USED CAR BUYER'S TIPS

Purchasing A Vehicle in the State of New York

In the modern age, purchasing a vehicle privately online has never been more convenient for the seller and for the buyer. Once you fall in love with your new car and ensured it runs smoothly, it's time to fill out the necessary documents to finalize the deal.

The logistics of the paperwork can be overwhelming, and we too often witness buyer mistakes that cannot be fixed and can end up costing a fortune. We get it-the excitement of your new purchase can be distracting! Therefore, we made a comprehensive checklist to assist our clients even before the vehicle transaction goes through.

Here is what to look for:

Always deal with the owner directly and avoid any third parties. Always deal directly with the vehicle owner as opposed to a third party. This offers you upfront insurance if anything goes wrong. Always remember to compare the driver's license to the title and to the owner as an extra precaution!

Ensure the vehicle's title has not been modified. Whether pen marks, stains, or tears, the title cannot have any modifications because it can render the title invalid. Even the smallest of imperfections can lead to unwanted consequences!

Ensure the vehicle is charge free. If a vehicle has unpaid charges, the bank can legally repossess the car. Please don't rely on charges listed on the title because they may not exist anymore. On the other hand, a charge not listed on the title may still be active and unpaid. If you find a charge, you can contact the vehicle's seller and ask for a form to release the charge. You can remove charges by:

• completing an MV-901 form and having it signed by the bank or the charge holder or by
• getting a letter with the charge holder's letterhead and the car's VIN, year, make, and model signed by authorized personnel.

Look for any inconsistencies on the odometer. Always confirm the vehicle's title shows fewer (or equal) miles than are displayed on the car's odometer. However, suppose the miles listed on the title are more than the vehicle. In that case, this suggests that the odometer has been illegally rolled back to make the car more appealing.

Ensure both vehicle identification numbers (VIN) match (title and car). Contrary to popular belief, this occurs way more often than it should. If the VINs do not match, contact the vehicle's seller and ensure they fix the discrepancy before progressing any further.

Lastly, ensure the title is up to date. A vehicle owner who misplaces the title often orders a duplicate, which becomes the only valid document. If the owner finds the original title to the car and provides it upon purchase, that title is technically invalid. here...