You all know me; I worry about things, especially at the last minute.I think I have found my van. Mechanic approves it. He's not my mechanic, as I am not home, but he had good reviews on google. Low miles, good price, clean carfax.I've always bought from private parties, but this is a lot more money than I have spent on a vehicle before. $6000.I've been shy of dealers, though did not rule them out, because as a group they have such a bad rep. But at least there is SOME consumer protection I guess.What do you all think?I guess I am looking for reassurance, or suggested better methods. The seller won't take a cashier's check.

What difference does it make, as long as you get the title at the time of purchase. Take him to the DOT, and get every thing transferred at one time. Cash or not. His responsibility ends at the time of sale. You are buying "as is". After you buy. You are responsible for every thing.Pretty much the same at a dealer.

I prefer private parties. When I make the purchase, I insist we both go to the bank together and transfer the money and title at the same time. Especially if their is a lean holder on the vehicle. If I am paying with cash, and no lean on the vehicle, we both will go to the Department of Motor Vehicles and do the transfer there. I have had situations where I thought the seller had the correct documents and all signed in the correct spot, just to find out a signature was in the wrong place or more paperwork was needed. Back to the seller I go, which by then do not care (they have their money) and can be difficult to contact.Wayne

That's what I have always have done.

Thanks, everyone :).There's no lien, and yes I was planning to do it at the dmv. Especially since I am not in my home state and paperwork is different here.The sellers suggested AAA as an alternative to the DMV. Anybody know if they are able to tell me officially that the title is valid, etc.? I have been trying to to call them but no luck so far.

Is it dumb to pay cash for a used rig, private seller?

2oldman
Explorer II
May 09, 2016
Cash is fine.
Terryallan
Explorer II
May 09, 2016
What difference does it make, as long as you get the title at the time of purchase. Take him to the DOT, and get every thing transferred at one time.

Cash or not. His responsibility ends at the time of sale. You are buying "as is". After you buy. You are responsible for every thing.

Pretty much the same at a dealer.
Reddog1
Explorer II
May 09, 2016
I prefer private parties. When I make the purchase, I insist we both go to the bank together and transfer the money and title at the same time. Especially if their is a lean holder on the vehicle.

If I am paying with cash, and no lean on the vehicle, we both will go to the Department of Motor Vehicles and do the transfer there.

I have had situations where I thought the seller had the correct documents and all signed in the correct spot, just to find out a signature was in the wrong place or more paperwork was needed. Back to the seller I go, which by then do not care (they have their money) and can be difficult to contact.

Wayne
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
May 09, 2016
That's what I have always have done.
Naio
Explorer II
May 09, 2016
Thanks, everyone :).

There's no lien, and yes I was planning to do it at the dmv. Especially since I am not in my home state and paperwork is different here.

The sellers suggested AAA as an alternative to the DMV. Anybody know if they are able to tell me officially that the title is valid, etc.? I have been trying to to call them but no luck so far.
IdaD
Explorer
May 09, 2016
Naio wrote:
You all know me; I worry about things, especially at the last minute.

I think I have found my van. Mechanic approves it. He's not my mechanic, as I am not home, but he had good reviews on google. Low miles, good price, clean carfax.

I've always bought from private parties, but this is a lot more money than I have spent on a vehicle before. $6000.

I've been shy of dealers, though did not rule them out, because as a group they have such a bad rep. But at least there is SOME consumer protection I guess.

What do you all think?

I guess I am looking for reassurance, or suggested better methods. The seller won't take a cashier's check.

You can get a better deal going private party. I've bought vehicles that way, a pop up camper and also our fifth wheel. Just make sure you do your homework on whatever it is you're buying so you know what you're getting, and be sure the title is good and is signed over to you at the same time you pay.
time2roll
Nomad
May 09, 2016
Cash is fine. If you finance the bank will verify value of the collateral. So it may help some from paying waaaay too much or to make sure the transaction goes smooth. For $6,000 you may as well pay cash and just keep your eyes open for any red flags on the title. May want to check seller's ID but the DMV should do this. Either way there is no cooling off period or returns. Any change of heart and you are free to sell.
Naio
Explorer II
May 09, 2016
Ok, it sounds like I am not doing anything hugely wrong :).

Part of my insecurity is that I was up most of the night with a pet in the ER, so I am not trusting my own brain this morning. It has a misfire!

I am blessed to have you folks to outsource the brain to.
korbe
Explorer
May 09, 2016
We have done many cash deals for vehicles and most of the time it is at the kitchen table. No cash comes out until the pink slip is signed over.
gbopp
Explorer
May 09, 2016
Naio wrote:

The sellers suggested AAA as an alternative to the DMV. Anybody know if they are able to tell me officially that the title is valid, etc.? I have been trying to to call them but no luck so far.

The local AAA should be able to determine if there is a problem with the title. Usually there is one or two people at each office, with experience, that do the title transfers, depending on the size of the office.

The DMV would probably be my first choice.