Clear title on a diesel. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

whunter · #1 11-11-2004, 01:13 AM

I am tired of seeing all these title issues.
#1. Never buy without a CLEAR title.

#2. Never trust the seller, copy the VIN from the car yourself, get a xerox copy both sides of title, be sure the vehicle VIN and title VIN are a perfect match, and check it with the local DMV.

#3. Have the local DMV explain the correct way to fill out the title.

#4. Have a notary witness the transaction; it is worth having an extra witness to the transaction.

#5. Transfer the title to your name, same day if possible, until it is transferred, a crooked previous owner can apply for a lost title and sell it out from under you, or claim theft.

#6. Lock the title in a fire safe or safety deposit box.

#7. Get the vehicle off their property the same day if possible, I have been charged storage of $100 per day by a crook, he found out the true value of vehicle after the sale, and tried to get it back by seizing it for storage fees.

For some reason; diesel owners in general seem to be more old school type honest and trustworthy.
Please don't trust anyone on titles.
I have been burned enough times to never allow it again.

BenzBoy8 · #2 11-11-2004, 03:32 AM

Good advise thanks!

Snibble · #3 11-11-2004, 03:32 AM

those are great advice for ANY car.. not just diesels. Good write up!

boneheaddoctor · #4 11-11-2004, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

I am tired of seeing all these title issues.
#1. Never buy without a CLEAR title.

#2. Never trust the seller, copy the VIN from the car yourself, get a xerox copy both sides of title, be sure the vehicle VIN and title VIN are a perfect match, and check it with the local DMV.

#3. Have the local DMV explain the correct way to fill out the title.

#4. Have a notary witness the transaction; it is worth having an extra witness to the transaction.

#5. Transfer the title to your name, same day if possible, until it is transferred, a crooked previous owner can apply for a lost title and sell it out from under you, or claim theft.

#6. Lock the title in a fire safe or safety deposit box.

#7. Get the vehicle off their property the same day if possible, I have been charged storage of $100 per day by a crook, he found out the true value of vehicle after the sale, and tried to get it back by seizing it for storage fees.

For some reason; diesel owners in general seem to be more old school type honest and trustworthy.
Please don't trust anyone on titles.
I have been burned enough times to never allow it again.

Very good advice for the group.

I've never been burned like that yet but there is always a first time.

Scott98 · #5 11-11-2004, 09:30 AM

When I bought my '97 E300D, it had a South Carolina title and I had to get it titled in VA. The lady at the DMV said when she entered the VIN # into the "system," it wasn't pulling up. Even though the VIN # on the title matched the VIN # on the car, she wouldn't issue me a new title. She said I had to get a letter from the South Carolina DMV saying that it was the correct title for the car and then come back. My instincts told me that she was full of ***** so I went to another DMV that same morning and had the car titled without a problem.

Scott

TwitchKitty · #6 11-11-2004, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott98

When I bought my '97 E300D, it had a South Carolina title and I had to get it titled in VA. The lady at the DMV said when she entered the VIN # into the "system," it wasn't pulling up. Even though the VIN # on the title matched the VIN # on the car, she wouldn't issue me a new title. She said I had to get a letter from the South Carolina DMV saying that it was the correct title for the car and then come back. My instincts told me that she was full of ***** so I went to another DMV that same morning and had the car titled without a problem.

Scott

This is typical of all types of customer service. These jobs are usually filled with warm-bodies whose main qualification is that they will work cheap. If you don't get the answer you want the first time try another person.

I had nearly the exact same experience lately at the title office. Some clerk told me "office policy", I said law. I went to another office, they had more reasonable policy.

phidauex · #7 11-11-2004, 12:53 PM

Somehow I think this post is directed somewhere in my direction, with my recent title issue post...

Its ok, I deserve it.

You guys are definately correct, its important to get a good title immediately, to eliminate problems later.. I didn't learn about my title issue until the last minute, and it was either flee and go home and give up the car, or deal with the paperwork. I trust the guy, but its still more hassle than I should have accepted without a fight.

