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?

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
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.
2oldman
Explorer II
May 09, 2016
Cash is fine.

Forum Discussion

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

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Private Seller - Financing

buy from dealer or private seller

Private Sellers vs. Dealers

Dumb mistake

Dumb question