SOURCE : ALABAMA DMV
INTERESTING CAR FACTS ABOUT ALABAMA: Alabama had the first electric street car?
Yes, the first electric street car in the world ran down Dexter Avenue in Montgomery.
TOP TEN STOLEN CARS IN ALABAMA:
Rank Vehicle
1 Honda Accord 1996
2 Chevrolet Conventional Cab 4×2 1989
3 Ford F150 Pickup 1998
4 Chevrolet Caprice 1991
5 Oldsmobile Cutlass 1986
6 Toyota Camry 1995
7 Ford Taurus 1997
8 Ford Explorer 1994
9 Dodge Ram Pickup 1998
10 Chevrolet Impala 2004
We have gathered information from Department of Motor Vehicles for the State of Alabama. Below you will see some great information on what this particular state recommends for buying and selling your vehicle.
- Buying a Car
Alabama enforces the Lemon Law to protect buyers. This federal law applies to any product which costs more than $25, comes with a warranty, and does not perform as it should.
When you buy a used car, you will need to transfer registration with the state, apply for a title, and pay taxes on your purchase. Take the following information to the tag office, usually located in your county courthouse:
- The original title signed over to the buyer from the seller on the back of the title
- Bill of Sale
- Applicable fees and taxes
The title fee is $15. Sales tax, ad valorem, and license fees vary in each county. Transfer fee is $1.25.
A few tips for buying a car:
- Do your homework. Figure out what kind of car you want or need to fit your lifestyle and budget. Read consumer reports, comparison guides, and forums to learn about the car you are researching. Comparison shop for prices.
- Test drive each car. You’ll want to know if you are comfortable behind the wheel. Climb in the backseat to check for leg room and head space.
- Check on insurance rates for the vehicle you are exploring. Rates vary greatly depending on make, model, year, and body style.
- Once you decide on a car, get a car report on it. This car report will provide a title search, accident report, lemon report, odometer check, and registration details.
- Have a mechanic examine the car to warn you of any damage or problems with the vehicle.
- Negotiate a price. Don’t pay more than you should. Most sellers do not expect the buyer to pay their original asking price. Offer a dollar amount lower than you are willing to pay, then work upwards as the seller makes a counter-offer.
- You have 20 days to register your new car. A title application must be completed before the registration can be processed.
Selling
When you sell your car, you will need to provide the buyer with the original title (signed over by you on the back) and a Bill of Sale. Make copies of the paperwork for your own records.
It is wise to accept only a certified check for the purchase; this will verify that the check is good. If you must take cash, get the buyer to sign in receipt of the vehicle. Personal checks are not advised.
It’s also helpful to provide the buyer with any maintenance logs or other paperwork associated with that vehicle.
Handy hints for selling your car:
- Determine the fair market value of your car by researching the Kelley Blue Book. Print out market comparisons to show potential buyers the value of your car.
- Plan to advertise online, in your local newspaper, or in a local car buying guide.
- Clean up your car. Make needed repairs.
- When you sell the vehicle, remove the license plate. The buyer must apply for a new tag.
Titles and Registrations
Alabama law requires the seller to have a clear title to the vehicle being sold. It is against the law to buy or sell a car without a clear title and up-to-date registration, so buyer beware if someone attempts to do this with you.:
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