A Car without a title

[tleeburks]

Generally asking, I was wondering what happens when you want to purchase a vehicle from a private owner and he can't get a title from the state for whatever reason. Is it safe, unsafe to buy the vehicle. I understand you need a title to register it. Just was wondering. Thanks

['97ventureowner]

I'd be very leery about a vehicle that the state won't issue a title for a vehicle. It might be stolen or have other issues that prevent a title from being issued. Since you wouldn't be able to register it without a title the only thing it may be good for is a parts vehicle. You might want to run a Carfax on it to see it's history,( not that the Carfax is always right or complete.)

[Huney1]

The old adage applies; "Never buy a pig in a poke" and P.T. Barnum said, "There's a sucker born every minute." No Sir, if it has no title, something in the milk ain't clean so steer clear.

[RickMN]

Call your state DMV and see what it takes to get a title replaced. If the car has a "salvage" title, you're going to have a very hard time selling it down the road. Without a title, you won't be able to get yearly tabs or plates.

[Huney1]

Thre is a big difference in a lost title and NO title. I'd love to talk with the seller and ask him some questions, but anyway . . . While you're on the phone with the DMV ask them if they will run the serial number for you and see if it's on the stolen vehicles list. If they won't do it ask the Police to run it for you because I feel certain they will be curious as to why the car has no title. If it's a local car and they had service performed at your local Ford dealer they will have a record of the owner and when the service was done and Ford Motor Co will have a record of when it was sold new and to whom. They might hold off giving that info to you but I'm sure the Police could get it. Might not be any info of value today but at least it would be a starting point and they could find out if it was sold or traded and work on up the previous owners ladder to present day.

Kind'a sort'a confused here. So, was it just sitting for a long time because if the Dude doesn't have title then he can't get plates and if he doesn't have a CLEAR title then he can't sell it to you without the lien holders permission.

Let me explain. The lien holder would usually be a friend, relative or financial instution financing the car but they always hold the title in their files until the loan is paid off or satisfied. Until the loan is paid off the vehicle would be "encumbered" and not eligible for sale unless the lien holder agrees. If you run a CARFAX it costs $20. and will show previous locations it was registered. 'Clear' title means no lien holders and clear of all encumbrances, meaning it belongs to the owner and can be sold. There can be two people on the title or a company so if there is more than one name OR a company on the title check with your DMV and ask them how that works.

[97TaurusGuy]

Originally Posted by Huney1

The lien holder would usually be a friend, relative or financial institution financing the car but they always hold the title in their files until the loan is paid off or satisfied.

This is not true in all states. In NY and Vt I know for certain that the owner retains the physical title. In has a section with lienholders listed on it if there is a lienholder. If the car has liens recorded on it it would not be able to be sold without a lien release from the lienholder. Be sure to check into this also.

[Huney1]

If the car has liens recorded on it it would not be able to be sold without a lien release from the lienholder. Laws vary from state to state and bottom line is if there is no title it can't be sold or registered with DMV.