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OK, I may come off as sounding a bit "dumb". I'm sorry if so. I did try to search for an answer on the forum, but didn't find anything similar to my situation.
I have an opportunity (shall we call it) to purchase a 2004 VW Beetle with "I don't know" how many miles on it, from a seller on Craigslist, for $1500 negotiable. It looks to be in good shape physically from the pictures posted, but the seller says it is running "really rough". It's been sitting in a garage or barn for 2 years. He sounds pretty young, the seller.
It has no title. The seller says it belonged to his father, who passed away last week. The father got it without the title, so there is no title.
Of course I would look at it, start it, drive it if possible before buying it. Try to determine if the "really rough" is something fixable. I'm not a mechanic by any means but I hope to bring a knowledgeable person to help with that aspect.
My question is, how do you go about doing a title search in this type of situation, if it is even possible? What would I need to do to actually buy this vehicle if it's a viable thing?
I sold a car to a dealership. Did not have the title. The dealership person said they would have no problem getting one. They didn't ask me anything, but, I did tell them (which was the truth) that it belonged to my mil who died a few weeks before and no one could find the title. I'm sure there's a way to find out what you want to know, but, I don't know. Somewhere the VIN number is registered, I think.
I would talk to the DMV, especially in a high-insurance state like Louisiana. The DMV can look it up and tell you everything they know about the vehicle.
Ask the guy if you can get the VIN# and take it the the DMV. Don't worry, the car isn't going anywhere (people usually run away from these types of sales). Obviously if he declines, you know something is up.
There are regulations about lost/abandoned titles. Sorry, I don't know theme but I would really recommend you find out what your state (LA) regulations are.
Personally, I wouldn't hand over any cash but that's just me.
I sold a car to a dealership. Did not have the title. The dealership person said they would have no problem getting one. They didn't ask me anything, but, I did tell them (which was the truth) that it belonged to my mil who died a few weeks before and no one could find the title. I'm sure there's a way to find out what you want to know, but, I don't know. Somewhere the VIN number is registered, I think.
Unless you had a will or you were the executor of the will/estate, they broke the law in that case.
With no title, the car would be wrapped up in probate unless it specifically stated in a will who the car was to go to. If not, then you won't be able to get a title for it, perhaps for years.
I've been looking for a few different vehicles for restoration. Most are mid-late 70's. I'm amazed at 'the dog ate the title' BS stories. Can't find it, it's still in the previous owners name from a different state, I'm selling it for my cousin, I bought the car to restore but I don't have the time, don't have the money, need the space but it's still in the previous owners name [or no title].
My policy- If the vehicle does not have a current title from my state with the name/address of the person possessing it with the VIN on the title matching the VIN on the vehicle, I'm not interested, no matter the condition, extra parts included or price.
I can't find the title but I have a bridge for sale that is in Brooklyn.
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