GS advice for car bought without a title

[sector42]

Ok....not sure what else to do, so I'm turning to the GS for advice. About 2 years ago, my wife purchased a car (1995 Blazer) from one of her dad's friends, who said he had the title, but has still failed to produce it. She went to the Title office and they said there was nothing indicating that the car was paid off and we needed to have a paper filled out stating there was no lein and a business card from the dealer, and they could issue a new title. I am fairly sure the car is paid off because it is almost 20 years old, and the guy is not known to default on loans. Called the dealership and they said we needed to contact the finance company, which they don't know who it is. Tried to contact the original owner to have him get the paperwork, and he is in the hospital with bone cancer, and no desire to do anything, much less get paperwork for a title. He has given written permission for the last 2 years for us to register the car and provided a copy of his ID. Anyone have any ideas as to what I can do to try to get a title for this car? I am concerned that he will pass away and one of his relatives will try to get the car.

[BrianL]

Print this out and go have him sign it ASAP.

http://www.txdot.gov/txdoteforms/GetForm?formName=/VTR-271.xdp&appID=/VTR&status=/reportError.jsp&configFile=WFServletConfig.xml

[sector42]

Thanks Brian. That may be exactly what I need. If for some reason he won't sign it, should I file a police report, or is there anything else I can do to protect my vehicle? I don't want him to pass and it to become part of his estate or held up in the courts.

[Jerry Worley]

Check Texas online for "abandoned vehicle". You may be able to get a bond to take possession of the vehicle. If you can't find the info online check with the local tax office and they can walk you thru it.

[BrianL]

Thanks Brian. That may be exactly what I need. If for some reason he won't sign it, should I file a police report, or is there anything else I can do to protect my vehicle? I don't want him to pass and it to become part of his estate or held up in the courts.

In the eyes of the law, it's not your car. You have no rights to it as long as it is in the other person's name. I would make sure with the finance company that there isn't a lien on it.