Car Titles

Car Titles??????

ok i'm really confused....i just turned 17 and im planing on buying a car soon but im totally lost on the subject of car titles and know nothing about them......could you give me the low down??? lol mainly pertaining used cars from previous owners not dealers

Public Comments

1. Yes, start looking at various cars and how to handle the titles since cars are sold by title, and by the time you're 18 and able to buy one you will be knowledgeable. A minor can not enter a financial agreement. Insurance is a financial agreement, so it buying a car.
2. A car title is basically a document of proof for ownership. If a person owns a vehicle with out owing any money to a bank or other loan institution the title will be in the owners name. This process is done through your states department of motor vehicles. If their is a lien on the vehicle, meaning it was financed through a bank or other source the loan institution will retain the title in their name until the buyer has paid off the loan. In this case,proof of the buyer's ownership (until the loan is paid) is verified by a vehicle registration certificate, also provided by your states dept of motor vehicles. The title of a vehicle will also (or should, not always the case) state if the the vehicle has been severely damaged and repaired, involved in flood waters or has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. For a list of title descriptions and meanings visit the below link. Jerry Christopher http://www.usedcarwise.com