[78Macho]

I have the chance to purchase an old Buick, 1985, that could be used for parts, but I believe is in better condition to restore. Current owner says previous owner incarcerated and his aunt sold off car. He has had the car for about 6 years.

I understand the normal rule of thumb is to never purchase a car without a title. Purchase price is extremely low and I could probably sell the optional wheels off of it and break even.

Anyone have experience with this process? Car is out of state. Should I have current owner apply for a lost title before I purchase it or buy it, let it sit for a year in my state and then apply for a lost title?

Thanks!
Jim

[Jerry H.]

I can't imagine any 1985 Buick that would be worth the time and money to restore. I'm thinking you'd be better off passing on this one and waiting for one that is in good condition and has a title.

[stevep]

Just part it out, if you can. You can buy a mint one for 5 grand

[ZeGermanHam]

Originally Posted by Jerry H.

I can't imagine any 1985 Buick that would be worth the time and money to restore. I'm thinking you'd be better off passing on this one and waiting for one that is in good condition and has a title.

Agreed. Unless it's a Grand National, there's no reason to spend your time & money restoring an '80s Buick. You can buy cream puff G-bodies from estate sales for a few thousand dollars that don't need restoration. I certainly wouldn't be bending over backward to buy one without a title from another state. They also don't make a lot of sense to me if parting out is your goal. I can't imagine there's a lot of money to be made from them.

[bdk1976]

I wouldn't mess with it even if it was free.

[Cliff R]

I've obtained titles for vehicles a few times using my business. It really isn't that difficult, the DMV here was very helpful both times I did it. It takes a month or so as certified letters are sent to the last person(s) who had good titles for them. They are given time to respond as to whether or not they want the vehicle or not. No response is considered a "no" and we can then proceed to obtain a good title.........Cliff

[Stuart]

SEMA has information on how to register and title cars in all 50 states: https://www.semasan.com/resources/ev...-all-50-states

[Skip Fix]

One of my local buddies uses a title research company for those type cars. Usually works out but costs a couple of hundred bucks sometimes.

[78Macho]

Thanks for the replies Cliff and Skip!

Isn't it interesting, wonder what the replies might have been if I hadn't specified what year/type vehicle it is, or maybe that it was a '67 Pontiac...

Everyone has interests and hobbies. The fact that they all are different makes it fun.

So is it a 1985 Grand National or Riviera Convertible for $1K?

Jim

[78Macho]

Thanks Stuart, will look this up too!

Jim

[77 TRASHCAN]

Originally Posted by 78Macho

Thanks for the replies Cliff and Skip!

Isn't it interesting, wonder what the replies might have been if I hadn't specified what year/type vehicle it is, or maybe that it was a '67 Pontiac...

Everyone has interests and hobbies. The fact that they all are different makes it fun.

So is it a 1985 Grand National or Riviera Convertible for $1K?

Jim

Lol, maybe it’s a Lasabre 225?

[MarkS57]

Originally Posted by 78Macho

So is it a 1985 Grand National or Riviera Convertible for $1K?

Jim

Both are cool turbo 3.8's, In 85 Buick hadn't intercooled the 3.8 yet but with their PFI, they were plenty quick. Might be partial to the Riv myself.

[android 211]

G Bodies are still relatively common but escalating in price. They are after all over 30 years old. Many were purchased by the retired who garaged and took care of them. They make good race cars or hobby cars. You can fit any big block under the hood, even 500 Cadillac.

[turbo69bird]

My buddy who used to do second gen t/a parts switched over to G bodies years ago. Has made about 20 times the money doing G body oarts. It’s amazing to me the following these cars have had . T type and GN Buick’s are far more popular than I’d ever expected.

[72projectbird]

There's plenty of ways to title cars without having a previous title.

Look into registering it in Vermont. You can do it by mail, and they'll send you a title reg and plates even if you live out of state. You can then take the new Vermont title and register it in your home state, or just keep the VT plates and title on it.

[chevymad]

3 year process here in Washington state. Unless it's a scrap car, then it works just like Cliff commented.

If you cannot get title from a seller or other person you got the vehicle from, you have 3 options to apply for “ownership in doubt:”

You can ask DOL to issue a three-year registration without title. This converts to full ownership (giving you the title) if after three years nobody contests (challenges) the vehicle’s ownership.

You can file a bond with DOL for a three-year period and get a bonded title.The bond amount must be equal to one and a half times the vehicle’s value.

You can file a petition in court for an order awarding you legal ownership of the vehicle. Quieting Title to Your Vehicle has forms and instructions.

[carbking]

If you are going to do it (I would not):

(1) Forget all the advice you get on the internet (including this post), and visit the headquarters of the Department of Transportation in your state; and ask what the procedure is in your state!

In Missouri (yes, Virginia, in a moment of zero brain activity, I played this game):

(1) Fee for having State Highway Patrolman come and inspect the vehicle and get the hidden serial number
(2) Fee for lost title search
(3) Once it is known the location of the last known owner/title, (3) display ads in the newspaper serving that area, 1 month apart.

If all of the above goes well, a new title will be issued, for another fee.

Your state WILL be different.

Jon.

[78Macho]

Thanks for playing, Jon!

I am a MO resident actually, so this was helpful! I had done some research prior to our state requirements. Speaking out of turn I am sure, but you played, doesn't sound too bad?

Will keep everyone posted. Need to confirm deal first.

Jim

[carbking]

Jim - my experience was 20 years ago; the procedure has probably changed.

Make an appointment with MoDot IN JEFFERSON CITY, NOT YOUR LOCAL OFFICE.

The folks ARE helpful, but better to get the scoop from the horse's mouth!

Good luck.

Jon

[1968GTO421]

Originally Posted by carbking

Jim - my experience was 20 years ago; the procedure has probably changed.

Make an appointment with MoDot IN JEFFERSON CITY, NOT YOUR LOCAL OFFICE.

The folks ARE helpful, but better to get the scoop from the horse's mouth!

Good luck.

Jon

Jon, you are so right. Without hijacking this thread I'll just say I had troubles titling my GTO. A friend had me contact the DMV in Columbia, SC, and gave me the name of a higher-up who was very knowledgeable and got my problem straightened out. Ten days later I had my new title It pays to go to the horse's mouth!