This came up on Carfax 'comments' on a 355

I'm looking at a F355 Berlinetta. I ran a CARFAX and all looked a-ok. Then I did notice that there had not been a smog inspection in over 3+ years. I thought it strange but not anything to give me serious pause since the owner has to pass smog to sell me the car (and is their responsibility in CA). Then, out of curiousity, I click this link to "comments" and lo-n-behold, this pops up from a previous owner of that exact vehicle:

"Entry on 07/21/1999 represents sale of vehicle to owner number 2 by Ferrari of xxxxxx. Vehicle sold to owner number 4 on 1/10/2007. Title not transfered by new owner and vehicle currently unregistered. CA DMV advised on 5/25/07. Vehicle not serviced from 10/28/04 to 1/10/2007 during my ownership. Damage to vehicle includes right rear fender paint scratch and front left wheel crack."

What kind of risk am I running if I were to purchase this car? Title never transferred from 3rd owner and hasn't been registered for 2.5 years even though there have been 2-3k miles put on the clock since last odometer reading in CARFAX.

Should I walk (or run) away?

 

You can be held liable for all unpaid back taxes, sales taxes, registration fees, and penalties...depending on which state you license the car in as the next buyer.

Also, consider that someone who is leaving a vehicle untitled is someone who is being cheap...not always the best trait in regards to routine maintenance.

 

very good point - if he is cutting a corner on a minor fee here, consider the larger priced maintenance procedures may be hanlded by this individual.

 

Were you aware of the fender damage too? If not, and the owner was trying to hide it, then I would walk away.

 

The kind of stresses required to crack an alloy wheel cause me more concern than anything else. You don't get that from parking lot curbs.

 

Walk briskly or maybe trot.

 

Dont waste your time with this car.

But if you are curious;

Believe it or not, the California DMV is very responsive and helpful. Call them up, on their toll-free number, and ask them what the fees are to register that particular car.

It will certainly be in the thousands of dollars of back fees, plus don't forget sales tax of almost 10%.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I think I will walk briskly away from this particular 355 and keep searching for the right one.