So you want to purchase a car? Sure, living in New York City makes it simple to move around by subway or foot. But when you’re ready to go further, it might be time to get your own pair of wheels. So, whether you’re looking for a new or used vehicle, a dealer or a private seller, here’s how to buy a car in New York:
First, let’s suppose you’ve done your homework on the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing, renting, and leasing an automobile. Second, if you reside outside of New York State, the fundamentals of buying an automobile will remain the same. You should, however, verify with your state DMV for specifics.
Does one need a driver’s license to buy a car?
Technically, no if you reside in New York City. You may purchase and register a car without a license.
However, New York law compels you to insure your car, and you’ll need a valid state license to do so (with a few exceptions). Furthermore, you will most likely be unable to test drive a car without one, and there are a variety of insurance difficulties if you have relocated and have not obtained a local state license for later use, so make sure you do.
Our website, usedcarsnearme.com, can tell you how to acquire your driver’s license in New York.
Should you buy a sensible sedan or a sports car? A high-end SUV?
Make a list of your non-negotiables and wish-list items first. Budget, size (new or old), road trips versus city driving, mileage, fuel efficiency, amenities, and your particular style are all factors to consider!
You must include the cost of the vehicle, insurance, registration, yearly inspections, maintenance, gas, parking/garaging, and potential parking penalties!
Finally, some more points to consider are:
- You’ll need a US credit history and a good credit score if you want to finance the car.
- If you want to park on the street, be aware that the body of your vehicle will be at the mercy of your parallel parking skills—as well as those of every other New Yorker fighting for closely packed street parking slots.
- How long do you intend to stay in New York.
If you are living in California and going to purchase new car, then Check this – Guide for Buying a car in California.
What are your financing alternatives for a car?
You can obtain financing through a dealer or a direct lender. Unless, of course, you’ve saved a lot of money. In that scenario, congratulations!
Even if you intend to finance your vehicle through a dealer, it is worthwhile to obtain a pre-approval from a direct lender. For one thing, it will shape your budget, and it will also serve as leverage when negotiating the sale. Another thing to keep in mind is that certain dealers may negotiate with direct lenders on your behalf.
Purchasing a vehicle with no or low credit:
If you’re new to town and have no US credit, it’s not impossible to secure financing, but there are additional hoops to jump through—in other words, a lot more paperwork.
Furthermore, the conditions and interest rates will most likely be less competitive than for someone with a good credit score. So one alternative is to first improve your credit score before purchasing a car (or save up and/or buy a lower-cost vehicle).
Finally, you may look into financing options for foreigners and people with bad or no credit. As an example:
- Stilt provides visa holders with personal loans. If you have no credit history, they recommend approaching community banks, credit unions, and brokers for a personal loan to buy a car.
- Usedcarsnearme collaborates with a lender network to assist customers with poor credit or no credit history in obtaining a car loan.
Should you buy a car from a dealership or a private seller?
Purchasing a vehicle from a private dealer
You may receive a better value and avoid sales pressure if you buy from a private seller. However, it is entirely your responsibility to determine the vehicle’s roadworthiness.
For example, you’ll need to schedule a mechanical examination. Because private sellers are not subject to any rules, exercise your best judgment. Buying from a friend who is returning to Australia may be a better deal than, for instance, buying from a random seller on a buy-sell group.
Are you one of them, who is living in Texas and going to purchase new or used car, then Check this – Guide for Buying Cars in Texas.
Purchasing an automobile from a dealership
All dealers in New York must be DMV registered and follow state and federal rules that protect you, the customer. For example, the New York Lemon Law gives you a legal remedy if you buy an automobile that turns out to be, well, a lemon!
Furthermore, new automobiles are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. In contrast, if you buy a used car, the dealer must present you with a roadworthiness certificate. Finally, dealers can generally handle the registration paperwork, which takes one less item off your plate.
The New York DMV provides useful guidance for deciding between a dealer and a private seller.
When the prospect of visiting a vehicle yard makes you nervous
If you enjoy haggling, then an on-site dealership is for you. However, if you are concerned about the prospect of sales pressure, there is another way to obtain the consumer protection of purchasing from a dealer. And you may do so by purchasing your automobile from an internet vendor, such as our website, usedcarsnearme.com.
