Taking a car out for a test drive, loving the way it performs on the road, and making a commitment to the seller to acquire it is just but the first part of a lengthy process. You still need to familiarize yourself with what to do after buying a used car.

As is the case with any other close relationship in life, investing in the cash for junk cars in New York will require you to engage in ongoing efforts.

This means you must learn what to do after buying a used car from a dealer before you even approach the dealer. It’s recommended you take the time to become familiar with all insurance, state taxes, inspection, registration, and titling procedures.

Learning all this will help you in budgeting for the final acquisition cost. Besides taking care of the insurance paperwork, financing, and DMV procedures, you also need to take it for another inspection. It’s why you need to know what to do after buying a used car from the owner.

Chances are you may have to read through the current owner’s manual. Fortunately for you, it isn’t hard getting to familiarize yourself with what to do after you buy a used car from a private seller. You just need to keep reading to learn everything there’s for you to learn.

Important Steps You Must Take After Buying a Car in Another State

1. Title Transfer and Registration

It’s not possible for you to legally drive off with a dealership if the vehicle is not correctly registered. Often, when purchasing from a renowned dealership, its representatives will assist you with registration, title transfers, filing the requisite paperwork, and any associated fees.

If you are unsure of what to ask when buying a used car, try to do some research in advance. For instance, you need to know how long it will take for the new plates to arrive. You should also inquire about whether you can handle everything at the dealership.

This is better as it saves you from having to visit the DMV. However, purchasing from a private seller will in most cases require you to make the trip to the DMV offices. This will also include paying a few hundred dollars to have the vehicle registered and its title transferred to you.

2. Sales Tax on Used Cars

While still trying to figure out what to do after buying a used car, remember you still need to pay the sales tax. With dealerships, the dealers will determine the tax required and ensure its included in the bill. The same doesn’t apply for when dealing with private sellers.

3. Insurance

No one should drive around without a properly insured vehicle. Just because you live close to the dealership or the private seller doesn’t mean you should attempt to do so. As you prepare your list of what to do after buying a used car from a dealer, ensure insurance is captured.

For buyers who may already know the car’s VIN prior to purchase, they can send this to the insurer in advance. This guarantees you will have adequate coverage from the moment the transaction gets completed.

Dealerships often don’t allow buyers to drive off without proving they have acquired an insurance policy. It’s recommended to choose a policy early to enable you to learn how much it will cost. This comes in handy when budgeting for all other related auto expenses.

In the process of establishing what to do after buying a used car from owner, inquire about the importance of speaking to an underwriter about your available choices. Where you live, your age, deductibles, credit score, and type of car will determine the cost of the policy.

Luckily, you stand to enjoy great discounts if you are a homeowner, have good grades, owns multiple cars, and haven’t engaged in many accidents.

4. The Bill of Sale

Knowing what to do after you buy a used car from a private seller will also include learning about the bill of sale, particularly if you are a first-time buyer. This bill will be handed over to you when the transaction is completed.

A bill of sale is technically a receipt that indicates the seller’s name, buyer’s name, purchase price, and any associated terms, taxes, and fees. You will need to show this document when you are registering the used car.

Additionally, if buying a car in another state, you should realize this bill of sale is used by state agencies when they are trying to calculate the tax on used car sales. Buyers buying from a dealership don’t have to worry about all this as the dealership will handle sales tax and registration.

5. Temporary Tags

For buyers who may be unsure about what to ask when buying a used car, inquire from the dealership on the availability of temporary tags. Normally, a dealership will offer its clients temporary tags valid for thirty days.

The 30-day tags are intended to give you enough time to make certain the user car gets registered with your state. Included in this temporary registration will be your title and official insurance document.

6. Go Through the Vehicle’s Manual

Granted, it’s not a fun experience having to spend a few hours going through the owner’s manual. On the other hand, taking the time to read it through is the only way you will learn everything there is to learn about it.

An owner’s manual will contain information about its recommended tire pressure levels, ideal gas grade, what all the gizmos are, and how to use each, and the car’s maintenance schedule. Also, you get to learn the meaning of all the numerous dashboard lights.

7. Visit a Trusted Mechanic

Even though you probably had a local mechanic carry out a pre-purchase inspection, you should also take it to a trusted mechanic when the transaction gets completed. In your talks with the mechanic, have them check the following:

• The tires
• All the filters
• The brakes
• All the fluids

The after-purchase inspection by the mechanic is also an opportunity for you to vet locally available mechanics. While it’s essential you find a reliable mechanic after the purchase, you also have to learn the difference between shops dealing with repairs and those dealing with maintenance.

8. Learn How to Properly Drive the Vehicle

Having crossed all your t’s and dotted all the I’s, you will now be in a position to start enjoying the new acquisition. However, you must go through the owner’s manual a second time before taking on to the open roads.

Familiarizing with common driving mistakes and learning everything there is to learn about your new car is an important process. Know what to avoid when driving, signs to look out for, and how to confirm the car is running as it should.

Finally, keep in mind the only way to improve your driving habits, and to learn how your used car runs is to drive! So why not plan a tour of your city? Or better yet, why not take a road trip?