Buying without a title - Montana Owners Club

bolinski · 01-02-2008, 12:38 AM

Has anyone purchased a 5th wheel from someone that does not have a title? Owner has manufacturer's certificate of ownership but he never registered it. I guess he did not want to pay the sales tax. He put old Jayce tag on it and hauled it to Florida. Now he says that I can get title to it from State of Florida. I am insisting that he provide a clear title or no money--What do you think?

Broome101 · 01-02-2008, 12:56 AM

run

bolinski · 01-02-2008, 01:15 AM

I thought so!!!

boylanag · 01-02-2008, 01:25 AM

The taxes were not paid or it may be stolen and you don't want to part of any of it.

H. John Kohl · 01-02-2008, 01:29 AM

If it is so easy let him get the clear title. As said. RUN.
Happy New Year.

DHenry · 01-02-2008, 01:32 AM

I would not have anything to do with it if he could not provide a clear title on the 5th wheel.

MikeM · 01-02-2008, 02:00 AM

Agreed - RUN. You might also consider filing a police report in case it is stolen. Might prevent someone else from falling into an expensive trap.

sgtpp214 · 01-02-2008, 02:01 AM

If it is so easy to get a Florida title and he wants to really sell it offer to give $500 down and the balance when you have a clear Florida title. If he won't do it take you wallet and run don't walk to the next opportunity.

Delaine and Lindy · 01-02-2008, 02:09 AM

DON'T GIVE NO MONEY period. It he wants to sell it he has to produce a title. Something is not right here. GBY....

ols1932 · 01-02-2008, 03:30 AM

Something fishy here. Don't have any part in it.

Orv

deerrahn · 01-02-2008, 04:24 AM

No Money. If you are still interested in it, get the serial number and check it out.. Police, Keystone, and orig dealer. Just how interested are you? Have a Good Day

richfaa · 01-02-2008, 06:10 AM

If you purchased it you have a title .How can you not have a title or a certificate of title from the bank or lending institution . How can you get a title from the state of Florida is there is not a valid title from another state to transfer it from..You pay the sales tax when you buy the camper,,You do need the title to get plates but if you are going to park it in a campground permanently you can move it there on temp plates and not ever get regular plates....Something is very wrong.. Now if you purchased the camper from another individual you did not pay sales tax and when you do register to get plates you will pay a sales tax on the value of the camper...but you still need the title.....At least that is the way it works in the State of Ohio.

RRman · 01-02-2008, 07:13 AM

A similar situation?

When I bought my used Montana earlier this month in AL, the seller did not have the Title as his lienholder did.
I used a generic Vehicle Bill of Sale form off the internet and used my Credit Union Buyers Check to pay the seller. Weeks later, he finally got the Title back from his lienholder in CA and sent it to me along with some RV stuff that he forgot to give me like a spare AC Filter, the Toilet manual and a clear lense (for the porchlight?).
Then I was able to register it and pay State Sales Tax on the Bill of Sale indicated price, Registration and Title transfer fee. And the Title AL eventually produces will be sent to my Credit Union lienholder - not me.
Of course I knew where he lived and saw his ID, so I wasn't too worried about malfeasance.

dennisl · 01-02-2008, 07:22 AM

I'm not a lawyer, but I think that even if this guy is legit, he still cannot LEGALLY sell the trailer without a title to transfer ownership from him to you. I definitely would not give him ANY money until the clear title is in his name and in his hands. Otherwise, how could you ever prove the trailer was yours? No title, no deal, period.

HughM · 01-02-2008, 07:36 AM

RED FLAGS everywhere!!!! What if he still owes a lot on the trailer to the bank or credit union? They get paid first and if you bought it without a title then they get paid first. You may end up paying a lot more that you first thought.
RUN stop and take a deep breath and run again.
Hugh

Old GI · 01-02-2008, 08:32 AM

Tell him to get you a clear title, otherwises don't touch it. As stated before....run! When we bought our Montanas, both times the dealer collects the sales tax and gets the title, that rig may be as hot as the Florida sun.

bolinski · 01-02-2008, 09:21 AM

Ok-he now says he is going to get title today and deal is set for Friday. I guess I still should check the serial numbers right!!! By the way--thanks for the advise and maybe soon I will be on the road!!! Still need a truck--Its a 2006 3500rl so I will need a dually!!! Oh no I think I started the towing debate again.

Waynem · 01-02-2008, 01:26 PM

As previously stated, still get a Bill-Of-Sale unless the tile is clearly free and he is the owner. Ask to see identification. Have sommeone other than a relative with you when you do the deal. Have him accompany you to the title place and the can ask any questions they like.

Be wary wary careful said the rabit chaser. Check the post office for his picture!!!!

PartyCrashers · 01-02-2008, 01:59 PM

Not just run, but run FAST! Get the he...heck away from that deal!

bolinski · 01-02-2008, 03:15 PM

I talked to the dealer in Oklahoma this afternoon-told the dealer my story and the owner's story and asked if he could verify that the rig was purchased at the dealership. Dealer asked me for last 5 numbers on the vin and he verified the buyers name and the trailer and that it was paid for in cash. Everything matched so assuming that the owner did in fact obtain a title today, I plan to go ahead with this deal unless you folks still have a problem with it. What do you think-I think the owner was just trying to avoid paying the sales taxes until he had a legitmate buyer.

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