How did you buy a vehicle in the USA?

[WaterLeaf 200]

Hey all, decided to throw this out there.

 

There are questions about being able to buy a vehicle without a SSN as long it is under $10k and I wonder if anyone had done this or not.

 

Otherwise, tell me what you heard/what you did or something. Just wanna see how things are going through and what to avoid. Advantage or disadvantage of using SSN while paying for a vehicle without a loan? With a loan? You name it.

[Dashinka 24,487]

Our cousins that came here on DVs back in January 2019 paid cash (under 10k) for a vehicle.  I cannot remember if they needed a SSN, but I do know the insurance was a hassle.

 

Good Luck!

[Boiler 45,462]

 

Over 10k no SSN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Falcon Cara 378]

Why would they ask for your social security number to buy a car, I would tell them to pound sand. 

 

I got a 2018 Honda last year off the lot, just wrote a check for it and took about 20 minutes signing papers and declining all the add on like: New car warranty, Paint protection, etc.

[Crazy Cat 41,824]

16 minutes ago, Falcon Cara said:

Why would they ask for your social security number to buy a car, I would tell them to pound sand. 

Credit application is the only reason which comes to my mind....

[WaterLeaf 200]

6 hours ago, missileman said:

Credit application is the only reason which comes to my mind....

That and some like to push for loan because they make money off from some of the interest of that.

[Steeleballz 7,550]

On 8/24/2019 at 7:26 AM, Falcon Cara said:

Why would they ask for your social security number to buy a car, I would tell them to pound sand. 

 

I got a 2018 Honda last year off the lot, just wrote a check for it and took about 20 minutes signing papers and declining all the add on like: New car warranty, Paint protection, etc.

 

    If financing it’s used for credit report. If paying by cash or check, it’s needed (by law) for any single transaction exceeding $10000.

 

   If you are paying cash less than $10000 they shouldn’t need it. In that situation, if they ask, it’s out of habit. 

[Falcon Cara 378]

1 hour ago, Steeleballz said:

 

    If financing it’s used for credit report. If paying by cash or check, it’s needed (by law) for any single transaction exceeding $10000.

 

   

Incorrect

 

If paying by cash, Cashier Check, Money Order or Travel Check then you need to furnish a SSN if over $10K, if paying by check then per IRS. A personal check does not qualify as cash, according to the IRS form's instructions

[Steeleballz 7,550]

16 minutes ago, Falcon Cara said:

Incorrect

 

If paying by cash, Cashier Check, Money Order or Travel Check then you need to furnish a SSN if over $10K, if paying by check then per IRS. A personal check does not qualify as cash, according to the IRS form's instructions

 

   You are right. I was thinking of cashiers checks and bank drafts. Personal checks are easily traceable.  

 

 

[onek 306]

No option  for over $10k or bank financing 

Edited May 10, 2020 by onek

[X Factor 1,112]

Paid cash under $10,000 from Craigslist

[WaterLeaf 200]

Nice ones!

 

My Husband and I was going around looking for one of those good reliable car that doesn't need a bit of repair or more. Found out we found one several cities away from a person (private seller or non-dealer?) that it just need fluid changes and I can do those np. Paid less than $6000. Took the title and register it and all that, very good car.

 

We were (or I was mostly) watching tons of youtube about avoiding overpaying at the dealerships and how to inspect cars at a wider range and take a few in for inspection. Needless to say it has been a good experience so far knowing that we find a reliable car that is taken care of very well by the previous owner.

Also looked at Carfax by having own account you can see a lot of VIN and it's history if it has been reported.

Edited July 5, 2020 by WaterLeaf

[GetOutside 164]

My husband just bought his first vehicle here. A Ford F-150. He feels very “American” yeehaw !

 

For those who don’t have a local california dmv that is open or taking new appts during this time, just thought I’d throw this out there. You can fill out the transfer of ownership application online and pay the fees. You’ll have to upload documents that apply to you such as title of transfer, bill of sale, registration, smog. You then get an email saying the application is approved and will have to mail those original documents that you uploaded in to the dmv office of their choice. Much easier than trying to get an appt and dealing with in person waiting times.  

[retheem 564]

I bought my car through craigslist

[WaterLeaf 200]

Well turns out we finally found a car. I saw a post on FB and called the guy up for a test ride of the car. I checked it out the next day, it's been driven heavily but no other possible issue as been seen with the car. I drove it around, check out all the possible dents and such and under the hood. It seem to be a good call and I told the guy I'll buy it. That next day I gave him all the $ in cash in which he wanted, we were at the county clerk and signed the paper and got the odometer. Paid for the taxes and title fee and we're all done. And got the insurance. Pretty smooth here.

 

Now my husband have a manual car he can drive.

 

Update: Paid under $10k, no SSN used, paid to a local person who is selling his car.

Edited October 20, 2020 by WaterLeaf
Man I forgot there are 2 options to vote on top but I missed the 2nd one.