Title problems

One of the truly great things about paying $50 to autocheck.com when you are verifying the history of your intended car purchase is that they insure your funds should the title not be as claimed (e.g. held by the seller, stolen, rebuilt from a scrapped car, etc.).

You've got your VIN.

So run your title search now and pay the $50 surcharge. If the title search comes up clean, then your title is insured (i.e. you got lucky and dodged a bullet).

On the other hand, if you didn't do due diligence (i.e. running your title search prior to buying), then you might find that you don't have a clear title.

In that case life is about to teach you a painful lesson.

Good luck! Who knows, you may get lucky.

 

For whatever it's worth, getting your cash back will be far more difficult than getting your title.

However, in some cases and in some states you may still be able to hold the car as a track vehicle for races or some such. Touchy area, though.

 

I would think the GA MVA can do a title search for you. Maybe call and explain to them you purchased the car and have the car and bill of sale. They are going to be the ones you need to get some answer from since the title is currently held in that state.

 

a serra blue 95 355 ?

 

After dealing with the Arizona DMV for 3 months and probably 80 hours regarding paperwork errors with the title to my Mercedes, I can tell you that the better situation is when there is absolutely no paperwork. Yesterday I told them it was all lost (odometer statements, Texas title, Bill of Sale). Voila!, a new title in my name from the State of Arizona. I couldn't procure that with a Power of Attorney, Notarized Bill of Sale, Emissions, letter from the Dealership, and Level One Inspection form from a police officer. But go in and plea idiocy and you seem to be at their level.

 

just a stupid question, but prior to buying the car why didnt you have them fax you a copy of the title to prove ownership and the like. i bought my last 355 in cali last year but before i flew out to see the car i made the owner fax me a copy of his title. to make sure who owned it! flew in gave a deposit had horseless carraige pick the car up and balance was wired when car was picked up.

 

Wil,

You have your hands full for sure.

Do I understand that you are now unable to contact the seller? If this is so, how did you contact him before?

What was your manner of payment? If a certified check, your bank can provide you a cleared copy of the draft that will have the depositing bank info therein encoded.

This can help you in your search.

Have you checked to see if this is a stolen vehicle? Local police may be able to check on that for you.

If the vehicle is stolen this is a major problem.

If the vehicle was financed and he did not pay off the note with your $, the finance company has priority to the vehicle as they hold the title.

It's a lousey situation for sure, but don't let it fester.

Get all the answers ASAP so you can formulate a plan.

 

I can't tell from the original post if the car was purchased from a dealer or a private sale. If it's from a dealer, there should be recourse, as well as contact info. If the sale was private, this could be tougher.

Dealers 'sometimes' float money and wait to pay off titles, which could be the delay. If it was private, did you find out if there was a lien on the car? If there was a lien on the car, it could take weeks to get your title...and that would be within the norm. However, the fact that the seller can't be contacted makes it a bit suspicious. Are his numbers disconnected, or has he just not returned your call?

I have been buying and selling cars long distance for a long time and have never had trouble. Basically...due dilligence and groundwork will pay off in the long run. If anyone needs help, PM me, this doesn't need to be painful.

Dino