Overhaulin'

Im looking at buying a car in TX that hasnt been registered in over 24 years, the car was.....................?

(from what I was told) found abandoned, picked up by a tow truck driver and now someone is selling it (who I talked to). It has TX plates which shows last registration in '86. I can almost guarentee by the condition of the car that it hasnt driven since then. It is a classic that needs complete restoration but is definately worth the asking price and any registration complications that go with it. How do I begin the registration process for an abandoned / lost reg vehicle? I am asking you people before I buy! Thanks.

Public Comments

1. See if the DMV will take a defective title bond. Also, try a carfax.
2. dont register it until it is ready to drive. if it hasnt been reigistered in 20 years then nobody will notice
3. Make sure it has a title.. No title - I wouldnt buy it..
4. Sorry I don't know the answer to this, but it would seem to me that the person selling the vehicle whould have to get clear title to it before they sell it. They should apply for the title and then transfer it to you. I guess you will have to call txdot and ask them.
5. in TX tregistration is done by the County Tax assessors Office, Tell them the story and they will provide the forms needed to get a title, you dont need registration until the car is ready for the road. Don't buy it until you know you can get a title.
6. Finally, a smart one on here. Usually these questions are more like "I just bought this car & now I can't get a title........." First priority is a title. Make sure the person selling it gets one before you pay a penny towards the purchase price. They can probably attempt an abandoned vehicle title or a bonded title. But make sure you have a clear title first. Registration can wait until the restoration is completed & you are ready to drive it.