Buying a Car

The Department of Motor Vehicles has a web site with very detailed and helpful information at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/.

Before You Buy a Car
If you decide to buy a car, you can save some money if you do some research. A good place to start is the library or a bookstore for the Consumer Reports annual survey of new or used cars; this will help you become educated about which car you wish to buy, and the way to get the best price. They also have a web site that has information on insurance, buying a car and other advice, for a small subscription price. Additionally, Consumer World has an excellent web site that has information on buying a car. When you go to look at a car, take along a friend who is knowledgeable about purchasing and evaluating a car. Motor Trend is another source for reliable automobile ratings and information.

Automobile Insurance
Drivers of automobiles, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles have a financial responsibility in case of an accident that involves injury or death, or damage to property or another vehicle. DO NOT DRIVE WITHOUT INSURANCE! There can be very serious legal and financial consequences if you do not have insurance. Refer to the California Driver Handbook (available at the Berkeley International Office office) for the State of California's legal minimum requirements covering personal liability and property damage. See also Auto Insurance.

Bringing a Car to California from Another U.S. State
If you will be living in California for a more than just a short visit, you should register your car in California. However, this may be very expensive if your car does not meet the California emission standards to pass the "smog test". Call the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out what is required to register your car.

Buying a New Car
Each car dealer offers different prices. After you choose a model, you must decide about "options" or special features--engine size, automatic or manual ("stick shift") transmission, and so on. Spend time looking at different cars and models, compare basic prices and added "option" costs, and get advice from experienced car buyers, not just from the salespeople. You may want to consult a "broker". Check out some online shopping options such as www.vehix.com

Buying a Used Car
Used cars are less expensive than new cars, but the buyer must be willing to assume the risk of car trouble and repair costs. Check the "Kelly Blue Book" for average prices of different years and models. You will probably be able to get the best deal on a car from a private person who advertises in the classified ads of local newspapers. Be sure to check the free, weekly papers such as the East Bay Express and Classified Flea Market. Of course, Craigslist is always a good resource.

Any reputable person selling a used car will allow you to take the car to a garage mechanic not associated with the seller for a thorough inspection (called a "diagnostic check"). Mechanics usually charge $50-60 for this service. Contact the California State Automobile Association CSAA for approved automotive repair shops.

Paying for a Car
Cash. You can often get the best price for a car by offering to pay the full amount in "cash." In this case, it means a cashiers check from a bank, or travelers checks. DO NOT CARRY DOLLARS! Be suspicious of anyone asking you to bring dollars! IT IS DANGEROUS TO CARRY LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY WITH YOU.

Financing a new or used car. Whether buying a new or used car through a dealer, compare the cost of different methods of financing. Loans may add 20-30% to the total price of the car. If you should decide to buy on credit, it is best to do so through a credit union, bank or savings and loan association. And remember, before signing any documents, make certain that you understand all the details of the sale and payments required. Keep copies of all documents.

Automobile Registration
If purchasing a new car, the dealer will take care of the registration and you will be mailed the license plates. For a used car, it must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Take the car, the pink slip, and the white copy of the smog certificate to the DMV. New-car and some used-car dealers take care of registering the cars they sell. Upon payment of the registration fees, which vary according to the model and age of the car, a temporary registration slip will be issued and ownership recorded. An official registration slip will be mailed to you. Used cars keep their license plates, so you do not need to remove them.

Documents Needed to Register a Car
When you complete the purchase of a used car, you must be given a certificate of ownership, called the "pink slip" by the dealer or previous owner; it must be signed by them, and your name indicated on it as the new owner. You will need this slip to register your car or to sell it later. Additionally, you need a smog certificate (proof that the car meets the state requirement for the exhaust emissions). The seller has to have this certification done at the time you purchase the car.

An Alternative to Owning Your Own Car -- CITY CARSHARE
From the City Carshare web site:

"City CarShare is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote car-sharing as a means to reduce automobile dependence and to enhance the environmental and social integrity of our urban neighborhoods and planet.

"Car-sharing allows you to use a car when you need it without incurring the fixed costs of ownership. City CarShare provides a network of vehicles parked in neighborhoods throughout San Francisco, the East Bay, and the Peninsula. Cars are available to members on a per-use basis. You pay based on how much you drive: $4.00 per hour (half off between 10pm and 10am) and 44 cents a mile. The fees include gas, insurance, maintenance, everything!"

