Abandoned vehicles

[klohiq]

Not sure where to place this and since I value the opinions and knowledge of some of you frequenters then I thought it was best to give you a shot at answering me this...

I found a late 80's/ early 90's mkIII Toyota Supra Turbo with an inspection that expired may 2002 and a registration that expired right around the same time. The car has a flat tire and the other tires appear to be somewhat low on air. I suspect the car has been abandoned as I've seen it in the same parking lot space for months.

My question is this: what steps should I take to get ahold of the current owner and how can I find him/her. If I can't find him/her then what steps can be taken with the DMV to get the registration transfered. I'd hate for this car to get taken to a junkyard or be put up for auction so anything short of stealing it (already considered that a little ) will be considered.

One last note...I have the license plate number and I plan to call the DMV about it...but since the registration's so old will the plate numbers already be on another car?

Thanks for any help or ideas you can offer...

[PDFFlyer]

In PA these Abandoned vehicles are towed to a storage yard, After so many days, a new title is issued on an abandoned vehicle. These cars are generally stolen, or still have money owed on them. Contact your police jurisdiction for further advice. The local police have to process some paper on these vehicles before any action can be taken.

[Turbo Thoughts]

Originally Posted by PDFFlyer

In PA these Abandoned vehicles are towed to a storage yard, After so many days, a new title is issued on an abandoned vehicle. These cars are generally stolen, or still have money owed on them. Contact your police jurisdiction for further advice. The local police have to process some paper on these vehicles before any action can be taken.

If a car sits on your property for long enough without rent being payed, the gov will issue you a deed for that property. steal before them pigs do and park it in YOUR yard before they do, and YOULL get the title. heh! I dunno, report it, and wait for the auction date on it

[grncivicdhr]

is there anything that the vehical history using the vin # possibly help with?

[SR20DETpower]

Originally Posted by Turbo Thoughts

If a car sits on your property for long enough without rent being payed, the gov will issue you a deed for that property. steal before them pigs do and park it in YOUR yard before they do, and YOULL get the title. heh! I dunno, report it, and wait for the auction date on it

lol thats some good thinking there

[NorthRyder]

if the car doesnt get claimed and u tell the police they will just let u take it. happened to a friend of mine but the car was on his property.

[Suislide]

i would say take the VIN and take it into the police or DMV and see what they can do with it, since i'm guessing it doesn't have any plates.

i'm also guessing it was abandoned for a reason, so be prepared for repairs. good luck!

[rsbousquet]

or be prepared for the cops on your ass...why would someone leave a car in a parking lot? it could have been stolen, could just be broke down and not worth repairing. probably major mechanical issues. very many other reasons. best to call DMV and see what their response is. good luck...i have wanted an 89 supra for a long time

[klohiq]

Getting the VIN number is a great idea. And yes there are plates still on it...that's how I know it has an expired registration.

I think one of three things happened to the car:
1) Head gasket blown (common mk3 problem) or something else keeping it from running.
2) Stolen.
3) Left there because the owner owed money on it.

I might be able to talk to the gas station and get them to talk to the DMV and if they are entitled to ownership then I'll pay them some money for it and get it out of there way for them. Otherwise the police will most likely tow it and put it up for auction...and I'll make sure to attend...even if it turns out it doesn't run.