Buying a used car is a great way to get a deal on a vehicle that may not be available through other means. But it’s important to understand the process first. After all, a car is one of the biggest purchases many people make. Be sure you pay attention to details such as your local laws in order to avoid problems down the road.
Make Sure the Seller is Legit
Before even considering a purchase from a private seller, you want to know the person you’re dealing with is who they say they are. Ask them if they are the owner of the vehicle. If so, they will be able to provide information about the vehicle’s history, which you’ll also want to ask about. Look up their name and phone number, as well, to verify their identity. A scam artist will want to hide this kind of personal information.
Buying a Used Vehicle in Illinois or Elsewhere
Used car dealers should be licensed with the Secretary of State’s office. The license should be displayed by the dealer. Be sure you know the rules and regulations in your state before sealing any deal. The state of Illinois offers these important recommendations to local drivers who are considering making a purchase through a private seller:
- First and foremost, be sure to research a vehicle’s history using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and obtain a Vehicle History Report (see below).
- Many vehicles are illegally rebuilt after another state has determined them to either be a total loss or junk. Once it has been classified as a “junk” or “total loss,” Illinois will not issue a rebuilt title.
- Make sure the vehicle’s title is provided and that it is signed and dated by the seller.
- Never purchase a vehicle with an altered title. Alterations and erasure marks invalidate a title. Confirm the name on the title matches the name of the seller and the VIN matches the VIN on the vehicle. Also make sure that all previous liens have been released.
- Confirm the VIN on the vehicle. The VIN on the driver’s side dash and the sticker on the driver’s door frame should match.
- Beware of notations on the title and vehicle history report. This information may include floods, rebuilt, specially constructed, not actual mileage, mileage exceeds mechanical limits, inoperable odometer, and other factors that might pose a risk to the new owner.
- If a Salvage Title has been issued on a vehicle, the seller must provide the buyer with a Disclosure of Rebuilt Vehicle form. Salvage vehicles cannot be registered in Illinois.
- Obtain the seller’s contact information in case there is a problem with the title or the vehicle.
Address Risks: Get Vehicle History Report & Test Drive the Car Before Buying It
With private sellers, it’s even more important to test drive a vehicle on the street and highway before buying it. Regulations that apply to dealerships won’t apply here, which puts more responsibility on you to look into the car’s history and find out if there may be damage the seller isn’t revealing.
You may need to spend money to get a vehicle history report on CARFAX or a similar website. This report will give you information on past accidents, whether there are open recalls, the market value and other information that tells you about the quality of the vehicle. If there have been other previous owners, you want to know that, as well.
Steps to Take After Buying the Used Vehicle
Once you’ve purchased your new car, there are other important steps to take so it can be driven legally:
- Remove the previous owner’s license plates. It is illegal to operate a vehicle with someone else’s license plates.
- If purchasing a vehicle from a private individual, it is the buyer’s responsibility to have the title transferred to their name within 20 days.
- Stop by CFSC Auto Services and we’ll take care of the plate and title transfers for you!
Protect Yourself Financially with Smart, Local Auto Services
CFSC Auto Services helps drivers take care of everything else they need, all under one roof. Get help with a variety of auto-related needs, from license plate renewals and plate transfers to replacing stolen or lost stickers. Getting these tasks done properly and on time is crucial to avoiding expensive tickets that can easily be avoided.
Skip unnecessary trips to the DMV. When you stop by your nearest CFSC location, we can also help out with your other financial services. Our flexible schedule makes it easy to swing by at your convenience. Check out CFSC Auto Services online to find out more!