What to Bring When Buying a Used Car From a Private Seller

Showing up prepared makes you look serious and keeps you from having to make a second trip. Here is a short list.

For the inspection

• A flashlight. A phone light works, but a real flashlight is better for looking under the car and in wheel wells.
• Paper towels or a rag. For checking the oil and wiping away dirt to see a leak.
• A small magnet. Some people use it to find areas of body filler, since it will not stick as well there. It is a rough tool, not proof.
• A tire tread gauge or a coin. Quick, cheap way to see how much tread is left.
• An OBD-II scanner, if you have one. Cheap Bluetooth readers can show stored trouble codes. A clean result does not prove the car is fine, since codes can be cleared right before a sale.

For the test drive

• Your valid driver's license.
• Proof of insurance. Sellers may ask to see it, and you may need it to drive their car.

For the deal

• A way to pay. Decide in advance how you will pay. For larger amounts, doing the transaction at your bank is safer than carrying a lot of cash.
• A bill of sale. Bring a blank one or print a simple template with space for the date, price, VIN, mileage and both names and signatures. Ask the DMV whether any specific form is needed for your situation.
• A pen. For signing. Do not make corrections on the title, since altered titles can cause problems.
• A phone with a charged battery. To take photos of the title, VIN and odometer, and to call a mechanic if needed.

Questions to ask before you leave home

• Is the title in hand, and in the seller's name?
• Is there a lien on it?
• Does the seller have a current smog certificate?
• Can you take it to a mechanic for an inspection?

For safety

Meet in a public place and bring a friend if you can. Tell someone where you are going. More tips are on our safety page.

For the current DMV paperwork requirements, check the California DMV.