Papers and the like

Here's the postscript to the 2015 IM everyone helped me evaluate:  I had emailed the owner through his Hemming's ad and also through his email address which Art found and led me to on the SOC members' list. About the same time, James Garrett located the owner's phone number on Pelican - amazing the depth of SOC members research!  So, I called the owner, asked if the car was still available and he said: "Maybe. There's a guy flying in from Ohio tomorrow morning and he says he's bringing a check.  But who knows, so it's still for sale to the first person who wires me $49,500." Fair enough, I guess but I needed to see it myself, look over the paper work, verify clear title and have it inspected by someone who knows more about it than I. I took a chance and came up on the losing end. The owner was considerate enough to email me this morning that he has a cashier's check and as soon as it clears the car is sold. So that's my sad tale, although not as sad as Lane's; and I, too am truly sorry, Lane.

One last question and then I'll stop bothering everyone: Is there such a thing as an escrow agent or company that can hold the buyer's money and the owner's title until all the numerous issues have been addressed and found acceptable to both parties? Or maybe some other way that others have handled this in a safe and sound manner.

I believe there are "escrow" companies that do what you described, but I've never used one and can't point you to one.

However, using eBay does provide both seller and buyer protection that will give at least some level of comfort to both parties.  Additionally, you will feel much more secure about an eBay purchase if the seller has a history of selling vehicles with positive feedback.  Always be cautious of eBay sellers or buyers with zero or little feedback. 

Here we goto the dvm and we get the ownership changed right then and there 

on the other hand the monies would be cash and no longer do people accept certified checks or money transfers.

Not sure how you could go with 50k safely though unless your packing  

These days, if the cops stop you and find any kind of serious cash they usually just seize it. Basically everyone says the cash is for a car purchase; cops figure it's drug money and make you sue for its return.

Blank Bill of Sale below......T he only way I do a eBay vehicle transaction and or any vehicle transaction is to get a $1,000 non refundable Pay Pay deposit marked Family and Friends, The balance is to be wired to my bank, the Bill of Sale I provide to Buyer must be signed and notarized and returned to be prior to the Tile and or vehicle is released. To date I have never had an issue.  I will attached blank BOS for all to use on any vehicle sale...it's bullet proof.

          BILL OF SALE 

_____________________________________ (Seller) Hereby sells and transfers to

_____________________________________ (Buyer)  The following motor vehicle.

Year ____________  Make _______________  Model ________________________

VIN __________________________________ Mileage _______________________

For consideration and payment the sum of      ______________________________           

The sale and transfer is subject to the following condition(s)          ­­­­_____________________________________________________________________________________

Seller acknowledges receipt of $ ___________ as a non refundable deposit for the vehicle.   Payment in full without exception shall be completed within ____________ days. Seller states that the vehicle odometer reading is _____________ miles. Seller certifies that to the best of their knowledge, this reading reflects the actual vehicle mileage. Seller further certifies that the title is free and clear of any known liens and or encumbrances and has no knowledge of any hidden mechanical or cosmetic faults. Should the vehicle listed herein, fall into a kit - replica classification, it is the buyers sole responsibility to investigate their Country, State or Commonwealth‘s motor vehicle laws governing importing, title and legal operation of said vehicle. The vehicle is sold as is where is with no warranty expressed and or implied. Should buyer fail to complete the transaction, the buyer’s $1,000 Pay Pay deposit funds shall be retained as damages. All funds shall be conveyed by cash or bank wire transfer and shall clear and posted to the Seller’s bank account. A notarized Bill of Sale shall be signed by the Buyer and returned to Seller prior to release of the title and vehicle to the buyer, agent or shipping company representative.             

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Seller's state of______________________ All disputes arising out of this agreement shall be subject to exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the ______________________ state courts of __________________County, ____________________. The parties named hereby consent to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of these courts without exception.

Total Purchase Price ___________________________

Deposit  Received  _____________________________

Balance  Due  _________________________________

Seller  Signature_____________________________________________Date ____/____/_____

Buyer  Signature ____________________________________________Date ____/____/_____

Address__________________________________________________ Phone _______________

Notary:____________________________________

My Seal Expires__________________________

Registered my VS in WA when I purchased it and then later transferred registration to CA when I moved full time to Tahoe. I never had any issue what so ever. I had more trouble registering my Hobie 19 ft Kayak because it had outriggers and sails. Local Tahoe DMV says it does not need to be registered, on Folsom lake they are being cited by the Sheriff Patrol Boats for lack of registration.  I just pay my fees every year online.