Buying a used car in California

[Viper_Larry]

I'll be arriving in Santa Clara, CA next week and one of the first things on my list is to get a car. Budget is $8000 and probably from a used dealer.

I have no idea whatsoever about buying used in the US. So my question is, if a car is up for $8000 on a used lot, are there any taxes, fees, etc., that I should budget on paying? Also, how are they on haggling? Should I expect to knock $500 off for cash?

[Viper_Larry]

sassthathoopie said:

Do you have a US drivers licence, social security number or official US residence? Without these it could be tough registering a vehicle in CA.

Of course if you're a US citizen then no worries!

Nope, none of those!

[Viper_Larry]

Matt Harper said:

Viper_Larry said:

Nope, none of those!

In which case, tag, title and insurance is going to be a challenge. You may also be dismayed at the level, age and stratospheric mileage on the shonky old clunker that your budget is going buy you.

Yes, already noticed the high mileages and high second hand values. Not too worried for this vehicle, just want something we can throw the bikes in and take off. Will get something tasty in 6 months or so.

[Viper_Larry]

Thanks for the info, but yes, it's too late! Only been here a week but picked up a Volvo V50 from a Ford dealer yesterday. 2005, estate - just what I need right now for ferrying goods around as we move in the the house I also secured yesterday and move into on Saturday.

It was up on the forecourt for $8988 and in the end I got that price including ALL taxes, so I actually paid $7920 for the car. Quite pleased with that considering it was a single owner car from new and 93k miles.

I didn't want to tie myself into a new car deal just yet, but might well do in a couple of months when we've settled in and we need another car for the wife to get around in.

Lovin' California so far :-)