I purchased a used car, sellor died, car has lein in his name, how can I clear lein without him ?

Question

I have a bill of sell, need to registar car in California, DMV can't help, lein holder won't tell me if more is owed on car because I am not him

Answer 1

One way is if you know someone in the car business. An F&I person could call for a payoff from the leinholder (if any). They may be able to get that info if they had enough info about the previous owner. Its worth a shot. If there is a payoff...you have a big problem...Sorry.

Answer 2

Right.  You don't have a TITLE, so you didn't buy the car.  A car can't be sold, without the TITLE.  If the seller who gave you the bill of sale is the same guy who died, well, he has no right to sell the car, because he doesn't have the title.  

The loan needs to be paid off, then the next of kin will own that car.  Not you.  Even though you have a bill of sale, and paid money to someone.   If the loan doesn't get paid off, the car will get repo'd.

Remember next time . . . no title, no sale.  You cannot do a THING, besides going to the police, and filing charges against the person who sold you this car illegally.  And if it's the dead guy, they can't DO anything about it.

Answer 3

sue the estate.

Answer 4

Contact the lien holders executor, they are the deceased persons legal representative and have the power to clear up the lien.