Liens can also be placed on a vehicle when the owner fails to pay child support or for other reasons. Check for Liens Against the VehicleĪ lien can occur because the owner took out a loan to buy the vehicle and hasn’t fully repaid the bank, lending institution, or private party who loaned the money. There are costs involved in having this done, but paying a few dollars to determine that the vehicle is or is not what is being represented is worth it to avoid buying a vehicle and later finding out you made an expensive mistake. Take your time and ask the seller if you can take the vehicle to an independent mechanic of your choice. Never buy a vehicle under the pressure that there is another buyer pending. It’s a good idea to test drive the vehicle on the kinds of roads you plan on using the most for example, residential, rural, highways, or interstates. Once you buy a curbstoned vehicle, you have nowhere to turn if the car develops problems.
Sometimes, unethical used car dealers use curbstoning as a way to get rid of duds they can’t sell on their lots. They may have been written off as total losses by insurance companies due to collision, flood, or other damage. Curbstoned vehicles may be lemons, salvaged, or even cobbled together from parts from the wrecking yard. Buying from an illegal dealer will put you at risk. When a person tries to sell a vehicle that he or she doesn’t legally own (i.e., he or she is not listed on the title), it’s called curbstoning and it’s illegal. Selling a vehicle in Montana can be done only through a licensed dealer or by the person whose name is on the title. If you would like to know if a dealer is legally licensed, you can email or call the MVD’s Vehicle Services Bureau at 40 option 3. Has it ever been wrecked, had body repairs, or been repainted?. Has the vehicle ever had rust problems?. What major work have you done on the vehicle? Do you have receipts?. How has the vehicle been driven? (Around town vs. Are you the owner of the vehicle? How long have you owned it?. Here are some helpful questions to ask when buying a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle from a private seller or dealership: When budgeting for a vehicle, consider the costs of maintenance and repairs. Read everything thoroughly when signing paperwork and ask questions if you don’t understand all of it.īuy within your means. Make sure you are informed and comfortable with your decision before you approach a dealer or private seller. Know about the vehicle you want to buy and take your time when making a decision. It is your responsibility to be an informed and educated consumer. If you have a question about a specific circumstance, email or call 40. When buying a motor vehicle, every situation will be unique. NOTARIZED BILL OF SALE NO TITLE DOWNLOAD
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