mightyslash

I bought my car from a private seller two months ago in california (san jose). I paid the owner by sending a check to a bank to release the title to me (lien release). But what he did was he only mailed a title transfer (small card?) to the dmv, which I think was lost or not enough to transfer the title to me. Now I found out he didn't give me the pink slip (sounds like I'm a dumbass but forgive me because I'm new to the U.S.). So I have to contact the seller again for the pink slip or get him to sign and fill out some forms from the dmv. But I lost all his information like phone number and I guess he's leaving for san diego pretty soon. What can I do? By the way, I paid him already (some $ went to the bank for lien release and some went directly to the seller) and I have insurance on the car but the car is not officially mine!
Second problem: Today I went to the dmv for help but they told me to contact the seller (it was of no help whatsoever). They also gave me the receipt for the tax I have to pay ($1000) I was like What the ****? Should I ask the seller to pay for the tax? I know the buyer should pay it but he didn't give me any information or agreement on the tax issue. Please help!!!!

mightyslash

This is a real big problem, please help me out!

djantlive

You are responsible for the tax, just like when you buy a new car.

We've been PM'ing each other about escrow and shopping cars out of state for the last week or so. How come you never mentioned that you bought a car two months ago???

Let me get this right: You don't have the seller's phone or address anymore and you've paid for the car in full?

This just doesn't make sense! If you need any help, please be straight forward with us!

alwan16

if you remember his first and last name and he lives in or near san jose it should not be too hard for one of those "people search" companies to dig up his information for you. that'll cost you a few bucks but they will find it. i think you can find one under the "people search" link under yahoo.com.

as for the tax there's no way you're going to get to the seller to pay it. you are obligated to pay it as the buyer by law even if you didn't know beforehand. sorry but everyone's gotta pay.

how in the world did you get insurance w/o proof of ownership of the vehicle?

mightyslash

I'm currently driving an Integra, which I bought two months ago. And I want to sell it so I can get money for my RX-7. As for the insurance, I got it from state farm. The reason they sold me the insurance was because they knew I bought the car already (lien release statement), they also knew I was gonna change the title. Now I'm stuck because I really don't have the previous owner's address or phone number (sounds crazy but I really dont). I'll have to call my insurance company to see if they have the number, otherwise, I don't know what's gonna happen. Makes sense?

mightyslash

Please keep it up

migamb

Do you have the bank info? I have done this 3 times where I have either bought or sold a car to a person in another state. The bank wouls have released the actual title to the person once the loan was paid off. He should have sent you the actual title, what he sent you is probably good if you live near where he is but as you might not know tax offices are one of the worst places in the US to deal with, besides the long lines and the bad customer service when you are doing a transaction where it is out of state it is impossible. Try going to different places and find a person that will help, then remember their name and go back to them. If you go to another person you will get a whole different story. Usually with a notarized bill of sale and another form I don't remember they will give you a 30 day tag until the title comes in. Bottom line is you need to get a hold of him since he or his bank should have the title. If you paid the bank you should have their info.

ZoomZoom

iTrader: (2)

If you know the bank that had the title contact them and tell them you have not recieved it from them and ask why. if they say they sent it to th seller tell them you do not have his contact information. The DMV should know what his address is. Also your resposible for the taxes. Even if you didnt talk about it, Its implied. good luck

mightyslash

The bank told me that their information was a privacy, so did dmv.

ZoomZoom

iTrader: (2)

Ask the bank to contact him while you wait. Also have them ask if he will call to sort out some things and give your phone #. Only a Dick Bank employee wouldnt do this service for you.

mightyslash

Hey Zoom, you're damn smart!!

Tad

Hey at least you've got the car!(u do have the car right?)
and he's got his money

everything else is just lamo paperwork, dont let it bug you,
i'm sure you'll get it settled soon enough.

Just make sure you've got some records/proof that you payed him, so he doesnt pop up some time soon claiming that you
stole the vehicle or something.