Expert: Ray Paulsen - 9/2/2009

Question
Hello,
I've recently moved to Washington state (98004) and I'm planning to buy a car. I have 2 questions
1. Is it worth buying a car that has failed emissions test once but was fixed by a dealer and registered by the owner (private party)
2. I met a seller who has lein on the car (approximately same amount as asking price). The leinor is out of state (California). The seller is suggesting obtaining a temporary operating permit based on the bill of sale from DMV and wait for the title transfer paper which usually takes between 1-3 weeks. How safe is to pursue such a seller.

Answer
Hi Shreya

RE,(1) The fact vehicle failed emissions test once shows there are red flags that may come back to hunt you, personally I would most likely not consider purchase.

RE,(2) Without going into long detail stay away from vehicle's where you can't obtain a clean title, I am not saying the seller is a scammer, but it's buyers beware big time as thousands of buyers have been burned driving a car with a lien that was never paid by seller.

If you can obtain from seller a statement from lender that shows lien payout,you can then pay them direct to make sure the lien will be paid and a clean title will be issued.

Ray
http://www.usedcartips.org/