buying used car from private seller

[Konig]

Im trying to buy a car from a private seller in boston but I will not have the time to go down and see the car myself. Its my first time so I have certain questions about fraud prevention.

1) After I get a mechanic to inspect it, can I verify in anyway that the car indeed belongs to that person?

2) After confirming that the car belongs to that person, it is then safe to wire money to a bank account under his name?

3) He told me that even after full payment he will need to wait 2 days for the title. I've always thought title transfer can take place immediately once payment has been confirmed

4) do you think a shipping company in buffalo that shipped the vehicle will allow me to store it in their warehouse and wait for me to pick the car up?

5) what is lien? how does it affect the buyer?

I feel a canadian customs broker is too expensive and would like to save as much as i can.

All help will be appreciated, thank you.

 

[jellojoe]

I wouldn't buy a used car without having driven it.

 

[choomanchoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jellojoe /img/forum/go_quote.gif I wouldn't buy a used car without having driven it.

X2

 

[Uncle Erik]

Is it a collector's car and/or an antique?

You might want to contact a used car dealer that specializes in antiques, exotics, etc. There must be one in a big city like Boston. If you paid them, they'd probably be willing to handle the transaction or possibly buy the car and then resell it to you. That would give you multiple safeguards and you'd be working with someone who knows the industry. It would add cost, but you'd get a lot of protection.

Even if it isn't an antique or exotic, you should be able to get a used car dealer to handle the transaction. Much, much, much safer than just wiring money to someone and hoping for the best.

Also, a lien is an interest that a third party holds in property. If someone has a lien on the car, then they are entitled to part or all of the sales price. You might see this come up if the owner had financing - liens are used to secure debt.

 

[ken36]

good luck.

 

[nick_charles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konig /img/forum/go_quote.gif Im trying to buy a car from a private seller in boston but I will not have the time to go down and see the car myself. Its my first time so I have certain questions about fraud prevention. 1) After I get a mechanic to inspect it, can I verify in anyway that the car indeed belongs to that person?

The Title tells you who legally owns the vehicle and any liens on it, the DMV will have this information, ask the seller for the VIN and you will be able to track this down.

Quote:

3) He told me that even after full payment he will need to wait 2 days for the title. I've always thought title transfer can take place immediately once payment has been confirmed

MASSACHUSETTS TITLE TRANSFERS - RMV Titling & Registration Information Online - DMV.ORG

RMV - Electronic Lien and Title

Quote:

5) what is lien? how does it affect the buyer?

A Lien means that the seller has not fully paid off money owing on the car - if you buy a car that has not been paid off you are relying on the seller to not default - until the car is paid off the seller does not legally own the vehicle. To remove the lien from a title requires the seller sending in a form from their lender saying the loan has been discharged.


Massachusetts Records - State Records, Public Records, State Criminal Records, State Court Records


Personally I would give this one a body swerve.

 

[nor_spoon]

Sounds like trouble...

 

[Lazarus Short]

If the seller is having to make excuses on the title, it is VERY probable that he does not have a clear title. It should be a red flag. Run, do not walk, away from that transaction.

Laz

 

[synaesthetic]

x2. If the guy can't sign that title over to you the moment you hand him the money, I'd bet all my audio gear that he doesn't even have the title and will likely disappear, never to be seen again.