Is it ok to purchase a car with no title?

Jon M

Yes and no. I would write down the VIN number and walk into your local DMV and do a search on the vehicle first. I had a classic car that was stolen then sold to someone else. I tracked down the person that had bought it from the person who stole it and I repoed it back. The person that bought it thought they were buying it legit, but when I tracked my car down and repoed it they were out a car and their money.Tthe only thing they could do is try to get their money from the bum who stole my car. To be safe run a check on the VIN, and then you can file for a lost or stolen title, then the car is yours.

SageGalexy

Yeah, you definitely need to be careful with this. Cars are stolen all the time and a bill of sale is not quite enough proof.

I'm no expert, but I would suggest going down to the DMV with this guy to talk to them about it. Without the title, I don't believe you'd be able to register (and therefore drive) the vehicle, so it would be pretty pointless.

Even if it's not stolen, a title is very important for other things. If the DMV doesn't resolve the issue, then absolutely don't buy the car. You don't want trouble, and there are tons of truly legit private sellers out there.

Good luck!

inostad

To tell you the truth that is not really a good idea to get a car without a title. even if he gives you a bill of sale you are going to have to go to DMV and most likly have the car inspected. and if there is no tital it could caust you another $200.00 for a lost title search. If i were you i would leave it where it is or have him go to DMV and pay for the title. If he says no . You know somthing is not right with it

mustanger

I made that mistake many, many years ago in the state of Mass. At that time they used a bill of sale and the registration slip. Only after I bought it and he was gone overseas did I find out he had a loan on the car. If they can't give you a clear title to the car there's a problem which will surely come back to bite you. Don't walk, run, from any car sale where the seller tries to tell you that a bill of sale is as good as a title. A title proves ownership. A bill of sale just proves you paid someone X number of dollars, not that you actually own anything.

ziggy_brat

If there is no title get as far away from it as possible.

Joey P

Run the vin number 1st, but if the person cant get u the title for no other reasons cause there is a loan against it.. than beware.. it could also be tied up on a lien as well,

Lover not a Fighter

Be careful.

Really old cars (like back in the 70's) they didn't have title. Check with your local DMV. But in general no title = no ownership.

Good Luck...

mbrcatz

No, because if he doesn't have a title in his name, it's not his to sell. And you won't be able to get a title - or if you can, it's going to take about six months, IF it's not stolen, and cost you at least several hundred dollars in bonds & fees.

Kizzy

What could you be thinking!! Get away from that guy as quickly as possible. If he's so sure you can get a title, have him go the the DMV & get it, then buy it from him.

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