When you buy a used car, you have to be extra careful with the process to make sure that every step goes according to the law. When you buy a car privately, the process is not complete when the car reaches your garage. There are several things that you still need to take care of before you are done with the process.
If you buy any car such as a Chevrolet from a chevrolet dealership, the team at the dealers’ office handles most of the paperwork, however, when buying from a private seller, you might have to do things by yourself. Here are some steps that you need to take immediately after buying a used car.
1. Get Your Car Insured
First things first, you should apply for car insurance as soon as you buy the car. It should be done before you take the car out on the road to take it back home. Insurance is extremely important because you never know what can happen on the roads. You just spend your hard-earned money on this car, you can not afford visits to the mechanic this soon.
It would be wise to look for quotes as soon as you start making the deal so that you have a reliable insurance package once you have bought the car.
2. Start The Paperwork For Ownership
Buying a car does not give you the title to the car. The title still exists with the seller until you have transferred it to your name. Therefore, make sure that you ask for all the documents required from the previous owner and apply for your ownership of the car.
When you buy a car from a dealership, you do not have to worry about this process because they will do this for you. However, when you make a private deal, you should make sure that you transfer the car to your name.
3. Register Your Car
The next step would be to register the car with the DMV. You should contact the DMV and ask for the documents required for registration. You might need,
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN),
- Bill of sale showing purchasing details,
- Title signed over by the previous owner,
- Proof of insurance,
- Sales tax, and
- Mechanic’s inspection report
4. Take It To The Repair Shop
Once you are done with the paperwork, take your car to the auto repair shop. You should get the car repaired if any minor issues need to be addressed.
However, if there is none, make sure that you change
- Tires
- Oil filters
- Engine oil
You should also let the mechanic inspect your new vehicle and see if its spark plugs, brakes, and wires need any sort of repair or replacement. The mechanic should also autotune your car.
5. Plan The Maintenance Schedule
Read the buyer’s manual given with the car and see the previous maintenance schedule for the car. You can use the same schedule or plan a new one that meets your requirements.
Make sure that you take your car for maintenance and inspection according to the schedule. Change engine oils and brake oils as per schedule to ensure the smooth running of the vehicle.