Thinking about going without a car, input needed.

[ilima]

One thing I am worried about - how do I sell a car privately when I have a loan on it? Can I have the title transferred over when the car sells, assuming the loan is paid off?

You'd want to call the lien holder (bank or credit union) and find out the pay off amount. Have the seller pay the lien holder directly that amount and any extra goes to you.

That way the seller knows that she will get the title free and clear--without a loan. If the seller has a loan, she can arrange for her bank or credit union to pay off your loan directly.