VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION General Discussions Title Service's?

I came across a car that is for sale, everything seemed good, price, and what I was looking for. After further conversations with the owner, I had a few questions before I took the 200 mile drive to look at it, just to confirm it was what it was. So I asked, "I am sure the paperwork is good but I have to ask anyway, any issues I should be aware of"? So now I get "funny you should ask, the car is titled and tagged in the state of *** ****** to me but the numbers on the paperwork do not match the VIN on the dash, and the title says it is a 76 but it is a 71" Before I go any further with this the owner seems like a nice guy and more of a victim this is how he bought it from Michigan on E-Bay, He has owned it for 6 years. He agreed to give me the VIN later this week of the car and I will have it checked to make sure that it is clear. The owner is pretty much disgusted with the whole thing and is willing to drop the price but does not want to spend the money on the title. This car looks like it has been on the dragstrip most of it's existence, and has all of the pre 1975 vintage race stuff still intact, it is pretty cool. it is street legal (barely). Knowing the history I can see how the title became a situation over the years, these type of cars always change hands and seldom have any paperwork when they become legal. The price of the car is under $5,000 and it is turn key running low 11's high 10's

I checked a few title services on line and it seems around $700 has any of you used one of these services?

A personal opinion, I would never purchase any vehicle that does not have a documented clear title. Or the means to clear it prior to the closing of a deal. I have much better things to do with my time than chase down title problems. My attitude comes from helping a friend way back in the 50s, a long story not to be repeated here.

Before I paid anyone to do something I might be able to do myself I'd call your state licensing authority and ask what process they have for resolving your issue. All states have a way of dealing with that type of issue. Get your info from the people you'll end up having to deal with in the end.

John, and others

Each state has their own process to issue titles. Several including New York only issued titles after the Federal Government required it. Before that date a registration document was used. When those vehicles change hands either the state registration or Bill of Sale is used to document ownership. If the vehicle comes from a state that issued titles when the vehicle was initially produced and sold, then that typically is used by the next owner.

If the paperwork is not available there are several processes that can be used. It is best to understand those process in your state. Don't rely on a single opinion by a clerk in the registration office. They typically have rarely (or never) been asked to execute the process. Ask for documentation so you (and/or your lawyer) can read it. If you are in the repair business or have a buddy that is you may be able to get a title (via a mechanics lean) for work done and not paid for. A bill of sale for major parts can also be used to document ownership and obtain a valid title. Applying for a "lost" title is another process. By far the most expensive is likely the "title service". I have used several of those to obtain valid titles in the past.

One interesting aspect of the Texas process is the "title hearing". It has never been offered by a clerk as an option (they tell you to apply for a "Bonded" title) but, contained in the law. If your application for a title has been rejected (often for missing paperwork or an unknown or unreasonable reason) you have the option to take your paperwork to the local clerks office and have them approve your application. It can eliminate the need (and expense) for a "Bonded" or temporary title.

Guys,
Thanks for the advice,

Glyn, I agree with you 100% I am trying to clear this up before I go any further.

Tiny, I only wish I were in Kansas, NYS downstate DMV is a nightmare! Beyond words, it has improved but to get plates in NY one had to take a day off from work just to get a set of plates

Chip, I think I will have to use a service, I got the VIN from the car and I will see what I need to do. From what I saw it gets registered in Maine in my name and then I transfer the title, but who ever did this?

I used a service many years ago. Was a straight forward process as long as they got their money. Have never had to do it again. Know a VCCA member that more recently used a service that went through Maine. No problems with that either.

I understand that the title service company checks for stolen vehicles. If you have a buddy that has access to the info checking yourself is a VERY good thing to do before moving forward. Also asking the title service about what to do if a claimed owner ever surfaces is a good idea. A while back I read of a owner that had a Corvette stolen some 30+ years back, identified the car because of some work he had personally done and eventually got it back. The last guy who thought he had legit title was out the car and the amount he had paid. If I remember correctly there were several car dealers in the trail from the thief.

If you can establish that the car is not stolen there is a way to register it in new york since it is a 71 and not a 76 which would be a titled car. 73 was the first year of titles.
There are forms to use if there is no registration avabel that you and the present owner must sign. I won't go on unless you need more info. I went this route two years ago and it worked fine.
Al