So we've agreed on a price... now what?
 

Ok, so I'm not quite there yet, but I hope to, sometime in the next week or two, get a PPI on one of the 911 SCs I'm looking for, and agree on a final price.

But what exactly do I do then? Obviously I need to get myself to the car's location, because I plan on driving it home. Before that I need to sort out:
- License Plates. Do I buy those first?
- Taxes. When/how do those get payed?
- Registration.
- Actually transferring the money? Get a cashier's check?

I'm trying to figure out exactly how much I'll end up spending on a ~$12K car in addition to the purchase price, and haven't located any really good resources online.

it varies by state. call you local motor vehicle office or look at the faq on their website. as to how to pay that is up to you and the seller.

Before you leave to pick up the car call your insurance agent and let them know that you are buying a car and ask for a letter of insurance showing that you are covered until you get back and they can issue your policy.

Get the title and bill of sale from the seller. Make sure any liens on the title have been endorsed and that the seller signs it. It may require to be notarized too - the title will show that if it does. Bill of sale should show the VIN, date of sale and purchase price.

Check with the DMV in your state to see what's required when bringing in a car from out of state. My state requires a VIN inspection before a title is issued. You will probably pay the tax when you register the car and get your plates.

Discuss payment options with the seller. A cashier's check doesn't carry much weight due to them being easily forged. You could make arrangements with your bank to do a wire transfer to the sellers bank once you are comfortable that the car and title are in order. Whatever you decide needs to work for both you and the seller.

Good luck and have fun!

John

Is there local office of your bank or brokerage near the seller? If you decide to go that route, make sure it is arranged before you leave.

1st, pre purchase inspection, THEN look into how to move forward.