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driving a car

Steps to Take After Purchasing a Repossessed Car: Registration, Insurance, and Maintenance

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Congratulations on your new repo car purchase! As the proud owner of a vehicle, there are a few important steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition into car ownership. From registration and insurance to maintenance, this blog post will walk you through the essential tasks to undertake after bringing your new repo car home.

Registration

After purchasing your car, the first thing you’ll need to do is register it with the appropriate authorities. This involves obtaining a license plate and the necessary documentation to legally drive your vehicle. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Visit the DMV: Head to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Bring your purchase documents, proof of identity and any other required forms.
  • Pay Fees: Be prepared to pay registration fees, which vary depending on your location and the type of vehicle you own.
  • Receive Plates and Documentation: Once you’ve completed the process and paid the fees, you’ll receive your license plates and registration documents.

Insurance

Car insurance is essential to protect yourself, your car and others on the road. Here’s how to navigate the insurance process:

  • Shop Around: Research different insurance providers and obtain quotes to find the best coverage for your needs and budget.
  • Choose Coverage: Select the appropriate coverage options, such as liability, collision, comprehensive and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Provide Information: Once you’ve chosen an insurer and coverage, provide them with the necessary information, including your vehicle’s details, driving history and personal information.
  • Make Payments: Pay your insurance premiums on time to ensure continuous coverage.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your new car running smoothly and prolong its lifespan. Follow these maintenance tips:

  • Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule outlined in your car’s manual.
  • Oil Changes: Schedule regular oil changes based on the recommended intervals. Clean oil ensures your engine’s longevity.
  • Tire Care: Regularly check tire pressure and tread depth. Rotate and balance your tires as needed.
  • Fluid Levels: Keep an eye on essential fluids like coolant, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid. Maintain proper levels for optimal performance.
  • Scheduled Services: Adhere to scheduled maintenance services such as brake checks, air filter replacements and spark plug changes.
  • Address Issues Promptly: If you notice any unusual sounds, warning lights or changes in performance, don’t ignore them. Address issues promptly to prevent further damage.

Keep Records

Maintain a record of all your car-related documentation, including purchase receipts, registration, insurance policies and maintenance records. This will be invaluable for future reference, resale or warranty claims.

Plan for Emergencies

Lastly, always be prepared for unexpected situations. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes items like a first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables and basic tools.

Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibilities! Fortunately, a repo car allows you to save money on the front end of your purchase while still getting a reliable and well-maintained vehicle. To start your search for a repossessed car, truck or SUV, visit RepoFinder.com today.    

repo car cleaning

Car Cleaning Hacks for a Like-New Car

No matter the type or age of your vehicle, keeping it clean is a priority for most car owners. There’s just something refreshing about getting into a clean and tidy vehicle that smells just as good as the day you brought it home – if not better! 

If you recently purchased a used vehicle, here are some car cleaning hacks you’ll want to follow. We recommend these tips to customers who purchase repossessed vehicles from us. Many of the cars we sell are in great condition but they still require basic maintenance. The good news is that these tips will save you from costly detailing services. 

Use a Makeup Brush to Clean the Vents 

We recommend keeping a makeup brush in your car to clean out the air vents. These vents get dusty and this dust blows all over the car when you’re running your heat or air. Keep a makeup brush stashed away in your glove box and use it to remove dust from the air vents. 

Squeegee Pet Hair off the Seats

If the previous owner had a pet, there’s a good possibility that you’ll find pet hair all over the seat. As sticky as this hair can be, you can get it off your seats using water and a squeegee. Fill up a spray bottle with water, mist the seats and run a squeegee over the upholstery. This will remove all the pet hair. 

Use Cooking Spray to Remove Bugs 

If there’s a ton of bugs on your repo car, use a can of cooking spray to get them off. This is a lot better than scrubbing the bugs off, as this can damage the paint job. Be sure to let the cooking spray sit for a few seconds and use a microfiber cloth to wipe off the bugs. 

Deep Clean the Upholstery

To take things a step further, you can deep clean the seats in your car using a vinegar and baking soda paste. Mix the two ingredients together until it forms a paste. Scrub this paste into your seats and then rinse it out. It will remove stains and leave your car smelling fresh and clean! 

Use Magic Erasers on Surfaces 

Magic Erasers are cheap and easy to use. Keep some on hand to scrub away dirt, dust and grime. These sponges are especially effective on plastic and vinyl surfaces, though you will want to be careful on leather as it can scratch. You can also use a toothbrush to clean out dirt from nooks and crannies. 

Wax Your Car 

Getting your car waxed a couple of times a year goes a long way in keeping it clean. When you go through the car wash, dust and dirt will lift away. Waxing your vehicle also prevents nicks and chips from forming in the paint. To save money, you can wax your car yourself using basic ingredients like dish soap and hair conditioner. 

Bring Home a Repossession Today 

These are just some of the ways you can get your repo car looking like new! Most repos need a little TLC when you first bring them home because they haven’t received much attention from their previous owners. The good news is that all of these hacks are cheap, easy and use basic ingredients from the home. To shop for repossessions, click on your state on our home page and search though the available vehicles.