lehtola

I'm curious how some of you have done this. O.k. so like I'm here and the owner is there. I get the car checked out, checks out fine. I make the offer. We go back and forth and come to a selling price. Next...I want the title, but I'm still here and he needs the money.

What is the best way to do this and not get burned? I get the title in my hands, get my new title/plates, fly up there and drive the car back.

How can I do this?

KC911

After I had decided to purchase my car (from a seller in NJ), I flew up to NJ w/ a certified check and the plate off of one of my existing cars (after checking with my NC insurance agent about the proper procedure). He signed the title over to me, I put my plate on, and drove her home (grinning the WHOLE time)! At least in NC, this is perfectly OK, and you're covered for 30 days under your existing insurance policy. In other words, go get the car, then worry about the NC title & plates. Good luck!

lehtola

I was told by DMV that I could not do that. Are you sure?

ron mcatee

Lehtola, I suggest that you go look at the car prior to purchasing it. If it is not what you want you are out the cost of the trip which may well be a lot of savings if the car is not as advertised. Also, you will be able to drive it home or make arrangements to ship it. Always contact your insurer to see what their requirements are. Generally, if you have a bill of sale and proof of insurance, you should be OK.

Doug&Julie

I've sold two cars to gents from out of town. Basically, both did their homework and asked other sources about the cars I was selling, even getting the PPI done, etc. Once happy with what they'd seen, they both flew in with a certified check. After final inspection of the car, the money was exchanged and then the title was signed over to them. In one case I let the guy drive home on my plate (because it was about to expire), but I'm not sure that was entirely legal. The second time, we went to the Ohio BMV and got a 30 day/temporary tag to get them home. ($4 in Ohio) All they needed to show was the proof of ownership (title), driver's license, and proof of insurance. Then each drove 'em home!

I would recommend this course of action...actually trading money in hand for title in hand. This should ease your trepidations about the seller taking off with your hard earned cash! And it gives you one final chance to look over the car yourself.

Good luck!

mducharme

This is what I did. Travellers cheques (American Express) .I used $1000.00 denoms. So I wouldn't get writers cramp

I brought enough for full purchase price and negotiated from there . Saved 3000.00 . After PPI checked out.
Mike (mducharme)

JeremyW964

DMV gave me a 30 day tag - they balked at first - but then when I told them what I intended to do - they relented. I said fine - if you don't want to give me a 30 day tag - then at least sign this memo that I have prepared saying that I tried to do the legal, right thing. - If I get pulled over, it will make a far stronger case for me with a state trooper... they gave me a 30 day tag (with the proper vin# and bill of sale faxed to me buy the seller)

andrew911

"lehtola"- check your e-mail- you should have 9 e-mails with pics...

Andrew

Sonic dB

Hey... Ive got a related question as I am in a similar situation.

I live in CA and am buying a Porsche from out of state. How are the taxes handled? Am I going to get hammered by the state of CA for 8.25% sales tax when I register the car?

Is there any way around paying this?

Thanks!

Bill Gregory

When I bought my C2 in North Carolina, after inspections and closing the deal, I flew to NC, swapped money for title and records, drove home on the current NC plates, and mailed the plates back to the seller.

KC911

Hi lehtola, Well, I am 100% sure that the DMV is wrong when they say "you CAN'T do that"...because that's exactly what I did...but I'm not qualified to say that it's 100% legit. However, I too was unsure about how to handle the transaction, so I contacted my reputable Nationwide insurance agent, and he informed me that this was the "proper way to do it", and that it was done "this way all the time". That being said, however, I can't vouch for him being correct either. Personally, I don't think it's that big of an issue...as long as you're covered under your existing insurance policy (and you are), I don't think any 'reasonable' police officer would hassle you as long as you had the 'signed over title', and appropriate documentation. (You might want to carry the registration card that matches the plate you're using in order to prove that it's not a stolen plate). I'm certainly not a legal expert, but that is what I did...Keith

Bill Gregory

Reading KC's post, I forgot to add that I had my own insurance (and insurance card) in effect when I picked up the car. Insurance company's don't typically care about license plates, rather, they care about VIN - at least those I've dealt with.

GOBOGIE

As far as temp. plate goes, just go to the local BMV with your title & bill of sale and give them the money and you'll get a temp. plate. Mine cost $5 in the state of Colorado last July!

steve911

Sonic dB -
answer is yes. The state of CA will ask to collect sales tax on your purchase when you register the vehicle.

In addition, you have (I believe) 30 days from time car enters the state to register - if you delay, penalties start adding up very quickly.

Chad M 11

related

I bought my car on Ebay which had it listed as "open title" The seller was to have a friend deliver the car to me with the title and a "note" stating that I had purchased the car from "him" (which I requested. The money had already been wired so I was flying on good faith. When the car arrive it was as described and I was stoked BUT the "note" from the seller was not there. He had never had the title listed in his name when he purchased the car a couple of years ago. I was given a "note" from the previous seller (two years old)stating " I sold the car to...(blank) on X date. The title is in the name of that previous seller.

I have not transferred the title to my name yet because I don't know if I should fill in my name on the note or what??? I have all of the EBAY junk stating that I won the auction as well as the record of my transaction but it was to a totally different guy than listed on the title. I'm just a little scared of an impending hassle. Any similar situations out there?