Bought a vehicle the other day, and of course the buyer gives me a worn out old title, already signed by both buyer and seller and notorized. He doesn't know anyone on the title, so it's changed hands several times already. You know, the usual BS.

Here's my question...
Is it cheaper for me to contact the seller or the buyer?

The seller I'd have to pay to get a duplicate title mailed out, then pay to put it in my name.

The buyer I'd have to pay to put it in his name(including the penalty for not registering it within a month), then have to pay to put it in my name.

Would the difference in money matter? Also, can either of these be done instantly at the DMV?

Thanks guys, I've messed with this junk in the past, but I'm never sure I'm going about it the easiest way. (And yes I know THE easy way to get this done, and I have the connections, but I'd prefer to keep this legit.)

3/22/2009 12:55:52 AM

do a search, i've posted some very in depth information about titles. should easily resolve your issue from that.

3/22/2009 3:34:54 AM

I thought you have to register the title in your name 30 days after you bought the vehicle.

3/22/2009 6:47:49 PM

Doesn't mean everyone actually does it.

3/22/2009 7:23:10 PM

I avoid "deals" like this. They'd have to just about give the vehicle to me to make it worth beating my head against the DMV wall.

The DMV is enough of an inept, ridiculous asspain on a good day. Working out stuff like this is beyond terrible. I did it once with my first motorcycle (which was, in fact, given to me, although the guy had lost the title). It took months, an indemnity bond, and many trips and hours spent at the DMV to get it straightened out.

3/22/2009 7:39:53 PM

Yeah.. I agree.

I've spent $100 overnight'ing shit back and forth because of one fucking number on a date on the title for the car I bought a few weeks ago.. there was a 3 for march that they mistakenly started to write as a 2 then kind of kept writing from a half written 2 and made it into a 3. that was considered an "alteration" and is causing all kinds of fucking bullshit.

the bad part is either date would have been 100% valid.. but just because it isn't fucking perfect i'm having to try to get the original owners that sold the car to the dealer i bought the car from to sign a bunch of forms. i know i'd be pissed if i was them.

I couldn't imagine the bullshit it'd take to get a real problem fixed.

3/22/2009 7:55:04 PM

Yep. I've probably run into a DMV headache with half of the vehicles I've purchase. I hate that place with a passion.

3/22/2009 8:09:08 PM

I mean, I'd understand if it had been a f'in VIN number or something..but this shit is just ridiculous. Although out of the 10-12 vehicles I've owned I think I've only NOT had trouble with 1 or 2...I guess their job is to find something wrong.

3/22/2009 8:12:12 PM

Quote :

"I avoid "deals" like this. They'd have to just about give the vehicle to me to make it worth beating my head against the DMV wall. The DMV is enough of an inept, ridiculous asspain on a good day. Working out stuff like this is beyond terrible."

Well said. I hate that place.

3/22/2009 9:37:46 PM

Yep. How anyone who's ever been there is anything other than a libertarian politically is something I'll never understand.

3/22/2009 10:47:25 PM

HAHAHAH "RECOVERING" a title?

I can do this, for a fee.

[Edited on March 23, 2009 at 12:08 AM. Reason : lol]

3/23/2009 12:08:10 AM

Haha, yeah I debated the use of that verb.

Feeler phone calls have been made. No one's returned my call so far. I guess the next step is knocking on doors and talking to next of kin. This makes me feel like a sleazy bounty hunter.

3/23/2009 12:35:11 AM

seriously, pm primer if he's offering.

3/23/2009 12:49:27 AM