I bought a 99 civic si that had a blown motor about three years ago for parts. I did not think of rebuilding it until now for a daily driver and give the S2000 a rest every now and then. I did not get a bill of sale, title, or anything(was 16 years old at the time and stupid when it came to these things) from the guy i got it from. It was at this guys shop, i gave him what he was asking cash, loaded the car up on a trailer and took it home. I ran a CARFAX and it said the car was not stolen or anything. I have no idea the name, address or anything about the old owner. But it would do me no good to rebuild if i dont have a title. Now what i was wondering was if there was anyway for me to get a title to it?
Thanks
Fadi

 

You need to go to your local DMV to ask about lost titling procedures. In NM where I live, you need to have DMV run a title search to obtain last known name and address of registered owner, and get in contact with them. If that fails, you'll need to have a certified VIN inspector see the vehicle, run an NCIC check, and purchase a surety bond for twice the amount of vehicle value. Procedures in your state may be similar.

 

Whats a NCIC and how much might this run me?

 

that was kinda dumb

we were all 16 once

 

the guy sold you the car but didnt give you a title? sounds fishy

try going back to the shop and ask about the title, see what he'll say

 

An NCIC (National Crime Information Center) check will let you know if the car is stolen, wanted for investigation, etc.

 

every state is different.
i think you can cenvert the title with some work
sometimes you have to post some notification in a newspaper, or various hoops to jump through. often the state office dosnt know themselves and results are dependant on how you interface with the office manager. you got the vin number the carfax is most likely accurate, not stolen.

try to find the person you bought the car from, see if they will help. accept your bad that the vehicle might have had a screwed up title even before you bought it. a functional title is not a given condition of sale.

you might attempt to turn around sell the si for parts. in a verbal mannor be up front with the condition of the title...craigslist.com people swap project cars all the time.

 

The guy shut his shop down because he moved about a year ago. How much might this run me? If there was something wrong with title, wouldn't of CARFAX picked it up?
Thanks again guys!!!!

 

i have the feeling carfax was correct, the title was ok.

sometimes things just fall apart and proper resolve of the title was not possible within the bandwidth of things going on in this persons life.

this is getting deep:
1) with work i think you can resolve your title situation or
2) accept the fact some projects cars fall through and never meet thier expectations. sell off craigslist.com and be good. goto the next project...