Q&A for How to Pay for a Car in Cash

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Question

Do you usually pay a private seller in cash when buying a car?

Bryan Hamby
Professional Auto Broker
Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service.

Bryan Hamby

Professional Auto Broker

Expert Answer

It's really dependent on what the seller is willing to accept. They may require you to pay in cash or check. It's really up to the seller.

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Question

Is it possible to put down a down payment and pay for the car in installments through a checking account without interest rates or outside financing?

Katie Lemoine

Community Answer

If you choose outside financing with a credit union, it is up to the credit union and your credit score whether you have an interest rate.

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Question

In the scenario that you're walking into the dealership with cash, what does the seller require you to do/show other than giving/receiving the cash?

Katie Lemoine

Community Answer

Usually you will be asked for your valid Drivers License, Correct Address to pull Tax rate, and if you are paying with a check for more than a couple thousand dollars the manager will usually ask that you have a Cashiers check from the bank pulling the money straight from your account. You can also bring any amount in cash dollars.

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Question

Can I use a personal check?

Katie Lemoine

Community Answer

Most dealerships have a minimum they will accept through a personal check. If it is for a larger amount of money they will ask to do a credit check which will determine if they accept the check from you. If they cannot they will ask that the purchase be final with a cashiers check from your bank or in cash dollars.

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Question

I am paying cash, when is the title received?

Brad Tourt

Community Answer

If you are paying in cash for a vehicle, usually the seller has the title. This could be private party or at a dealership. If they do have the title, they will give you the title which has their signature on it releasing the ownership to you. You then will sign your name on the title and go to your local DMV to get a fresh title sent you. Usually it takes 1-2 weeks for it to come in the mail.

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