Should I repaint or transfer ownership first when buying a used car?
4 Answers
Transfer ownership first. Here are precautions for buying a used car: Identify tires: The replacement cycle for tires is generally three to five years, but it still depends on the actual usage. You can judge the condition of tires by tread depth, cracks, uneven wear, etc. Complete procedures: Before buying a car, check whether the relevant procedures are complete. Incomplete procedures will also make it impossible to transfer ownership. For cars of certain ages, it is best to check the insurance. Test drive: You must test drive a used car. It is best to go over some speed bumps or uneven roads to see if the suspension system is normal. When the car starts, pay attention to whether the start is smooth, whether the clutch shakes, and whether the gearshift is smooth and flexible.
When buying a used car, you should complete the ownership transfer before considering a color change. Why is that? Because I once bought a car and was in a hurry to repaint it, only to find out during the transfer process that the color change required re-registration at the DMV, and they demanded the vehicle owner to be present for signing. At that time, the car wasn't yet under my name, and the seller wasn't cooperative, causing a lot of hassle before it was finally sorted out. The ownership transfer is the legal procedure to transfer the car's title to you. Once completed, you have the right to handle all matters related to the car, including registering color changes. Completing the transfer before repainting avoids such repeated trips and additional inspection fees. If done the other way around, in case the seller backs out or the car has issues, you'd have wasted money on the repaint. In short, both legally and for safety, complete the transfer first to protect your rights, then repaint to your liking—this saves time and hassle.
From a cost-saving perspective, I firmly believe that completing the vehicle transfer process should take priority over color modification. I learned this the hard way—I spent over a thousand yuan on a repaint first, only to face additional paperwork and fees at the DMV during transfer because the new color wasn't in the original registration. Transfer involves document verification and taxes; once done, you're free to proceed with modifications like color changes and directly update the registration. Conversely, modifying the color before transfer risks raising compliance suspicions or requiring duplicate filings, potentially costing extra with no guarantee of approval. On average, transfers take just 1-2 days, while color jobs can be done at any shop—this sequence saves both money and hassle. When purchasing a car, avoid impulsive decisions; proper planning of these steps prevents financial pitfalls.
In my opinion, it's most convenient to handle the ownership transfer first and then proceed with the color change. When I bought a used car with my friend last time, we completed the transfer procedures smoothly - just took the documents to the DMV and got it done quickly. After that, we could do the color wrap and register it at the designated station without any hassle. If you change the color first and then do the transfer, the DMV will need to additionally verify color consistency. If they find any discrepancy, you'll have to redo the process, making multiple trips that disrupt your schedule. Once the transfer is done, you have full control and can schedule the color change whenever you want. I think it's easier for first-time buyers too - complete the important paperwork first, then consider customization. This approach is both efficient and reassuring. Just don't reverse the order.
