Buying a car from an individual?

[cajun]

I've only bought used/new cars from lots, but now I'm looking at a few cars on the web for sale by inidividuals. If you've done this, how did you handle the payment? Most want cash (like I always do when selling), but I'm not going to roll up to some stranger's house with $7K-$10K in cash.

 

[gswarriorsluvr]

buying locally or reasonable distance? i never bring cash-in-hand amount just enough for some form of deposit. once everything is worked out and u agree to buy then u can consummate the deal. transactions i had that was more than $2k, i made arrangements to be @ a bank.

 

[DarkSideAccord]

pay in cash... tht gives u the ability to lowball *cough*cough* ... i mean set the tone for negotiations

i bought several cars from individuals, and so far so good.. look for any problems with the car regardless of how small the problem is and make up some cost for the repairs... u'll normally be able to make them go a few hundred dollars by doing so...

 

[MikeyMike]

i bought my car from a private owner, brought a bank tellers check

 

[00AccordLX5spd]

What's wrong with bringing cash? Are you scared you're going to get jacked?
I always bring cash when I am buying a used car from an individual. I wouldn't sell my car to someone unless they gave me cash, so I wouldn't expect them to do any different for me if I am buying theirs.

Also: make SURE the owner has the car title in hand and signed over to you before you give him any money. If not, you could really get screwed and never even get a title. therefore no tag = can't drive the car