So, I'm going to check out Car 2 on Wednesday in hopes of talking the seller down a bit. If I can and decide to buy it how do I go about the transaction? I've never purchased a used car before. Do I give her a check as a deposit, and if so, for how much? When should I take it to a mechanic to get it checked out, if I decide I want to? Any advice is much appreciated as I'm quite the novice when it comes to private-party transactions. Thanks.

-Jeremy

 

google the process. basically, you'd get a bill of sale (check places like your state's dmv website and such) and have them get the title. you give a check, they sign over the title and sign a bill of sale. you use these to register the car.

if their title says there are liens against the car, that means they owe money on it, ie to a bank. you'd need the lienholder to release the title.

i've always just taken the car to a mechanic and test driven it. then if i want to buy, i'd make an offer verbally. if they accept, we'd print a bill of sale and fill it out. they'd sign the title, i'd sign a check, and we'd trade. then i'd take the title to the state, write them a smaller check, register the car and etc etc.

 

jbgordon, i just noticed your in cambridge pm ---> eoe <--- dmitriy he lives there also and is a car salesman he may be able to answer some of your questions for you. Heck of a nice guy.

 

Am I lucky to be color blind? Searched for the best deal, regardless of any color combination... I was driving a nice S2K within two weeks!

 

Thanks for the help guys...it's very much appreciated.

 

Well, I did it...I got Car 2 after talking the woman down a bit. I'm loving it. Thanks for all the help and advice.

 

Congrats, and welcome!

 

wow, she looks minty fresh!!!

 

congrats!

 

Looks great, I'm glad you were able to make a deal on it.
Levi