Buying car from private party

[kelleigh1]

We're going to be buying a car from a friend and as I've only ever bought from a dealership, I'm not exactly sure of the process.

If it makes a difference, we are in MA.

The other issue is that we're buying this car to replace one that we already own, but we're not sure what to do with the existing car. We want to transfer the insurance, registration, etc. from the old car to the new one and then get rid of the old one. We're interested in selling it to a junkyard or someone for parts mainly because we're not sure it could be put on the road again in its current condition.

Can anyone point me in the right direction to (a) get the new car registered and on the road and (b) get rid of the old car? And any idea what else we're going to have to pay for to get the new car on the road?

If we're buying from a private party, will we need to get the car inspected right away or will we just be able to wait until their current inspection expires?

Thanks for any help/advice!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Not sure about "transfer"?
Insurance is through your insurance company, that doesn't "transfer". You will have a new policy on the car.
You can transfer plates but I wouldn't since you want to sell the car.

You need the Bill of Sale from the seller. Very important to get. Call DMV to see how it needs to be worded or if it needs to be notorized.
Insurance Proof
whatever documents your state requires for licensing, call your local DMV

You should not buy a used car without an inspection. That is on the seller. So they had it inspected?
Generally the seller does the inspection and it is good for X amount of days in which time you get it licensed.

Bottom line call your DMV, Insurance Agent, bank if you are getting a loan. They will tell you everything you need.

 

[kirbydog48]

The owner has to give you the title, and write up a bill of sale, which I think must have the VIN# and mileage. Call your insurance company about stopping insurance on the old car and adding it to the new one. Then you must go to everyone's favorite place, the RMV (actually, it's gotten much better). You must give them the title and bill of sale, as well as a certificate of insurance. You will have to pay sales tax at the RMV, which I believe is 5%(I think they charge 5% of the blue book value). Check out the RMV website for exact details. Re: documents needed and inspection. Also, I donated a couple of my cars to the Special Olympics, then you can deduct some of the car's value from your income taxes. They come get it and tow it away. Or, call local garages/junkyards and see what they're willing to give you.

 

[Patch'sD]

Here in New York there is a form for the Bill of Sale that must be signed by the Owner. Since you have a computer, Go online to the Mass. DMV and See what forms you need.

 

[kelleigh1]

Thanks for the info so far. This is helpful. Btw, the seller is taking care of the Bill of Sale.

I am confused about transfering the plates. Why couldn't we transfer them from the car we're getting rid of to the new one? We definitely want to keep them as they are special plates.

 

[robinb]

Know that the seller has no legal requirement to tell you about problems with the car. It's up to you to determine any possible problems before you buy it. I would check the car's VIN number through CarFax. They do miss some things, but they also catch most dealer-reported maintenance and problems. I would also have a trusted mechanic of MY choosing inspect the car. It should be less than $200, but it's cheap insurance against buying a really bad car.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Thanks for the info so far. This is helpful. Btw, the seller is taking care of the Bill of Sale.

I am confused about transfering the plates. Why couldn't we transfer them from the car we're getting rid of to the new one? We definitely want to keep them as they are special plates.

You can. It is just a PITA. If you have special plates then I understand.
Just ask your DMV.

 

[kelleigh1]

You can. It is just a PITA. If you have special plates then I understand.
Just ask your DMV.

Oh ok, thanks. I'll have to ask about that.

 

[Hercules10]

Have a mechanic go over it with a fine tooth comb.

 

[diesel]

In MA transfering you old plates to another car is no big deal. Your insurance company can probably tell you what needs to be done. I transfer my plates every time I get a new car and it's not a problem at all.

 

[kelleigh1]

Thanks to all who are saying "have the car checked", "see a mechanic", etc. But that's not what I'm asking about and that is being taken care of.

My questions are what I need to do legally to get it registered and on the road. And how we go about getting rid of the car we already own.

 

[marlynnp]

Here in PA we have privately owned offices that do Tag & Title Transfers. They have Notery Publics that do the paperwork and send it to DMV. They can also transfer the plates or issue new ones. As long as the vehicle type is the same you can transfer plates here - a car to another car is okay, a car to a truck is not. I see no reason for you to not transfer the plates especially if you are looking to have the old car taken for parts.

Your insurance is a separate issue and you should call your agent.

 

[robinb]

Thanks to all who are saying "have the car checked", "see a mechanic", etc. But that's not what I'm asking about and that is being taken care of.

My questions are what I need to do legally to get it registered and on the road. And how we go about getting rid of the car we already own.

When I bought and sold my cars I went to the state of Wisconsin website and looked up what I needed. I'm sure that Massachusetts has that same information available for you. People who live in different states really can't help you with the legalities of your own state. Good luck .

 

[allison443]

When I bought and sold my cars I went to the state of Wisconsin website and looked up what I needed. I'm sure that Massachusetts has that same information available for you. People who live in different states really can't help you with the legalities of your own state. Good luck .

Robin is correct. I recently had to transfer a car from New York to New Jersey (private party transfer). I went on both states websites and got the NY requirements to transfer, then on NJ's website it showed what was needed to register a car: title, release of lien, proof of insurance, my id. I got everything together, went to the NJ motor vehicles office, paid around 60 dollars, they handed me license plates and registraton. Literally a ten minute transaction. Then I had 60 days to get the vehicle inspected.
It was much more painless than I thought!
Good luck!

 

[kelleigh1]

Ok. I think we're all set with the new car purchase portion.


Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do with the old car other than donating it?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Ok. I think we're all set with the new car purchase portion.


Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do with the old car other than donating it?

Craigslist
kbb
auto trader

 

[tinatark]

While your old car may be junk to you, there are tons of people who would pay a couple hundred $$ and then fix it, either to re-sell or drive.

I would try craigslist.

 

[BunsenH]

Ok. I think we're all set with the new car purchase portion.


Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do with the old car other than donating it?

If it runs, try Carmax. You may only get a few hundred $$, but it would be a clean, easy transaction.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If it runs, try Carmax. You may only get a few hundred $$, but it would be a clean, easy transaction.

Why would you do that? If it runs you can make more money.
Selling a used car is easy. We have sold 30+ of them.

I will have to say our last purchases have been off of Craigslist.
Look for the AutoTrader magazine in your local gas station. That used to be the major source of selling used cars. Still is, but Craigslist has to be taking a bite out of them.

http://www.autotrader.com/

 

[Kathi OD]

You could also donate the old car to a charity and depending on your situation, take a tax deduction.

Robin is correct. I recently had to transfer a car from New York to New Jersey (private party transfer). I went on both states websites and got the NY requirements to transfer, then on NJ's website it showed what was needed to register a car: title, release of lien, proof of insurance, my id. I got everything together, went to the NJ motor vehicles office, paid around 60 dollars, they handed me license plates and registraton. Literally a ten minute transaction. Then I had 60 days to get the vehicle inspected.
It was much more painless than I thought!
Good luck!

You sure you're talking about NJ? I've never been out of the MVC in 10 minutes, even on a good day!