Selling a car

[supton]

Have someone flying in to buy mine. Am checking into details. Looks like I can sign over the title, make a bill of sale, and we drive to the DMV where he can get temp plates and be on his way. Simple as that?

Otherwise, would I wait for his bank check, then sign the title and snail mail the title&bill of sale to him, wait for him to fly in, and then hand over? that seems to fail on two counts: first, it assumes he wants the car (his headache not mine), and two, once I sign over the paperwork, legally I should not drive the car to the airport, since it is not mine (my headache). Or is that ok, since I would still have a valid registration?

 

[JTK]

Years ago, a co-worker of mine bought a used Audi A4 off of eBay from a dealer in Texas. He flew from Buffalo to TX, someone from the dealership picked him up at the airport, drove him back to the dealership, completed the transaction (he brought a bank check) and he drove the Audi all the way back with temp. plates.

Maybe you and the guy drive to the bank to deposit the check first, then you take him to the DMV, then back home to the car?

I've sold a few of my later model used cars myself years ago. I'd never do it again. I'd try it again on something of much lesser value though.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Every state is slightly different. I just sold our Buick last weekend, and I only need to sign the title, fill out the odometer disclosure, damage statement and bill of sale, remove the plates, collect the money and send the new owner on their way.

If someone purchases a non-dealer vehicle in Iowa they don't need temp plates-their bill of sale and signed title are proof of ownership until the new owner has a chance to get to the DMV to get the new title/registration.

 

[Nick1994]

Here in AZ you have to have the title notarized when signing it off to sell it. You don't need the buyer there for the signing though. You'll be fine driving it after signing the title. I wouldn't hand over ownership until his check totally clears though, but I would also highly suggest you take cash only.

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Every state is slightly different. I just sold our Buick last weekend, and I only need to sign the title, fill out the odometer disclosure, damage statement and bill of sale, remove the plates, collect the money and send the new owner on their way.

If someone purchases a non-dealer vehicle in Iowa they don't need temp plates-their bill of sale and signed title are proof of ownership until the new owner has a chance to get to the DMV to get the new title/registration.

That's how it works here too, but just call your DMV and ask what they need to see.
I am puzzled why someone would fly in to get a rusty 300k tdi, but its good for you, pretty much a slamdunk sale!

 

[Donald]

I have bought vehicles where I gave the owner cash and got the title and drove the vehicle home and mailed the plates back to the prev. owner.

I bought another vehicle where the vehicle was delivered to me, I gave the prev. owner cash, got a bill of sale, but the owner needed my cash to pay off a lien. I was mailed the title a few days latter.

Once went to my credit union, the new owner gave me the money to pay off the lien, he got the title and I got the leftover cash.

A lien does make it more difficult. In some states you can get a "transit plate" to move a vehicle before you get it titled.

 

[supton]

His offer was cash, so I believe he is flying with money, and I did respond that "cash" fine. Hard to beat dollar bills.

I checked NH laws, and shot him an email to check on this end. I don't think he is planning to drive off with my plates--and if he thought that then I'll kill the deal now.

Sounds like I understand the process. I did a quick check on his state, and it looks like he just needs title and BoS. Seems straightforward.

Thanks.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Donald
I have bought vehicles where I gave the owner cash and got the title and drove the vehicle home and mailed the plates back to the prev. owner.


You have to be so careful though. A relative of mine sold his old Olds Ciera to a ghetto dweller. The dweller continued driving it with my relatives long expired registration sticker on the w/s and got into a minor accident. Who do you think got sued?

 

[supton]

Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Every state is slightly different. I just sold our Buick last weekend, and I only need to sign the title, fill out the odometer disclosure, damage statement and bill of sale, remove the plates, collect the money and send the new owner on their way.

If someone purchases a non-dealer vehicle in Iowa they don't need temp plates-their bill of sale and signed title are proof of ownership until the new owner has a chance to get to the DMV to get the new title/registration.

That's how it works here too, but just call your DMV and ask what they need to see.
I am puzzled why someone would fly in to get a rusty 300k tdi, but its good for you, pretty much a slamdunk sale!


Ever drive a TDI? is nice. There is a reason I hung onto mine for so long. Loved that car... Anyhow, I saw his plane ticket confirmation, cheap ticket. He wants to go see Maine while here, he indicated that. Take a week off, pick up a car, see New England. Even if the car is a loss, it might make for a fun and cheap vacation (his thoughts, I still have a high opinion of the car).

 

[ecotourist]

I'd be a little careful about the cheque too on a major sale. Safest would be to go to the bank and he obtains cash and hands it to you. Some variant of a bouncy cheque is the basis for several scams.

The bad part is it would be nice to be able to buy a car with a cheque. But I'd sure hate to sell one and only get a worthless cheque.

 

[supton]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: Donald
I have bought vehicles where I gave the owner cash and got the title and drove the vehicle home and mailed the plates back to the prev. owner.


You have to be so careful though. A relative of mine sold his old Olds Ciera to a ghetto dweller. The dweller continued driving it with my relatives long expired registration sticker on the w/s and got into a minor accident. Who do you think got sued?


Yep.

I bought a camper trailer last year, and the owner let me use his plate to transport. I promptly returned the plate on the following day. Trailer is not a car, and I lived but a couple towns away. But no way I'd let someone drive off with my plates.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

What did you buy to replace the Jetta? Or just going to use your truck?

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: supton
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Every state is slightly different. I just sold our Buick last weekend, and I only need to sign the title, fill out the odometer disclosure, damage statement and bill of sale, remove the plates, collect the money and send the new owner on their way.

