After you\u2019ve taken the test drive, fallen in love, and committed to a new car, there\u2019s still some work to be done. Like any close relationship, a new car will require ongoing effort.<\/p>\n
Learn what to do after buying a used car before buying a used car. It\u2019s a good idea to get familiar with all of the state taxes, titling, registration, inspection, and insurance fees to help budget the final cost.<\/p>\n
In addition to the DMV, financing, and insurance paperwork, you will want to read the owner\u2019s manual and take the car in for a second inspection. Fortunately, it\u2019s pretty easy and we can walk you through the process. If you have any questions, don\u2019t hesitate to contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n You cannot legally drive your new vehicle if it is not properly registered. Usually, when you buy a used car from a dealership such as Auto Simple, the dealer will help you with all the DMV-related paperwork and fees, including title transfers and registration.<\/p>\n Filling out the paperwork at the dealership saves you the undesirable trip to the DMV. You will receive your plates in the mail in 2-3 weeks. Some dealerships, however, require that you make the trip.<\/p>\n If you are buying a used car from a private seller<\/a>, you will almost always have to wait in line at the DMV and pay several hundred dollars to get the vehicle transferred and registered.<\/p>\n Find your state on the DMV website<\/a> for specific information on your state\u2019s vehicle registration requirements, fees, and taxes (if applicable).<\/p>\n If you are financing your new vehicle, the lender and the dealer (sometimes the same company as with Auto Simple) will hold on to the title until the loan is fully paid off. Once the loan is paid, the title will be transferred to your name and mailed to you.<\/p>\n If you are not financing, the dealer will handle all of the DMV paperwork on the title to transfer the vehicle into your name.<\/p>\n However, if you are dealing with a private seller or a dealer that doesn\u2019t handle all of the paperwork, you will have to go to the DMV yourself.<\/p>\n Sometimes you will need to visit the local country tax office with the seller to transfer ownership.<\/p>\n Once you get your registration information, keep it safe in the glove box. However, never<\/em> keep your vehicle title in the car.<\/p>\n Simplify this process by buying your next car at Auto Simple<\/a>, where we take care of all the paperwork on-site.<\/p>\n Dealerships will figure out your used car sales tax and include it in the final bill of sale. If you buy from a private seller, however, you will have to handle this step on your own.<\/p>\n Use these online Tax & Tag Calculators<\/a> to figure out your used car sales tax. If your state isn\u2019t on the list or you are experiencing difficulties, contact your state\u2019s DMV<\/a>.<\/p>\n You never want to drive around without insurance, even if it is just around the block. It\u2019s a good idea to have all of your insurance figured out before you drive off the lot.<\/p>\n If you know the vehicle\u2019s VIN number ahead of time, you can give it to your insurer in order to have the proper coverage the moment you take off.<\/p>\n Many times dealerships will not allow you to drive off the lot without first showing proof of insurance. By choosing an insurance plan early, you will also know how much it will cost, which can help you budget all of your auto expenses. Insurance should be budgeted into the overall cost of legally maintaining your vehicle.<\/p>\n Speak with your insurer about your options. Costs will vary based on your age, credit score, commute, deductible, where you live, in addition to the type of automobile you buy and its value.<\/p>\n Luckily, there are discounts for good driving, good grades, homeowner, and multi-car.<\/p>\n You are required to buy minimum liability insurance, which is normally $25,000 for each injury per accident. Additional coverage options, such as collision, comprehensive, protection against uninsured motorists, and medical payments are all optional, but recommended.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that if you are financing your used vehicle, your state may require liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage until after you have paid off the loan. Check with your state\u2019s DMV<\/a>.<\/p>\n The bill of sale is presented after you purchase your used automobile. It acts as a receipt, displaying the purchase price, buyer\u2019s name, seller\u2019s name, and any related fees, taxes, and terms.<\/p>\n This document should be presented when registering the vehicle. It is also used when the state agency calculates your used car sales tax. If you go to a dealership, registration and sales tax will normally be taken care of for you.<\/p>\n Many dealerships offer temporary 30-day tags to buy you some time before registering your vehicle with the state. This temporary registration will go with your insurance documents and title.<\/p>\n Nobody reads owner\u2019s manuals for fun, but it\u2019s important to learn the car\u2019s maintenance schedule, how to use the various gizmos, and what the ideal gas grade and tire pressure is. You will also learn about important warranty information, what all the dashboard lights mean, and much more.<\/p>\n Learn why your vehicle owner\u2019s manual is your best friend<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n While you probably should have had conducted a pre-purchase inspection before buying the car, it\u2019s always a good idea to take it into a good mechanic after purchase.<\/p>\n When you speak with your mechanic, ask them to check:<\/strong><\/p>\n This is also a good way to vet potential mechanics. After you have checked online reviews, certifications, and warranty information, give the shop a tryout and go with your gut. Finding a reliable mechanic is important after buying a new vehicle, but keep in mind that some shops specialize in maintenance while others specialize in repair.<\/p>\n As a new member of the family, don\u2019t forget to give your car a worthy name. Not sure what to name your new car? Check out this list of the best car names<\/a>.<\/p>\n Now that all the i\u2019s are dotted and t\u2019s crossed, it\u2019s time to actually enjoy your new car. But before you do, avoid picking up bad habits by reading your owner’s manual<\/a> and learning these common driving mistakes<\/a>.<\/p>\n And remember, the best way to improve as a driver is to drive! Why not take a road trip<\/a>?<\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n If you are purchasing your next vehicle from Auto Simple<\/a>, we make the shopping and payment process very easy. After all questions are answered and the paperwork is signed, you will receive the keys and copies of all the documents.<\/p>\n Check out our <\/em>Dealer Specials & Events<\/em><\/a> on our large inventory of pre-owned vehicles.<\/em><\/p>\n Auto Simple<\/a>\u00a0wants to find you a car you love at a price you can afford.<\/p>\n With\u00a0locations<\/a>\u00a0in Cleveland, Chattanooga, Dayton, and a new store in Dalton, GA, we make it easy to walk away with your dream car.<\/p>\n If you have any questions, don\u2019t hesitate to speak with one of our\u00a0Online Specialists<\/a>\u00a0or give us a call:<\/p>\n Chattanooga, TN \u2013\u00a0(423) 551-3600<\/p>\n Cleveland, TN \u2013\u00a0(423) 476-4600<\/p>\n Dayton, TN \u2013\u00a0(423) 775-4600<\/p>\n Dalton,\u00a0GA\u00a0\u2013 (706) 217-CARS (2277)<\/p>\n Follow us on social media for more useful information on buying, selling, and maintaining cars:\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Youtube<\/a>, and\u00a0Google+<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" After you\u2019ve taken the test drive, fallen in love, and committed to a new car, there\u2019s still some work to be done. Like any close relationship, a new car will require ongoing effort. Learn what to do after buying a used car before buying a used car. It\u2019s a good idea to get familiar with […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3410,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[13],"tags":[31,32,69,82,92,93,103,122,226,331,10,440,441,456,490,533,574,600,606,608],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\nHere are the steps to take immediately after buying a new car:<\/h3>\n
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Title Transfer and Registration<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Before you register your car, you will need:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Before you transfer the title, you will need:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Used Car Sales Tax<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Insurance<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Bill of Sale<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Temporary Tags<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Read the Owner\u2019s Manual<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Take Car to Trusted Mechanic<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Give Your Vehicle a Name<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Learn How to Drive<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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