City Carshare has entered into a partnership with UC Berkeley. Read more about it at their web site: http://www.citycarshare.org.


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A good place to start is the library or a bookstore for the Consumer Reports annual survey of new or used cars; this will help you become educated about which car you wish to buy, and the way to get the best price. They also have a web site that has information on insurance, buying a car and other advice, for a small subscription price. Additionally, Consumer World has an excellent web site that has information on buying a car. When you go to look at a car, take along a friend who is knowledgeable about purchasing and evaluating a car. Motor Trend is another source for reliable automobile ratings and information. Automobile Insurance Drivers of automobiles, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles have a financial responsibility in case of an accident that involves injury or death, or damage to property or another vehicle. DO NOT DRIVE WITHOUT INSURANCE! There can be very serious legal and financial consequences if you do not have insurance. Refer to the California Driver Handbook (available at the Berkeley International Office office) for the State of California's legal minimum requirements covering personal liability and property damage. See also Auto Insurance. Bringing a Car to California from Another U.S. State If you will be living in California for a more than just a short visit, you should register your car in California. However, this may be very expensive if your car does not meet the California emission standards to pass the "smog test". Call the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out what is required to register your car. Buying a New Car Each car dealer offers different prices. After you choose a model, you must decide about "options" or special features--engine size, automatic or manual ("stick shift") transmission, and so on. Spend time looking at different cars and models, compare basic prices and added "option" costs, and get advice from experienced car buyers, not just from the salespeople. You may want to consult a "broker". Check out some online shopping options such as www.vehix.com Buying a Used Car Used cars are less expensive than new cars, but the buyer must be willing to assume the risk of car trouble and repair costs. Check the "Kelly Blue Book" for average prices of different years and models. You will probably be able to get the best deal on a car from a private person who advertises in the classified ads of local newspapers. Be sure to check the free, weekly papers such as the East Bay Express and Classified Flea Market. Of course, Craigslist is always a good resource. Any reputable person selling a used car will allow you to take the car to a garage mechanic not associated with the seller for a thorough inspection (called a "diagnostic check"). Mechanics usually charge $50-60 for this service. Contact the California State Automobile Association CSAA for approved automotive repair shops. Paying for a Car Cash. You can often get the best price for a car by offering to pay the full amount in "cash." In this case, it means a cashiers check from a bank, or travelers checks. DO NOT CARRY DOLLARS! Be suspicious of anyone asking you to bring dollars! IT IS DANGEROUS TO CARRY LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY WITH YOU. Financing a new or used car. Whether buying a new or used car through a dealer, compare the cost of different methods of financing. Loans may add 20-30% to the total price of the car. If you should decide to buy on credit, it is best to do so through a credit union, bank or savings and loan association. And remember, before signing any documents, make certain that you understand all the details of the sale and payments required. Keep copies of all documents. Automobile Registration If purchasing a new car, the dealer will take care of the registration and you will be mailed the license plates. For a used car, it must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Take the car, the pink slip, and the white copy of the smog certificate to the DMV. New-car and some used-car dealers take care of registering the cars they sell. Upon payment of the registration fees, which vary according to the model and age of the car, a temporary registration slip will be issued and ownership recorded. An official registration slip will be mailed to you. Used cars keep their license plates, so you do not need to remove them. Documents Needed to Register a Car When you complete the purchase of a used car, you must be given a certificate of ownership, called the "pink slip" by the dealer or previous owner; it must be signed by them, and your name indicated on it as the new owner. You will need this slip to register your car or to sell it later. Additionally, you need a smog certificate (proof that the car meets the state requirement for the exhaust emissions). The seller has to have this certification done at the time you purchase the car. An Alternative to Owning Your Own Car -- CITY CARSHARE From the City Carshare web site: "City CarShare is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote car-sharing as a means to reduce automobile dependence and to enhance the environmental and social integrity of our urban neighborhoods and planet. "Car-sharing allows you to use a car when you need it without incurring the fixed costs of ownership. City CarShare provides a network of vehicles parked in neighborhoods throughout San Francisco, the East Bay, and the Peninsula. Cars are available to members on a per-use basis. You pay based on how much you drive: $4.00 per hour (half off between 10pm and 10am) and 44 cents a mile. The fees include gas, insurance, maintenance, everything!" City Carshare has entered into a partnership with UC Berkeley. Read more about it at their web site: http://www.citycarshare.org.