Im thinking about buying a vehicle that has been in a wreck and does not come with a title...only comes with bill of sale. Is this a dumb move? Is it possible to have a title issued on the vehicle? Just wanting the vehicle as a project but would like to be able to register it. Does anyone know the steps or if it is possible to obtain a title? Im in Kansas if that makes a difference. Thanks

 

I wouldn't buy a car without a title.

There has to be a title somewhere. If it's lost then the person who is selling it should go to the DMV or appropriatte government agency and have the title re-issued to them before they sell the car. Otherwise, I'd be suspicious that they don't actually own the car.

 

You should still be able to register it, people buy wrecked cars all the time (not me, but I'm sure some people do) Check with your local DMV for better info.

 

Yeah i dont buy wrecked cars either. But this is too good of a deal to pass up, old man near me wants to get rid of a classic muscle car thats just sitting in his barn Great condition except needs new fender. And price is right. Runs and drives. Just would need new front fender and paint it. My own thinking is that I wouldnt own or drive a car that has been wercked-dont fix my own cars if they have been in a wreck-just trade them in as is-but there is something about this car thats calling me to it.

 

You should at least get a salvage title.

 

dont do it. i had a buddy that did this and he was never able to get it titled.

 

You don't OWN the car untill the title is in YOUR name.

You can have the bill of sale, pink slip, keys, the car, but it's not YOURs until the TITLE is in your name.

Except when you finance, then the title is in your name, but the bank is "partial" owner (lien) until you pay it off. But still, they don't give you the title until you paid it off.

 

Yeah thats why I am am not into buying it. Is there a carfax for bikes at all? Could anyone run the vin to find the name of the person on the title? And try to contact them and get the title?

 

Edit***** thats another project im trying to work out for a track bike....

Since the car is so old and carfax doesnt go back that far, is there some way to run it and find out whose name is on the title?

 

i'd say let the seller do the research to find the owner. Considering he must've gotten the car from SOMEONE. You can't just go and tow a car away and say it's yours to sell. Hopefully he bought the car WITH the title.

Iin most states, it's illegal to keep "open" titles, where the seller signs off the title but it isn't transferred to anyone else...unless you're a dealer. It's rare anyone gets caught either, but still. If he had the title and lost it, then it's his job to get a duplicate.

But bikes have titles too and work like cars. I don't know about carfax though, but maybe worht a try.

 

I wouldnt buy it............... those cars are cheap for a reason...... you might think everything is fine but you wont really know until you notice your tires wearing out unevenly or weird noises/leaks in the car.


My friend tried that once and hes hating life right now....save your money