Buying an SL where the owner is out of state

[Abadjay]

I am currently looking to buy a 1988 / 1989 560SL. Recently, I found one on CL and it looked pretty good. I gave the car a test drive and I also took a look around and it was pretty ok. The car itself is in a condition that is quite alright for the price, but the main issue is this:

The part that worries me is that the current registered owner is living in New Orleans, LA. A friend of hers is acting on her behalf and selling the car in Los Angeles. The title has already been signed and is just waiting on the signature of the buyer. The original owner is aware of this... or so the story says. What I'm thinking is that it can also be a well rehearsed story: Someone can easily steal a car and the title, forge a signature, and sell the car. Should I buy into a scheme like that, I could lose the car [to the actual owner] AND my money... which I'm trying to avoid. It's always a risk buying a used car from a third party, but not having the owner here seems to bump it up even more.

I called the DMV and they said they don't see any abnormalities. I called the local police department and they don't have any reports of stolen SLs under the license plate I provided for them. I called the actual supposed owner and she's possibly willing to send over information regarding payment of insurance (The actual owner pays the insurance for her car, the friend is insured on her expense). I've been talking to the "real owner" and they are either telling the truth or are great actors because she nearly broke into tears saying I was accusing her of stealing.... but I digress...

I don't feel entirely convinced and that's when I turn to you, the forum. Does this sound like I should move on and find a different, less hassle SL? The DMV was saying that the likelihood of someone actually going through a legal process to get a car that old is slim. And given the condition, age, and mileage (168k) of the car, I don't think so either, but you never know. I was also told that once the pink slip is underneath my name, no one can just come take the car away without going through court, paying fees, etc etc... which I am pretty sure exceeds the value of the car...

What do you think I should do? I'd like to buy the car (after a 2nd opinion from my mechanic too), but I'd also want to have peace of mind.

[C.Doner]

Most people don't scam. I have been in similar situations. You called LA DMV to make sure its clean. If its not reported stolen don't worry. Make sure its smog compliant.

[jimandsuzy]

I would buy one like that.

[meltedpanda]

Id be OK with that, is the signature notorized? When I sold one and the buyers name was left blank , I signed it and had it notorized. Have you tried to contact the actual owner?
But again , you have VIN , check to see if it is on some big brother registry , if not , you are OK

[rowdie]

Ask for contact information. Notarized power of attorney giving the seller authority. Do a search on the owners name and try to contact her.

Right now it is an open title. Shady resellers do this to avoid fees and taxes.

Oops, Reread your originals post and it seems you have been in contact with the presumed owner. Second part still applies.

[zeus2112]

thats very funny. I live in NJ and my brother lives in LA and test drove that car for me a few weeks ago. He said it looked OK but ran very rough. they were asking 5500 i think, and her name was Nicole if i'm not mistaken. The original deal fell through about a month back too. She did offer to put me in touch with her friend in NO, but i opted out of the car.

what did you find out? Good luck

[rs899]

Get the owner to send you a scan of his/her drivers license. Mine (FL) has my signature and address. That would provide some assurance. I think you are being a bit paranoid. We're not talking about a $100K car...