Buying a Used Car in California
Matching Topics
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Car Buying Paperwork - Bill of Sale, Title Transfers, Duplicate Titles and Registration
Be prepared with the appropriate paperwork and applications when you buy a car - bill of sale, title transfers, duplicate titles, license plates and registrationTopics on this page:
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The Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Car from a Dealer and a Private Party
Deciding to buy a used vehicle from a car dealer or from a private party can be hard. Read the pros and cons of both and save time and money.Topics on this page:
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Guide for Car Buyers in the Market for a Used Car or Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle
Be prepared when you buy a used car by learning about car inspections, vehicle history reports, used car sales tax and fees and more. -
Guide for Car Buyers in the Market for a Used Car or Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle
Be prepared when you buy a used car by learning about car inspections, vehicle history reports, used car sales tax and fees and more. -
Pros and Cons of Car Leasing and Buying a New or Used Car
Consider resale value, monthly car payments, depreciation, sales tax, repair bills and more when deciding whether to buy or lease a vehicle. -
The Pros and Cons of Online Car Shopping for New and Used Cars
Online car shopping for used and new cars is quick and easy. Ordering vehicle history reports can also save you time and money. -
Basics of Test Driving a Used Vehicle, Inspections and Vehicle History Reports
Get the most out of a used car test drive by utilizing pre- and post-trip safety inspections, mechanic inspections and vehicle history reports. -
Order a VIN Check Before You Buy or Sell a Used Car
Order a VIN check to learn the history of your next used car purchase. Vehicle history reports reveal info such as previous accidents, flood damage, registration records. -
Certified Pre Owned Vehicles, Factory Based CPO Vehicles and Certified Used Car Programs
Learn the benefits and guarantees of buying a certified pre owned vehicle complete with an inspection and warranty. When shopping for a used car, peace of mind has its price. -
Calculate the Used Car Sales Tax and Fees Before You Buy a Pre Owned Vehicle
Include vehicle tax and fees when you budget for a used car purchase. Be prepared as vehicle taxes and fees could greatly increase the purchase price.Topics on this page:
Related Questions from DMV Answers
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What are the CA title transfer requirements for buying used cars?
Title Transfer Documents When you buy car, you’ll need: The Certificate of Title. If the title’s lost, the previous owner should apply for a duplicate. The Vehicle /Vessel Transfer and Reassignment form. This is available from the CA DMV, or you can get it from the California DMV website. A Bill of Sale. California doesn't require it, but it's good to have as added documentation. You will need additional documents, such as a smog check for cars older than four years, when you register the car. Car Title Signing During the title transfer, both the previous owner and new owner must sign the car title, or pink slip. If the car is 10 years old or newer, you’ll also need to write the mileage (odometer reading). Selling a Car If you’re selling a car, fill out the Notice..
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How do I go about buying a car out of state?
Buying a car out of state is usually a bit more difficult than buying it in state. This is because state smog and vehicle safety requirements may vary. For example, California has much more stringent smog requirements than other states. Cars brought into California must have a “California Certified” label under the hood, near the engine. Some states, like Ohio, require that the car be inspected by their own state inspectors for safety. Documentation, such as a notarized Bill of Sale, Federal Odometer Statement, and Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, or the seller’s registration may also be..
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What should I consider when purchasing a used car with a salvage title?
The first thing you should do is order a vehicle history report. This report will run the vehicle identification number (or, VIN) through a check and let you know all about the history of the used car. If the owner already told you the vehicle has a salvage title, running a VIN check will give you the complete story and possibly either set your mind at ease or make you realize you’re not willing to take the risk. If the owner didn’t tell you about the salvage title and the vehicle history report is how you found out, you might want to consider looking elsewhere for a used car – even if the VIN check doesn’t present any major problems. Withholding the salvage title status is just bad business. State Laws On Salvage Titles Even if you’re aware the used car is a..
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What is required to legally operate a salvage title vehicle on California roads?
Titling and Registering a Rebuilt Auto If you plan on rebuilding a salvage title car and driving it again, fully registered and titled, you must keep titles from all the various cars used to make the new car. Then you must: Fill out an Application for Title or Registration. Get the car inspected at a California DMV office, by appointment. This ensures that you came by all the car parts legally. Bring any titles or bill of sale forms from the auto transactions you have with you to prove ownership. The DMV charges a $50 fee for this inspection service. The DMV may send you to the CHP for an inspection. Bring your title. The CHP will give you an inspection certificate. Get a brakes and lights inspection from a repair shop certified by the state; check your yellow pages or ask your favorite..
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Search Results from the California DMV
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What You Need To Know When Buying a Vehicle FFVR 26
Before buying a vehicle, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities. ... cancellation option, which is available to you when buying specified used cars from a ...
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Buying or Selling a vehicle Changing Vehicle Ownership
Requirements for Buying a Vehicle Car Buyer's Bill of Rights; What You Need to Know When Buying a Car; What To Do When Purchasing a Car From a Private Party
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Car Buyer's Bill of Rights FFVR 35
Buying and Selling; Plates; Placards and Decals; Boats; Fees; Registration Forms; More ... A used car buyer may obtain a two-day sales contract cancellation option.
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Before Buying a Vehicle From Out of State - Be Sure You Can ...
If you are a California resident and acquire a new car, truck or motorcycle from ... than half of the smog and global warming pollution in California, the vehicle you buy ...
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Buying an Out of State Vehicle
Buying an Out-of-State Vehicle What You Need to Know About Buying an Out-of-State Vehicle; Register a Nonresident Vehicle; Problems with a Vehicle Purchase