Used car buying help! CA?

theycallmevic:

Some of the previous posters correctly state that a car title (or 'pink slip') is required to transfer ownership.

adevilchi adds that a bill of sale is required. This is incorrect. The California title has two places that require purchase price. The DMV will not request a bill of sale to complete the transaction.

The dizzy blond '12hrdaze' approaches the car sale like it is home with mortgage. The best way to handle everything she recommends is to simply make an appointment at the DMV and go there with the seller to transfer title. Once this is complete, pay him the balance due on the car.

Again, you do NOT need:

1. bill of sale

2. list all the stuff that comes with car (if the wheels or stereo is missing, do not complete the sale)

3. terms and conditions (the car comes 'as is', this is a given)

4. your mother's blood type.

12hrdaze is in a haze and sounds like a first year law student.

Michael L and NebraskaB at least both recognize that a title is required. The suggestion that a mechanic check it is invaluable. This car could be a complete piece of junk or pretty decent. For $75 or so, a mechanic will tell you the difference.

The other document that none of these good people mention is a SMOG CERTIFICATE!!! Without this the car cannot be registered.

Moreover, an '86 Mitsu has an electronic feedback carburetor, and is not fuel injected. These pigs are wonderful for failing smog. If it doesn't pass, the vehicle is worthless, except for parts.

Start at $1000. to have a carb problem fixed on these.

kpotter47 is another confused Yahoo Answers guy. The mail in portion of the title is for 'release of liability' and has nothing to do with registration. Title only, signed by buyer and seller.

See link and additional information below in 'source'.

Marc

Go to your nearest registry place, or even website. You need a bill of sale form. You can always write one up yourselves, but the preprinted ones you can get are better (and it might cover things you never thought of).

You need to make sure there isnt a lien on the car. That means, that it is not used as collateral for another loan...

You need to ensure that all the things that are coming with the car (add on equipment, stereo stuff, etc) is listed in the terms.

You need the serial #.

You need to get insurance, and your plate (or plate switched over).

You both need to sign the terms of the sale (cash, whatever), sale date, delivery date etc..

He/she will probably note on the bill of sale that the car is sold as is, no liens, no warranty (as he should to cover his rear.. if he doesnt, there may be a little loophole for you hence something goes wrong!)

If he is a respectable owner, he will give you all his receipts for work done, parts bought (tires etc) so you have a record of the car's maintenance history..

I could go on..

But get that bill of sale form.. will save you a ton of grief. Make sure you both get a copy. Make sure you both sign it.

Enjoy your new car!

It depends on the State you in. Contact your DMV or Secretary of State. Likely, all you need is the titles signed and a bill of sale.

Test drive the car. Drive it over bumps, freeway etc to really test out the car. Next if you don't know much about cars take it to a mechanic and have them check it right quick. To buy the car you need the pink slip and the title to the car

DMV .Bill of sale Most important Title

Both you and the customer have to fill out DMV forms in CA, they mail theirs in, you bring yours to the DMV for processing. Do not go to the DMV unless they have sent their papers in

First get a mechanic to check it. Than you needed hhim to give you the title when you pay him. If he gives you the car but not the title it still belong to him and your stealing his car.

Calm down. You shouldn't buy used cars from 'private parties'. Buy them from dealerships. They actually have it organized, and the 'private party' is probably not a licensed professional.

you dont need to buy it from a private party

buy it from here...tons of mitsubish galant

http://www.tradecarview.com/stock/default.aspx?aid...

check it out