Hi guys.. I am in the process of dealing and am going to make a car purchase. This is my second time purchasing a car. My first car was bought from a small family operated car dealer in town. It went smoothly as I only gave them the credit card and recieved a reciept. Sort of like a purchase at a store! Then a week later I recieved all the paperwork signed and processed. That was the end of that.

Now, I found a prime example in California and have contacted the seller via email and even successfuly bargained the price down. He would accept my offer if it was paid in CASH. Any time I hear someone wanting cash payment, a little christmas light in my head lights up letting me know why. I'm sure others know what I am saying.

The car is currently registered in California by the owner, however the car will be registered in Ohio after purchasing it. There is no smog checks here in Ohio, atleast in my county... so I figure I don't need to worry about that part. The seller brought up the topic of smogging, if he should have it smogged. I told him its not necessary since we don't require smogging in my state.

Regarding payment, how would I send "cash" 3 time zones away? Perhaps I should wire money to a friend who will pay him cash on my behalf? At what amount do you need to declare for taxes... there, i said the T word! Also, is this illegal on MY behalf? or is this all on the seller? I am just wanting to do a simple car purchase... I've never went this route before! so any help i s much appreciated.