With the economy being the way it is, many Los Angeles consumers are shopping for bargains on used cars and yes, there are bargains to be had. There are great deals to be found on auctions, on repossessed cars and auto lien sales.
As I learned from personal experience, one cannot be too careful when making such a great deal. I’ve recently gotten “lucky”. I purchased a lovely “classic” car at a great price. I thought I’ve taken every precaution. I checked the engine and the body and the paperwork. Everything seemed to be in order.
I acted like the typical car buyer. I had the car detailed to perfection. I notified my insurance and added the car to my existing insurance. I had the vehicle smogged and it passed the smog check beautifully. I was quite proud of myself. A great vehicle and a great deal. The final step? Registering the beauty at the DMV.
Guess what? The cost was over a $1,000! Yes, I purchased the vehicle in 2017. Yes, I inspected the registration sticker which clearly showed 2016 as the year of its registration. The sticker however didn’t reflect the car’s actual registration expiration date. It must have been either fake or stolen. I didn’t know that while I was making the purchase. I explained it at the DMV office.
Guess what? According to California law, I am responsible for all the outstanding back fees. (I couldn’t believe it, either!) But this is the California car registration law. The seller who committed fraud is innocent. In California, the victim (buyer of a car with illegitimate registration sticker) is penalized for car registration fraud. WHO KNEW?! I am responsible for all the back fees and penalties to boot!
Learn from my experience. Don’t pay attention to the registration sticker. Demand the actual registration slip. I expected to pay the registration fee for two years. The over $1,000 fee caught me completely of guard. The fact that the wrong-doer isn’t responsible for the outstanding fees, but the misled buyer is, still has me upset. Buyer beware!