How do I buy a car in a state I'm leaving?

[cryix47]

I'm looking for advice on how to buy a car privately in the Chicago area and drive it back to my home state MD. I flew to Chicago in February because my car previously was a total loss. In the process of moving i shipped most of my belongings to Chicago because it was cheaper than doing a rental SUV out Van. I'm regretting moving to Chicago. I've tried to make it work for 7 months and it ain't working. 

 

I've seen several second gen Toyota Sienna and Sequoia on FB marketplace but I'm unsure if I want to put IL plates on it,  or somehow get temp tags and just drive it back and then proceed with getting permanent plates. 

 

I'm not familiar with doing a private lumpsum cash deal. I just know that I need to look at the engine bay seal areas and other wear and tear areas such as suspension, or just take it to a mechanic to have it looked over. The title is important as well. 

[MarvBear]

Make sure you have a qualified independent mechanic check the proposed vehicle out thoroughly.  Run a Carfax, but do not implicitly trust it.  If you manage to come to an agreement with the prospective seller, both go to your bank and transact.  Banks usually have notaries if necessary.

[Glacier]

I am not sure how the process exactly works, but I am aware that Illinois does has a 10 day Drive Away Tag you can obtain.  I've only known of people obtaining this via a dealership, but I am sure it can be done via the Illinois Secretary of State.