 

[natto fire]

Only sold a few cars in my life as usually I run them into the ground. First sell was for 2600 and that was done with a personal check. Next was done with a money order that was cashed before handing over the title. Third and fourth were cash.