I suppose good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement.

Hopefully the worst of my 'experience' from this will just be some paperwork hassle, and no major legal problems.

Thanks for the advice,
Sam

evblazer · #8 11-11-2004, 01:05 PM

Well Connecticut can't be the only place that does/did this.

When in Connecticut I had purchased an out of state car that had a title. Turned in the old title with the registration in Connecticut like a good citizen only to hear they don't title cars older then like 81', I don't know if that is a rolling or fixed number. I tried multiple places with the same result.

Therefore when I sold the car it had _no_ title and I couldn't get one. I gave a bill of sale and a letter but this still caused all sorts of problems with the purchaser in another state.

whunter · #9 11-11-2004, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evblazer

Well Connecticut can't be the only place that does/did this.

When in Connecticut I had purchased an out of state car that had a title. Turned in the old title with the registration in Connecticut like a good citizen only to hear they don't title cars older then like 81', I don't know if that is a rolling or fixed number. I tried multiple places with the same result.

Therefore when I sold the car it had _no_ title and I couldn't get one. I gave a bill of sale and a letter but this still caused all sorts of problems with the purchaser in another state.

There are plenty of antique/collector cars titled in Connecticut.

If they refused to title it, the original title and papers should have been returned to you, even a state may not commit fraud and theft.

Taking your title and refusing to issue a new one or return yours = theft or fraud.

Contact the local car clubs for advice on issues like this; they know how to get around idiot procedures.

whunter · #10 01-13-2006, 04:28 PM

Car Titles...this is why you need to have one...
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=989492

#11 01-13-2006, 04:36 PM

I would still buy a beater car with a non-clear title.

Just as much can happen to a car to brand its title as can happen WITHOUT DMV being involved.

Its not a save all.

When I pick up cars for a couple hundred bucks...and they are older than me...the title is just about the last thing most people care about. They are old cars and have had a long life. If it runs, drives, all that good stuff...then its good to go.

Now insurance companies might think otherwise

BTW a reconstructed title is cheaper to renew tags on in Oregon I belive

Hmmmm....

My 69 bug which was wrecked 3 times (that I could see when I got it) still had a clear title. I rebuilt the car completely still with a clear title.

After it got rolled it might not be so clear anymore but in some circles, a dirty title isn't the end of the world. Price must just be adjusted accordingly

MBeige · #12 01-14-2006, 04:41 AM

I've always thought the w123 chassis was the most upright Benz. In this light, I would also think their owners are. But it's always good to give it the benefit of the doubt (like what MB did with the 2nd alternator belt) "just to be safe"...

Cr from Texas · #13 11-20-2008, 08:18 PM

You should have similar advice for a seller. Be certain the title gets transferred out of your name.

I do all of my automobile transactions (buy or sell) at the DMV.

probear · #14 11-20-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cr from Texas

You should have similar advice for a seller. Be certain the title gets transferred out of your name.

I do all of my automobile transactions (buy or sell) at the DMV.

Oh how right and pertinent that information is......Long story, short version....

Sold a car, gave here the signed title. I get a registered letter 5 months later stating that the car had been towed and was accruing lot fees. As to the DMV, it was still in my name. I produced the sales papers, and also sent (registered mail) a copy of all the information to the last know address of the buyer (an ex-friend). I would have picked up the car, but if I did, she could have reclaimed it from me or filed stolen car charges. It was a mess, but bottom line, I did no end up with any more grief, other than the money she still owed me.

Live and learn.......

lutzTD · #15 11-20-2008, 08:59 PM

wow, old thread but still good advice

in FLA it is common for buyer to not transfer the title and use the car. CARMAX and some of the other big dealers even do this. Ive had freinds get contacted on tickets or tow bills for cars they traded in years past. The best way to solve this is go to the DMV when you sell the car. If by chance they talk you into letting them have the car with just the signed title, you can go to the DMV and file papers stating that you no longer own the car.