I am looking to buy a 70 Malibu from some guy here in Houston. The car looks to be worth the $9,000 he wants. The problem is that he has no title for the car. He says that he got the car from his aunt a few years ago. His aunt purchased it from her neighbor who was the original owner. He said his aunt can't find the title and he just never pushed to get one. Would it be a problem to get one. He told me that I could get a replacement if I wanted to by going to a title bond company. Anyone know if I should be worried? Also, what kind of fee would I be looking at if I do go with title bond company? Any info would be sweet. Thanks :beers:

Not sure if those bonded deals inTX will work. Some states have beenn closing that loophole lately:

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/services/vehicle_titles_and_registration/lost_title.htm

My bad, the car is in Atlanta, Georgia not Houston, Texas.

Georgia doesn't require titles on vehicles as old as this. A bill of sale is provided with the most current registration.You may have to contact Texas DVM for the process to get a title from a bill of sale.

Being in Texas and had this problem you will faced with a few problems:
1. To receive registration and title in Texas you will have to pass state inspection. That means the car will have to be running and have certified insurance to that vin. They are stricter on this inspection than anything else. It is called getting the green slip.
2. If the car has any plates take them to Ga. DPS and have them run. This should give you last titled owner. Until their name is signed off on who has possession does not matter. You do not want a car that is on someones long lost stolen list.
3. You can use the choice of most of the car thieves. Send the VIN to one of those title companies in Alabama. You will have one in your name in a few days.

It would seem if the person you are dealing with truly owned the car or wanted to sell it ; He would be the one trying to clear this up. If you are dealing with someone you do not know at this great of distance you make sure the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed before advancing any money.

If it is an Ebay deal they guarantee title up to $20K. Good luck but be careful.

I would have the current owner get a title say from Broadway title in MS or AL I don't remember which. If he can't get one or won't I would stay away. Otherwise the car isn't worth much in my opinion. No where near $9k.

UPDATE!!

I spoke to the guy and told me that he DOES have a title BUT it was never signed over to him. When he purchased it from his aunt a few years ago she couldn't find it. After a while she came across it in some boxes so he DOES have it, it's just not in his name, it's in his aunts name. Any problems with what might happen if I buy it?

The problem just got simpler. Keep this in mind:
1. Texas does not require a notary to transfer title. A lot of dead folks are
signing titles these days.
2. Go to your car registration office and get a tax affidavit. Have it and title
signed in appropriate seller places, but leave them open until you are sure
you want it in your name.
3. Where is aunt and how has car been driven,registered, and insured
without title being changed?

The problem just got simpler. Keep this in mind:
1. Texas does not require a notary to transfer title. A lot of dead folks are
signing titles these days.
2. Go to your car registration office and get a tax affidavit. Have it and title
signed in appropriate seller places, but leave them open until you are sure
you want it in your name.
3. Where is aunt and how has car been driven,registered, and insured
without title being changed?



They both live in Georgia. Not sure if the she is still living.

Try International title service 1-702-456-4027