The Auto Process: Tips for a Stress-Free Process
Publish date: 4/15/21
Whether you are buying from a dealership or private party, paying cash or financing, the auto process can seem complicated and overwhelming. Colorado Credit Union is here to provide tips for a stress-free process. 
When you are thinking of purchasing a car, it is best to determine your budget first. If you are paying cash, remember it is not just the price of the vehicle you need cash for; also, budget for sales tax, emissions (if applicable), registration, and insurance. If you are going to get financing, it is a good idea to get pre-approved, so you know the amount you are approved for.
It is a good reminder that just because you are approved for a $15,000 auto loan does not mean you have to buy a car for that amount (you can go less) or that your budget can afford the monthly payments on a $15,000 loan.
Please also keep in mind that even if you are preapproved up to a certain amount, you are not guaranteed a loan. Many lenders will have restrictions in place that depend on the vehicle being purchased (i.e. vehicle age or mileage, vehicle type, loan to value, etc.).
The following list gives prospective sellers or buyers an idea of what to expect throughout the selling, buying and registration process.Buying from a Dealership:
- Bring your loan pre-approval if applicable
- Dealership will:
- Use a secure bill of sale
- Provide temporary tags
- Transfer title to lien holder if applicable
- Be prepared to pay down payment amount and sales tax (based on the county you live in)
Selling & Buying - Private Party:
- Bill of Sale
- You will need VIN, make, & model
- Title
- Seller(s) must print & sign (ALL names on the title must sign)
- Fill in the odometer reading
- Buyer(s) sign odometer reading
- Buyer’s physical address
- Purchase amount and date
- Proof of Emissions if applicable (you may need to get emissions again depending on the county)
- Sellers keep their license plates
- Buyers:
- Insure the vehicle
- Go to the country motor vehicle in the county in which you live in
- Application for Title and/or Registration (PDF - 200KB) and Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship
- Must present bill of sale, title, proof of insurance, securable and verifiable identification (PDF - 120 KB)
- Prepare to pay title, registration, and sales tax fees - cash or check is preferred, most DMV’s charge a fee for using a card
- Each person on the title must be present
- If one person cannot be in person, bring a Power of Attorney (PDF - 330 KB) signed and notarized
- If you finance a private party deal, your financial institution may handle filing the documentation listed above to the DMV for you. In that case, you will need to provide copies of these documents at the DMV to receive temporary tags & registration. You will then need to go back once you receive a notice in the mail saying your vehicle is ready to register at the DMV.
Other Resources: https://dmv.colorado.gov/buying-and-selling