What to Pay Attention to When Transferring Ownership of a Used Car?
2 Answers
When transferring ownership of a used car, pay attention to the following points: 1. Check if the vehicle's appearance has been modified, ensuring it matches the photo on the vehicle registration certificate, including but not limited to: added body kits, roof racks, side steps, snorkels, body decals, advertisements, body color, front and rear bumpers, headlights, tire size, spoilers, suspension, etc.; 2. Verify if the engine has been modified, such as adding a turbocharger or replacing the intake system; 3. Ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and engine number are clear and can be imprinted; 4. Prepare all necessary transfer documents, such as the original IDs of both buyer and seller, vehicle registration certificate, vehicle title, transfer invoice, and in cities with license plate restrictions, an indicator certificate is also required; 5. Confirm the vehicle's annual inspection is valid and check for any outstanding traffic violations within the inspection period.
As someone who has been through the process of buying a used car, I believe the most crucial step during the transfer is verifying the documents. You need to check if the vehicle license, registration certificate, and environmental label are complete and match, and ensure the license plate number, VIN, and engine number haven't been tampered with. Before the transfer, it's best to visit the local DMV together with the seller, bringing original IDs from both parties and filling out the transfer application form. The fees, usually around a few hundred yuan, include handling charges—don't let the seller overcharge you. Additionally, make sure the car isn't under any loans or has outstanding violations. I almost fell into this trap last time—I only felt at ease after checking the violation records online. For payment, it's safer to use bank transfers to avoid cash risks. Finally, update the insurance only after the transfer is completed, so you can drive with peace of mind.
