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Finally buying a car, found one on Criags list - Grand Rapids, MI?

1991 toyota camry cost is 1100 but the blue book value is 1700. It has some rust spots and 164,000 miles. test driving today and will see if a machinac can take a look at it whiles shes in GR. Front bumper has a dent. She states the brakes have been recently fixed and oil is changed regularly and will change before the final sale. comes with spare tire. and shes leaving GR in June 2- more weeks to buy MY QUESTION IS WHATS THE FINAL THINGS I HAVE TO SIGN TO BECOME THE OWNER, I HAVE HEARD HORROR STORYS ABOUT SIGNING NON ACTUAL TITLES. if i do buy the car what then? no plates or insurance yet, so how will i get it home?

Public Comments

1. First of all... you could get a way newer and better car for $1100... and you have to have insurance on the car to drive it home... or you get a BIG ticket...
2. First of all you can go to CarMax.com and spend $25.00 and enter the VIN number for the car and it will give you a history of the car, as well of who owned the car. You will also see if the car belongs to this person. This will also show to see when she had a smog test etc... You can see if the mileage is real or turned back. If she had the brakes fixed, then she would have a receipt proving that. Go onto the DMV in online for your state and download all the legal forms. Do not give a dime unless they sign over the actual title to you and you can call your insurance agent and let them know what day to start your insurance so you will have insurance right away. Don't be so anxious to buy the car and do not offer to give what they are asking - They have upped the price knowing that everyone will bargain to bring down to the price they really want for the car. Remember the car is 16 years old - I would offer to pay $975.00 after you have it checked out by a local mechanic. Hey - if you lose this car - there are 1000 more to choose from. Don't try to save a dollar here and then spend a lot more later wishing you had listen to this advise - Good Luck...
3. Most states allow 5 days to obtain plates,but you should contact an insurance company,all they want is info off the current registration papers.If you decide not to get the car, you can cancel the Insurance,but you will need proof to register.The important thing is the title. Your signature is not as important as the sellers signature.The title has to be signed over to you.No title,walk away,Also you should try to get the price down,1100 seems high for 91.should be 700 to 900. Make sure the mileage is put down correctly, the bill of sale should have the correct amount. Do not try to get around sales tax, if the sale turns bad and you need to get your money back, the court looks at bill of sale.Try to get a 3 day warranty, if seller is confident this shouldn't be a problem.