Do Car Dealers Typically Not Transfer Ownership Immediately When Purchasing Vehicles?

[JaxsonMarie]

Many car dealers choose not to transfer the vehicle ownership directly under their names to save on transfer fees. Below is relevant information about used car transactions: 1. Sales Contract: Bring your ID card, household register, and car purchase invoice to the dealer, and sign a "Used Car Sales Contract" during the transaction. 2. Price Evaluation: The vehicle will be inspected and its price evaluated. 3. Uniform Invoice: After the transaction, a "Used Car Sales Uniform Invoice" will be issued. 4. Registration Application Form: To complete the vehicle ownership transfer, you need to bring the vehicle registration certificate, used car sales uniform invoice, vehicle license, and the motor vehicle transfer registration application form. 5. Change Procedures: Prepare the vehicle license, vehicle registration certificate, and insurance policy to complete the policyholder change procedures with the insurance company.

[StLeo]

Once when I went to a car dealership with a friend to buy a car, they did say to pay first and then transfer the ownership, but this is actually a bit risky. They claimed it would save time and allow me to drive the car away sooner, and if any issues arose during the transfer, they could refund the money. However, I know that dealerships often delay the ownership transfer because they find it troublesome or have other cars in line, waiting to process the paperwork all at once when selling to me. But this increases the risk—if the car still has unpaid loans or traffic fines, driving it away without transferring ownership could transfer those problems to me later. It's best to insist on an immediate ownership transfer, bringing your ID and vehicle documents, confirming all paperwork is signed and the traffic management system is updated before paying in full, ensuring the car is clean and ready to go. If the dealership delays, be cautious, ask around, or check policies to avoid unnecessary trouble. After all, buying a car is a big deal, and only a proper ownership transfer can give you peace of mind.

[Palacios]

From the dealership's perspective, we often delay the transfer of ownership when purchasing vehicles. The main reasons are to inspect the car first, evaluate the price, and wait for the right buyer before completing the formal procedures. For example, some dealerships may offer lower prices to purchase cars, and owners in a hurry to cash out may hastily sign contracts, postponing the transfer. This allows time to inspect the vehicle's condition, make repairs, or directly resell it for a profit. However, this is unfair to buyers, as it may expose unresolved debts or accident records. Delayed transfers also risk disputes if the original owner changes their mind. I recommend that both parties complete the transfer in person, clarify all details, and minimize future troubles. It's best to bring a car-savvy friend along to check the vehicle's history and avoid potential pitfalls.

[Rivera]

From what I understand, vehicle title transfer is a legal requirement that must be completed at the time of transaction. However, in reality, dealerships often procrastinate on this process. They use excuses like system congestion or incomplete documents, when in fact they're trying to save effort by handling it only after completing vehicle preparations. This practice is non-compliant and may constitute fraud, exposing buyers to additional risks. The proper procedure involves both parties signing an agreement and submitting documents to the DMV for ownership change. Otherwise, issues like unpaid fines, illegal modifications, or odometer fraud could become the new owner's problems. Always verify vehicle condition and documentation before purchase, and make payment only after confirming title transfer - never rely on verbal promises. Legally speaking, title transfer is your crucial safeguard that should never be skipped.