If someone purchases a non-dealer vehicle in Iowa they don't need temp plates-their bill of sale and signed title are proof of ownership until the new owner has a chance to get to the DMV to get the new title/registration.

That's how it works here too, but just call your DMV and ask what they need to see.
I am puzzled why someone would fly in to get a rusty 300k tdi, but its good for you, pretty much a slamdunk sale!


Ever drive a TDI? is nice. There is a reason I hung onto mine for so long. Loved that car... Anyhow, I saw his plane ticket confirmation, cheap ticket. He wants to go see Maine while here, he indicated that. Take a week off, pick up a car, see New England. Even if the car is a loss, it might make for a fun and cheap vacation (his thoughts, I still have a high opinion of the car).

I don't discount the car itself, but usually people fly down south to get a rust free older car. Your car is fairly common here, but I guess not everywhere.
I bet there's a whack of them in Quebec, if you want another one.

 

[bullwinkle]

Cashier's check only, take it to the bank to verify funds (& preferably run it through as an ACH transfer), all others pay CASH. NO PLATES go! After I sign the title, & it's notarized, AND I take a picture of the back of the title for my records, then you can have the car. I'll usually wait to cancel the insurance for a day or two, but they DON'T get the insurance card.

 

[Noey]

There are two issues here: State regulations and common sense. Check with your DMV for the former and pass those along to the new owner.

Selling a car is a straight business transaction, and I'd highly advise you keep it that way. So, the car is located in your garage and it is the Buyer's responsibility to get to your house with a certified bank check ONLY. Your responsibility is to have the car and the paper work ready. If it's an out of state sale, your responsibility remains the same, he'd need to arrange shipping AFTER you receive that same certified BANK check. Do NOT pick him up or drop the car off, do NOT leave your license plate on as you are the legal identified owner until his DMV makes the reg switch, and cancel the insurance after he hands you the check, but before he leaves your property. Don't involve yourself in situations that seem "Friendly" but can have unintended consequences...like picking him up or dropping the car off which can result in a collision or other calamity.

 

[Dave Hess]

The buyer calls insurance company and gets a binder for the VIN , pays the seller and drives home.

Seller keeps THEIR plates, insurance card, registration, they only sign the title.

 

[supton]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
What did you buy to replace the Jetta? Or just going to use your truck?


TBD. Running truck for now. I really wanted to talk myself into a 2009-2013 Corolla, but prices are high, and the break even is like 5+ years, unless if gas prices spike hard. And even then... I have one year left for loans on the current fleet, a third is tolerable, just undesirable. But I hate the notion of commuting in my truck, I did not buy it for that, I feel like I am wasting its life and will have to trade earlier than planned--was not planning on running an automatic to high miles.

Will say, the more I wait, the more I question if I want to commute in a Corolla. Lots of noise, as others keep pointing out.Truck is expensive--but quiet.

 

[The_Jeff]

Bank checks can be forged and there are laws that require banks to "cash" cashiers checks before they can be verified. Get cash or a bank of america or other nationwide bank check in the BUYERs name that the BUYER can cash and then you can sign over the title in the bank's lobby. You can then either pocket the cash and deposit it in your home bank or turn it in at the teller window for another cashiers check if you're paranoid of being mugged.

Until the buyer turns in the title in his home state, the car's "yours". Some states (like Florida) have helpful little "tear-offs" on the bottoms of titles that release the seller of liability by having the buyer fill out a name and address.

IDK if NH's DMV offers out-of-staters temporary plates though I expect they do. Maine will give a "transit plate" with proof of insurance, and, oddly, without proof of ownership, so it can be obtained ahead of time if one knows the VIN.

A last resort for a desperate buyer is to make a cardboard mock up of your "old plate" with the odds being good they can make it where they're going before you formally cancel the number. The seller is relieved of liability for it being an obvious forgery by having their metal plates in hand. The buyer can get the numbers from the test drive, ad photos, or back of your inspection sticker.

If you do get a bank check in the mail and fedex (tracking please) him the title, wait a week for it to "really clear" and let him know you're going to do it, and be explicitly clear it has to be Bank of America, Key Bank, or TD (or whatever 3 branches you have downtown that they have everywhere.)

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: supton
Have someone flying in to buy mine. Am checking into details. Looks like I can sign over the title, make a bill of sale, and we drive to the DMV where he can get temp plates and be on his way. Simple as that?

Otherwise, would I wait for his bank check, then sign the title and snail mail the title&bill of sale to him, wait for him to fly in, and then hand over? that seems to fail on two counts: first, it assumes he wants the car (his headache not mine), and two, once I sign over the paperwork, legally I should not drive the car to the airport, since it is not mine (my headache). Or is that ok, since I would still have a valid registration?
Check the state law of the buyer. Many states allow the use of plates for 10 days or more on a new purchase before changing the registration info. Buyer will need his registration, plates, and the bill of sale so show the date acquired. You have to pay off the bank if there is a loan before the title will be changed.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: supton
Originally Posted By: Miller88
What did you buy to replace the Jetta? Or just going to use your truck?


TBD. Running truck for now. I really wanted to talk myself into a 2009-2013 Corolla, but prices are high, and the break even is like 5+ years, unless if gas prices spike hard. And even then... I have one year left for loans on the current fleet, a third is tolerable, just undesirable. But I hate the notion of commuting in my truck, I did not buy it for that, I feel like I am wasting its life and will have to trade earlier than planned--was not planning on running an automatic to high miles.

Will say, the more I wait, the more I question if I want to commute in a Corolla. Lots of noise, as others keep pointing out.Truck is expensive--but quiet.


You should be able to pull the carpet and door panels in something cheap and noisy and add some dynomat.