Buying a Vehicle

Here are some helpful tips when buying a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle:

• Check to ensure the seller has the title.
• Be suspicious of a ridiculously low price or a fresh paint job on a late model vehicle.
• Make sure the seller is the owner named on the vehicle title. Don’t be afraid to ask to see some photo identification.
• Verify past insurance and financing, and current registration and license plate sticker.
• Make sure the VIN has not been tampered with and matches the number on the vehicle title.
• Obtain both sets of the original keys.
• Make sure the report of sale is sent to Department of Licensing promptly.

Keep a written record of your purchase

• Keep all paperwork, purchase orders, canceled checks, warranty agreements, and timelines for completion.
• Keep the names of all points of contact, such as the people you do business with at the dealership. Keep their names, phone numbers, titles, and business cards.
• It is difficult to prove oral promises. Get all commitments for services, improvements, or changes to the product in writing.
• Get the name of the company that is providing all warranty work and a copy of the underwriter’s warranty agreement.

 For more tips on protecting yourself when you buy a vehicle, visit the Department of Licensing.