|
Advice needed: Buying a 2nd Hand Car in the USA
|
View this Thread in Original format
| Jarvmeister |
Hi,
I am looking at buying an old car in the USA, first registered in 1968. The car is currently for sale by a dealer.
I am from the UK, there are certain processes we have here in order to legally sign a car from one owner to another.
What are the processes in the USA? And if I'm a UK resident with no address in the USA does anyone have any recommendations as to how I go about the whole thing?
I intend to ship the car back to the UK and intend to use a company called Schumacher Cargo Logistics to do this, although I don't need any advice on this if someone has something useful to input I'm all ears.
COR version: What is the process for legally buying a car in the USA? |
|
|
| igottaknow |
| I would contact the DMV (department of motor vehicles) from that state its coming from and ask them. But basically the seller signs over the title to you, you then take that to your local dmv as proof of ownership, then you can register it, get plates, and insurance. |
|
|
| The17sss |
| hmmm... might be difficult because for the title, you have to show a valid address (like on a driver's license in the state you're purchasing, or a copy of your power bill). If you're just buying the car to then ship it, and paying for the car in full with cash without planning on driving it here, I don't see why you can't do it with no problem. |
|
|
| pkcRAISTLIN |
| buy a boat from mexico and ship the car back to the UK. |
|
|
| Ygrene |
Always write down your offer on a piece of paper. Slide it across the desk and don't say a word.
Also, if they offer you something to drink prior to negotiations, always say no or you have lost already. |
|
|
| Mr.Mystery |
| quote: | Originally posted by Ygrene
Always write down your offer on a piece of paper. Slide it across the desk and don't say a word.
|
If you fart, turn on the radio to mask the smell. |
|
|
| The17sss |
 |
|
|
| Jarvmeister |
The documentation on the Schumacher documentation reads as follows:
ALL VEHICLES - ORIGINAL TITLE - ORIGINAL title required for all VEHICLES, MOTORCYCLES, and DIRT BIKES & ATV’S.
MSO- (manufacturers statement of origin) - new vehicles/bikes/ dirt bikes/ ATV’s w/out title can be cleared with an ORIGINAL
MSO. (Must be signed off to buyer or bill of sale linking buyer to MSO)
Couple of questions:
1 What is an original title? Is it the same as what we have in the UK, sometimes called a log book, sometimes called a registration document?
2 Despite the cars age, will the dealer have a legal obligation to supply me with the cars MSO?
Thanks for the help so far. |
|
|
| igottaknow |
| I surmise original means from the country of origin with the previous owners info on it. They don't want you to turn in the title to dmv and get issued a new title with only your info typed in. This is probably to deter trafficking stolen vehicles. |
|
|
| euphoria |
Since you are in another country you may want to contact an escrow agent so you can make sure things are in order before you make the payment.
Make sure you are really getting what you pay for, if you know someone here send them out to look at the car or may be hire an inspector:
Check everything, seats, trunk, compartments, look under the car too (sometimes the exhaust system or cat can be seriously rusted) etc.
Test the lights, heating, AC, stereo, windows.
Bring a mechanic if you can.
Knock $ off their asking price for anything wrong that you find with it and mention it to them. |
|
|
| jonSun |
| quote: | Originally posted by Ygrene
Always write down your offer on a piece of paper. Slide it across the desk and don't say a word.
Also, if they offer you something to drink prior to negotiations, always say no or you have lost already. |
:stongue: |
|
|
| EddieZilker |
| quote: | Originally posted by Jarvmeister
1 What is an original title? Is it the same as what we have in the UK, sometimes called a log book, sometimes called a registration document? |
The title functions as proof of ownership when registering the car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (or other such governmental agencies) and obtaining insurance. It does log an ownership history, as the vehicle changes possession. |
|
|
|
|
