[themush1326]

Looking for a new car and was wondering how most people handle buying a car from a private party.

How did you get the car back to you if you didn't have it shipped?
Once the former owner takes his plates you can drive it without one.

Do you leave the car, get he title, register, get plates then take the car?

I have sold a few cars private party but never thought about he other end.

The person just took the car without plates if I remember correctly

Short distance it may not matter but if I but out of state

I live NJ and would buy within a few 100 miles.

How do all of you handle?

thanks

themush

[CJ0920]

Usually I grab a front plate off another car I own and throw that on just to drive it home. The right way to do it, is to get the VIN and apply for temp plates for transportation. This usually varies state to state.

[floydarogers]

In many states, the plates go with the car. The title (or sales contract) tell the cops that it's changed hands and that the registration is still valid. Usually there is a fixed time (week?, 30 days?) when the car is in it's new state that you have to get new registration (and title.)

[techwhiz]

I go to my credit union and finance a minimal amount. They do the DMV work and file the DMV paperwork.

I live in Ca.

[Billfitz]

Get the VIN from the seller, go to your licensing location and they'll issue you a temporary plate, at minimal or no cost. Use the same information to have your insurance company issue you with a binder. Make sure the seller gives you a bill of sale and a clear title.

[F30lolz]

OP, I sold one of my E39's to a buyer from CT (I was living in NY at the time) and I let him drive off with my plates. However, I did know of him from bf.c and had a good rep so I felt comfortable. He even offered to send my plates next day but I told him no rush, however, the next day I received my plates via FedEx. Hopefully you can land in a similar situation w/o going to the sellers local DMV. GL in your search.

[rking117]

driviing an unregistered vehicle in any state is illegal. However, some discretion may be given from state to state and officer to officer. the risk of the matter is that you may have to appear in court in that state/county if they press the matter. I would recommend that you at least get a temp tag from your DMV before you go.

[themush1326]

Definitely looking to do things 100% legal, I don't want to chance
If I live in NJ, do I get the temp the from NJ or the other state, this is what I am having the biggest issue getting the correct info on.

I did let someone keep my plates for the ride home many years back but I held a few items he wanted so when he gave the plates back I gave him the items.

thanks

themush

[COKen]

Originally Posted by themush1326

If I live in NJ, do I get the temp the from NJ or the other state, this is what I am having the biggest issue getting the correct info on.

Best way to get that answer is to call the NJ DMV and ask them.

[rking117]

Originally Posted by COKen

Best way to get that answer is to call the NJ DMV and ask them.

[messygarageBMW]

I bought a car from a private owner in Chicago (I live in Northern Indiana). The previous owner had the title so he signed it over to me and I had a bill of sale that he created showing I purchased it. It was all dated and I just gave him the check, took the car and smiled the 2+ hours home. Nobody looked twice at me and if they did I had documentation to show that I just purchased the car and was taking it home.

Once I got back to Indiana, I went to the DMV to pay the taxes and get a temporary plate. That gave me 30 days to buy plates for it. It was all pretty drama free, but also the first time I purchased from a private seller too so I was a little nervous like you.

To be safe, I would check the local laws with the state you are buying it in and the state you live since you will be driving through both to get it home.