Buying used car from private seller?

Question

I've never bought a car before, and I'm not sure what proper steps to take. My father was a mechanic, so I know how to check and make sure everything is running well on the vehicle. My concern is about titles, registrations, and getting a new insurance policy (since I've never had auto insurance either). When I buy it, I know that both the seller and buyer need to fill out the title and transfer it. My question relates mainly to insurance and vehicle registration. How is this done? Note that I live in Minnesota and have already checked out http://dmv.org, but it still leaves me with unresolved questions. Do I need to get insurance before I buy it? How long do I have until I need to register the vehicle?

Answer 1

You will need to take the information on the vehicle (VIN, year, make) to an Insurance Agent & get the insurance before you get the vehicle. Then take the information on the vehicle along with the proof of insurance to the DMV (do not take the vehicle). They will either register the vehicle at that time or issue you a moving permit to have the vehicle inspected.  

Answer 2

I would suggest getting the vehicle identification number and checking with insurance companies online.  I'd also go through CarFax or something similar.  This will tell you if the vehicle's ever been in an accident or if it has a lien attached to it.

Answer 3

He...he...you may be need to read again the website. Anyway, after you purchase the car, you can go to the DMV to register and title the car into your name right away or ASAP, but of course you have to buy an auto insurance before that. It's easy, right?

Answer 4

Once you have insurance, there is no reason to wait to register the car.Your title should be free of liens and have current tags. To wait to get it transferred into your name can cause undue problems if you are pulled over or in an accident. Your chances of loosing the title and trying to get a new one in your name are not in your favor.

Just do the right thing and register it as soon as you can.