After owning a second-hand car, your very first move would want to be to take it for a spin. But the only thing that restrains you from doing so is there are some crucial things to do after buying a used car.

Unlike a brand-new car, it’s not as simple as picking a vehicle you liked, finalizing the pricing, and booking it for delivery. There are plenty of other aspects to consider.

If you don’t know about the crucial aspects we are talking about, here’s a quick walkthrough of what to do after buying a used car from a dealer.

1. Read the User Manual First

Reading the user manual seems frustrating for almost everyone. But no one should avoid it. When you read the entire car manual, you get to know how the vehicle should be maintained properly.

Furthermore, you can outline a basic maintenance schedule for your car and learn more about its fuel capacity, ideal tire pressure, and other key functions and features.

2. Transfer Title and Registration Values

Vehicle registration or car tag plays a vital role in legalizing a car purchase within a state. So, it’s essential to complete a used car’s title and registration transfer immediately after the purchase.

In some situations, buying from a dealership can make your paperwork easier. They will usually take care of the hassles and even pay the fees on your behalf.

3. Get Your Car Insurance Done

Finding the right insurance plan is one of the best things to do after buying a used car. The first reason is that it helps you save money on your vehicle maintenance costs and auto repairs.

The second reason is that nearly all states require you to have insurance for a legal drive on the roads. If you get pulled over, you will be fined, and your car insurance may be revoked.

4. Identify and Resolve Minor Flaws

Keep a lookout for some minor flaws your car might have. Identify whether the car headlight, trim pieces, or spark plugs are alright.

Oftentimes, these tiny objects go unnoticed, leading your car to severe damage in the future. So, don’t overlook them when dealing with other urgent needs.

5. Examine the Tire Condition

Bad tires take away the value of your car. Tires with less-than-optimal tread depth can cause damage that’ll cost hundreds of dollars to repair. So, look closely at the tire’s condition after buying a used car.

6. Check the Filters

Remember to check the cabin and air filters as well. They may appear brand new, but don’t forget they were used for months. So, get these filters changed alongside the transmission and fuel.

7. Inspect the Car Brakes

Inspect your vehicle’s brakes. If required, get them changed as soon as possible. It’s an important safety feature and can reassure that everything is functioning correctly.

8. Hire a Trusted Mechanic

Don’t forget to have a professional check-up of your car. The mechanic will not only inspect the vehicle, but he’ll give you a full breakdown of what service your vehicle needs further to last longer and work better!

9. Get the Car Cleaned

After you buy a used car, you should never neglect its aftercare. Give a thorough car wash for a complete cleaning, inside and out. Or, take it for a professional cleaning.

A professional car wash is the most effective technique to maintain your vehicle’s health for as long as possible.

Getting a thorough car wash will make your vehicle feel like it’s brand-new. You won’t get that new car smell, but at least you feel secured that what you’re stepping into is clean as a whistle.

However, there are some things that simply cannot be cleaned, like permanent stains on the car seat upholstery, no matter how much deep cleaning you do.

The most practical solution is to replace your car seat covers with new ones. It will save you time and money rather than hopelessly trying to remove a stain that won’t come off.

10. Clear Sales Tax and the Bill of Sale

What other things to do after buying a used car? According to consumer reports for cars, clearing the bill of sale and sales tax should be another crucial step.

The bill of sale is a legal agreement that documents your preowned car purchase. You must sign it and submit it during the registration procedure.

The dealership will take full responsibility for the sales tax unless you buy the car from a private owner. They will include the tax in the final bill of the sale later on.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Used Car

By now, you are aware of the things to do after buying a used car, but did you ever wonder what mistakes to avoid when buying one? Read on to find out!

• Failing to complete initial negotiations.

Don’t get on pricing terms when you meet the dealer face-to-face. Finish the initial negotiations via email or over the phone just when you have liked the car and thought to lock your purchase.

• Not obtaining a vehicle history report.

A history report gives you a detailed vehicle identification overview. From every purchasing history to maintenance updates, it lets you know all about a car to avoid further hassle.

• Failure to have the car’s issues inspected.

A car’s full inspection is a sure way of knowing what you are investing in. You can’t count on the dealer’s word for it. You need hard facts to negotiate the purchase price you want.

• Purchasing based on appearances.

You can’t just give in to buying a car with cash based on the dashing appearance of the vehicle. There are other essential things to check on, such as car defects, history reports, etc.

• Forgoing the need for a test drive.

Test driving a used car is another major thing to do when buying a used car privately. You can know whether the car mechanism runs smoothly on roads as you expect it to be.

Conclusion

These are the essential things to do after buying a used car. It’s critical to secure a good purchase and better car health through these guidelines. They’ll help you keep your investment sound and secure.

We hope this article has helped set your mind at ease on what to do after buying a used car. We know it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the thought of handling a second-hand vehicle, but with this guide, things will be easier for you.

Have fun taking your wheels out for a spin!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to do after buying a used car from a private seller?

You need to visit the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and take care of all the sales tax, title transfer, and registration process all by yourself.

1. Do I need to go to the DMV after buying a used car?

If you buy your car from a third-party seller, you may be compelled to do so. On the other hand, car dealers typically handle this paperwork on their own.

1. What to do about license plates when buying a used car?

It’s best to know what your state law talks about used cars license plates. However, you can also ask your dealer about existing license plates or registration when buying a used car.