What to Pay Attention to When Buying a Used Car in Another City?
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Before purchasing a used car from another city, it is essential to verify whether the vehicle is legitimate and if all the necessary procedures are complete. These are critical checks that must be performed before buying a used car. Used Car Transfer Process: When trading a used vehicle, both parties must sign a used car sales contract supervised by the industrial and commercial authorities, with each party holding a copy. The contract must be filed with the industrial and commercial department before vehicle transfer or registration changes can be processed. Ensure all documents are complete and match the owner's ID. If there are discrepancies, the original owner must make the necessary changes beforehand. After signing the contract, an invoice for the used car transaction will be issued, with the responsibility for related costs to be negotiated between the buyer and seller. Take the used car transaction invoice and contract to the vehicle management office to process changes to the vehicle license and registration certificate. Pay special attention to any outstanding traffic violations or unresolved accidents involving the vehicle. With the updated registration certificate and vehicle license, proceed to the additional purchase tax office to process changes or transfers for the purchase tax. Important Notes for Vehicle Transfer: The applicant's seal does not match the original registered owner's seal; unauthorized modifications, alterations, or changes to cargo weight or passenger capacity; unresolved traffic violations or accidents, or if the vehicle is under investigation by authorities; the vehicle has reached its scrappage age (for vehicles that have reached the scrappage age but are in good technical condition and used for personal purposes, a special inspection may allow transfer registration within two years after reaching the scrappage age, but inter-city transfer is not permitted); failure to undergo regular inspections or failing inspection; new vehicles registered less than three months ago (for imported vehicles, less than two years after initial registration, except for court-ordered transfers).
Buying a used car in another city does require extra caution. As someone who treats cars like my own life, I immediately become alert at the slightest abnormal engine noise. First, you must personally inspect the body and chassis—don't just judge by the shiny surface. Look carefully for signs of collision repairs, such as uneven paint or rough welding spots. Pop the hood to check fluids, spark plugs, and belt wear, and pay close attention to engine sounds during the test drive while testing brake response with sudden acceleration and deceleration. Out-of-town vehicles might conceal issues like flood damage or accident history, so it's best to bring along a local car-savvy friend or pay for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Don't forget to examine the suspension system and tires—if the wheels aren't reliable for the long drive back, a roadside breakdown could spell big trouble. Last time, I nearly bought a car with loose suspension; thankfully, I noticed the bumpy ride during the test drive, or it might have caused an accident halfway home. In short, on-site inspection is king—don't let a cheap price tempt you into an impulsive purchase.
