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question: car was never registered

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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 03:43 PM
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Default question: car was never registered

I have a question guys...There is a car for sale by a guy that bought the car just over a year ago. The individual that purchased the car 1yr ago never did get the car registered nor insure it and now he is selling the car.

Something sounds really wrong with this situation.
What can/should/will happen if someone attempts to purchase this car from him?
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 03:53 PM
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The new car warranty will be activated once it's registered. I'm sure there are enough other Vettes out there in the same situation. A former coworker of mine bought a 5 mile '02 Z06 the same way last year.

Last edited by madeouttaglass; Nov 30, 2006 at 03:55 PM.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 04:31 PM
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He should either have a clear title or the MSO. Is this guy a dealer (does he have a license)?
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 04:44 PM
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The only "negative" I can think of is if the car was wrecked or was a theft recovery and through the past year he put the car back together for profit. I'd have someone with good knoledge give it a good look to see if any signs of "reconstruction" has been going on. IE; The ignition and door have their own seperate key, signs of paint work/interior pieces don't look quite right,etc.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 04:48 PM
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I bought an 04 vert with 109 miles on it in may of this year, had never been titled and warranty kicked in when titled. I did by it from a licensed dealer. Everything was ok with it. Good luck hope you found a gem.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by old55
The only "negative" I can think of is if the car was wrecked or was a theft recovery and through the past year he put the car back together for profit. I'd have someone with good knoledge give it a good look to see if any signs of "reconstruction" has been going on. IE; The ignition and door have their own seperate key, signs of paint work/interior pieces don't look quite right,etc.
Or he cant register it in his name for some reason, bad title etc..
You could get stuck with the same situation hes in.
Just make sure he has a clear non salvaged title in hand. Not Ill get it to you latter, but in hand or at a reputable bank you can check on title status.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 04:49 PM
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Like ezeddz said, If its at a dealer I wouldent worry about it.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 04:54 PM
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Are there any miles on the car? And what year is it... is he the original "owner"?
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 04:55 PM
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Another thing to check on are the sales tax laws in your state and the sellers state.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 04:59 PM
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The new car warranty will be activated once it's registered. I'm sure there are enough other Vettes out there in the same situation. A former coworker of mine bought a 5 mile '02 Z06 the same way last year.


I may be wrong but, someone else may chime in as well, but I believe the warranty starts when you the car was actually bought for the first time,(or possibly delivery date) its not when the car is registered, so since the car has actually been bought one time allready, I believe the warranty will start on the day of purchase.I think I remember when my 95 was still under warranty they went by the sale date of the car, not registered date
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 05:00 PM
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I am not an expert, but I have heard of this kind or transacton many times. I would not be too worried about it. Person selling may be a private owner or could be a dealer. By not registering it, they are not driving it and may avoid paying any personal property tax and other licensing fees required by the state.

I would check with your local DMV regarding this transaction. As long as you get a free and clear title to the car, you should be okay. I believe you just complete the setction of the title noting who the purchaser is, mileage, and price. Original seller should have already signed it over.

One other note; before you even think of putting the key in the ignition and driving it home, call your insurance company and get the car insured immediately after purchase. Good luck with it.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 05:02 PM
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smell to me.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 06:58 PM
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I believe in my state of Oklahoma, the original buyer has to register the car in his name before you can register it in yours, more than likely there will be some penalties involved in this for the original buyer, not sure about in your state
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 07:03 PM
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probably a wholesale dlr. licensed dlrs do not need to register cars they buy and sell to other dlrs/customers unless they sale to a individual and collect lic. title fees and are an agent for departmet of motor vehicles. or its an individual who didnt want to pay the tax/lic fees. then it could get tricky depending on the states laws on time allowed to title and who pays the late fees if any. make sure you look at the title and have him go to the proper lic./title dept. in your state with you prior to payment.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by chevyvette1
I may be wrong but, someone else may chime in as well, but I believe the warranty starts when you the car was actually bought for the first time,(or possibly delivery date) its not when the car is registered, so since the car has actually been bought one time allready, I believe the warranty will start on the day of purchase.I think I remember when my 95 was still under warranty they went by the sale date of the car, not registered date

that is a fact. warranty starts opun delivery from the dlr
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 07:21 PM
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This could also be a case of "skip title" I have done this when I was a younger man. It's just a way of avoiding sales tax and title fees. When you purchase a car and sell it to someone without having it titled to YOU. IE; "skiped title" without title he couldn't register the car. This practice is illegal, but I don't see how it could hurt you any other than maybe (here in NJ) late title fee is or was, last time I checked $25 plus title fee.

This guy's not an "Illegal Alien" is he? Just Kiddin'

Last edited by Ol'55; Nov 30, 2006 at 07:26 PM.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 10:34 PM
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Explain the situation to your state DMV before you buy the car. They can tell you if there are any issues that you need to be worried about.
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To question: car was never registered

Old Nov 30, 2006 | 11:13 PM
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Danger! Danger Will Robinson! Danger"

If this isn't a GM dealer I would avoid the deal. There is so much you have to check out so it doesn't fall on you. If not a GM dealer:
Is this a flood car? Why can't he register it now and give you a clear title? (tax avoidence? criminal act! Your in the middle - they could take your new car) Why has it been out of circulation for a year, or are there miles on it? Run the Vin.# with GM & CarFax; ever inspected or repaired? Too many other questions, you could be left holding the bag. Warranty issues may not be your biggest problem, do your homework, verify facts, stories do not add to credibility. Danger!
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Old Dec 1, 2006 | 12:43 AM
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Most likely what your talkin about is what they call open MSO, and this really is the only way i would be ok with buying this car. Mostly becuase there is no other legal reason that a car would not have been registered. The only place you are going to buy a car that has still has a mso is at a dealership. The reason I say that is no dealer is going to sell a car open MSO becuase of the liablity that it would put on the dealership.
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Old Dec 1, 2006 | 01:10 AM
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Sorry, I wouldn't touch this one with a ten foot pole!
Way too many cars for sale out there for sale with no registration problems.

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