How do I know the car I'm buying wasn't stolen - owner has no title on hand?

Question

Its a 1972 Buick Skylark. He says he has a bill of sale from the previous owner but no title/pink slip. It's a pretty far drive to where the car is so I'd like to be able to check the cars history before I drive out there. Carfax only works on car 1982 and newer so I'm out of luck there. How do I find out if this car has a clean title? I have the license plate number if that helps but I dont have access to the vin number. Can the dmv just run the plates for me? Tell me where to look! Thanks

Answer 1

No title? THEN DON'T BUY IT! If the seller wants to sell the car, he needs to obtain the title in order to do so. Don't ever buy a car without a clear title.

Answer 2

DO NOT GIVE HIM YOUR MONEY!!!  He never got title transfered to himself and now wants to pass on whatever problems he ran into, on to you.  Look for another car.

Answer 3

Depends where you are, I live in NH and if the car is over 10 years old a bill of sale is all you need to register it with the DMV.  Your best bet is to go to the DMV, explain the situation to them and ask them exactly what you'll need to have the car legally registered in your name.  Plus while you are there they might be able to tell you where to look to get some history on that car.    

Answer 4

tell him to apply for a lost title before you buy the car.  he may have fines and such for not registering the car.  they will become your problem if you buy it.

think twice

Answer 5

No Title, No Deal. Look elsewhere.

1972 Skylarks aren't that rare.  

Answer 6

If he just has a bill of sale , then the car legally is'nt his. What he has done is bought the car from someone ,but never did tranfer the title over into his name, So the dmv will still show that the car is in the other persons name. That's if he really bought the car in the first place.WhatI would do is run like h**l and never look back.