What to look into and how to close the agreement
So you’ve located (or at least limited down your selections for) your ideal automobile. However, before you begin arranging your weekend escape, consider the following:
Perform your due diligence
- The DMV provides a thorough checklist of things to look for. NYC Consumer Affairs provides advice on purchasing a secondhand automobile.
- Obtain a car history report to evaluate accident data, service history, odometer rollback, and other factors.
- Take it for a spin. Online vendors have varying procedures, with some offering a 7-day return period instead of a test drive.
- A caution about tinting: New York law prohibits “dark” windshields and front side windows. Read on for more information on how this is defined. Although you will encounter numerous automobiles on the road that violate these regulations, it is vital to understand that drivers may and will be pulled over for it.
Price and financing should be negotiated
If you want to finance the vehicle, most dealers provide it, and some will work directly with your lender. However, if you have an independent pre-approval, use it to compare and leverage better financing with the dealer.
Seller documentation
Before you sign anything, be sure the vendor has supplied the following information and that it is correct:
- Vehicle ownership documentation (new automobile) or transfer paperwork (used car).
- All expenses, including the car, taxes, and fees, are disclosed. Also, keep an eye out for add-ons that you did not agree to, such as an extended warranty or after-care.
- Documents required for registration: A checklist of the seller’s papers required for registration may also be found here. Otherwise, proceed to the registration area below for further information. In most cases, dealers will complete the registration paperwork for you, but you should double-check that everything is in order.
Car insurance: what you should know
You must insure your vehicle after you purchase it but before you drive it home (or take delivery). ALL automobiles registered in New York must have auto liability insurance via a qualified insurer. Your premium will be determined by characteristics like as your age, driving record, borough, zip code, and so forth.
The New York Department of Financial Services is a fantastic place to start learning more and choosing a policy. Examine the “Shopping for Auto Insurance” tab. They also give a list of car insurance companies.
Read more – Used Buick Envision Is Worth Buying
How to Register Your Car with the DMV
If you live in New York, you must register and title your car with the DMV within 180 days after the effective date of your insurance.
If you purchased the vehicle from a licensed dealer, they will usually be able to register, title, and provide plates. As a result, they’ll include this service in the drive-away price. Otherwise, you must register the vehicle yourself. Residents of New York City can do this online during COVID.
Step 1: Collect documentation
You’ll need, at the very least:
- Application for registration and title
- Transactional statement
- Identification is required. If the vehicle is being registered or titled by more than one person, each individual must produce evidence of identity.
- Bill of sale and sales tax evidence
- Title (also known as a pink slip or pinkie for all you Grease fans) or evidence of ownership, such as a manufacturer’s certificate for a new automobile, or a New York insurance card
Step 2: Deliver documentation and payment to the DMV
Sales tax, plate or transfer charge, title certificate fee, vehicle use tax, and registration cost are all payable by credit card (for 1 or 2 years). Fees can be estimated here.
Step 3: Obtain registration documentation
You will receive the following items in 1-2 weeks by mail:
- (Unless you’ve switched registration) Plates
- Sticker for registration (to place on your windscreen)
- Registration paperwork (to keep in your vehicle along with your NY vehicle insurance card)
- Sticker for 10-day inspection extension
Step 4: Have your car inspected
Upon purchase, you must get your car inspected at a DMV-licensed inspection station (unless the dealer has already done this). After that, you’ll need to replace it every 12 months and show a valid inspection sticker on your windscreen. Otherwise, you might face a fine, as several drivers have discovered after returning to their cars in a public parking lot. More information on seeking an inspection may be found on the NY state page.
Now that you’ve studied the fundamentals of how to register your automobile, you should go through the procedure step by step to acquire the specifics, such as the paperwork you need to submit, because the details differ based on a variety of circumstances, such as a new versus an old car.
What happens after you acquire a car?
Remember that once you possess a car, you must renew registration, inspections, insurance, and other services. Most vehicle-related transactions may be completed at the DMV.
