so.. I am about to buy a used car from a private seller.

[MobileChip]

I am looking for a used car in the market. I saw a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant ES for $4500. I would like to buy the car if there is nothing wrong after I run the carfax report and test drive it tomorrow.

One question, how should I pay for this car if I want to buy it? I am afraid of scams. Do I need to put down any deposit? Or I give the seller all the money at the time he gives me the title? What ppl usually do when they buy used car from private sellers

 

[DAGTA]

Private party: you pay all at once or through Bank to Bank if the owner still has a loan on the car and you are seeking a loan. There isn't much scam protection when buying a car from a private seller.

 

[Toastedlightly]

I say all at once. Don't owe money on anything.

 

[Yossarian]

all at once. I sold a jeep to this chick a while back, she wanted the title as collateral after she gave me $500 deposit. I said, you don't understand how this works do you.

 

[amol]

No es un limon

Es un carro muy fuerte

 

[thechinesehero]

so basically when u have the title its urs? you dont go dmv and transfer title u just hand it over?

 

[RossMAN]

What ppl usually do when they buy used car from private sellers

Assuming the car title is clean.
Assuming it's not a salvage titled car (ask them this).
Assuming they own the car and have the title.

You pay them the full amount, they sign the title and should give you a signed "bill of sale" document.

Google for Your state dmv bill of sale

 

[QuitBanningMe]

Originally posted by: thechinesehero
so basically when u have the title its urs? you dont go dmv and transfer title u just hand it over?

Check the DMV.

Here is how most of my car buying experiences go.
I hand the seller the cash.
He signs title and BOS.
I go to the DMV register the car and apply for title in my name
In 7-10 days a title comes in the mail.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

Before you hand him the cash, should you run it by DMV to see if there's any previous lien on the title?

 

[dpk777]

anyone know it would work if i want to buy a used car from a private seller in NY but i live in PA?

is the same thing? just bring the title and BOS back to PA and register here?

 

[ValValline]

Originally posted by: dpk777
anyone know it would work if i want to buy a used car from a private seller in NY but i live in PA?

is the same thing? just bring the title and BOS back to PA and register here?

Check the laws in both states regarding the transfer of ownership across state lines. I know in California there are requirements for emissions and state sales tax based on model year and total number of miles when buying a car from out of state.

 

[ThisIsMatt]

If you're in california the seller has to smog the car when selling it, regardless of when it normally needs to be smogged. Make sure he does that.

 

[randomlinh]

damn, did the galant fall that much in price? in that price range would be like a 95/96 camry...

 

[rudder]

Originally posted by: DAGTA
Private party: you pay all at once or through Bank to Bank if the owner still has a loan on the car and you are seeking a loan. There isn't much scam protection when buying a car from a private seller.

Exactly. You are buying the car as-is. Don't just test drive and do carfax, but take some time to read up on what to look for regarding the engine. It may even be worth your while to pay a mechanic some $$$ to look it over for you. The car my ride fine and the guy may have it all warmed up and ready when you get there. When you start it the next morning you may discover that it needs $2000 in repairs.

 

[dpk777]

what should you have the mechanic look for?

how much does a mechanic normally charge?

 

[mrchan]

If you tell a mechanic you're looking to buy a used car and would like them to look it over, they will probably know what to look for.

 

[Banana]

I paid cash for a $7000 used car once. After test driving, we completed the transaction at a bank (for my safety and also the seller was able to deposit the $ immediately).

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: dpk777
what should you have the mechanic look for?

how much does a mechanic normally charge?

If the mechanic doesn't know and has to rely on you then you have some serious problems.

My local mechanic charges $75 for a comprehensive inspection which usually takes 45 minutes including test drive.