How Not to Buy a Stolen Car

When looking to buy a used car, you can never be too cautious. Be aware that thousands of cars each year are seized from people like yourself who unknowingly purchase stolen cars because they were a "good deal." When these cars are confiscated by the police, the innocent purchaser not only must continue to make payments for the car he/she no longer has, but also faces the possible charge of receiving stolen property.

Take the following precautions to make sure your "good deal" is not the "wrong deal."

Always check to see that the VIN matches the number on the seller's title when you purchase a car. Also be sure that the VIN plate has not been altered. Thieves usually remove or replace the plate with one from a similar make and model.

Check the paint on various parts of the car to be sure that it has not been freshly painted. Cars are sometimes put together from piece of other cars, much like a puzzle. Most parts are interchangeable and have no markings by which to identify them.

Ask the seller for a photocopy of the current title belonging to the vehicle. Take it to the title bureau in the county in which the car is titled and ask the clerk for a title history. The history lists the names of the car's prior owners. If the prior owners included an insurance company, the car was probably a salvage vehicle at one time.

Verify the seller's name and address. It is your responsibility to check all information regarding the car and the seller. If you feel a car may be stolen, notify the police.

Posted: Wednesday, February 28, 2001 12:00:00 AM. Modified: Friday, August 05, 2005 1:59:58 PM.

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