abandoned vehicle question

[Jiggerachi]

Ok, it's a long story, but here's the short of it.

Someone I know let a friend stay at their house for a couple of weeks while she figured things out, she ended up moving way up north, wisconsin or something, and leaving her car at his house. This was 3 years ago. After almost 3 years the car still sits in the same spot(I know I would have had it towed within a few months, but this person is too nice)

So now after 3 years of attempting to contact this person, he's decided to rid themselves of this car. He did some research and looks like it may qualify for a bonded title as an abandoned vehicle. He was going to try to do this, but doesn't think it's worth the gamble. Some people have offered him some cash and the car will basically be gone when he gets home, no questions, yadda yadda.

So, my question. Would it be worth the pain in the ass for someone to legally get this car in their name? What all would be required, legally speaking?

The car in question is a midto late 90s Nissan Maxima, it was running and inspected when it was parked, maybe had some CV noise, but not sure. Parked outside, on the curb.

[Titus]

I would call the cops and let them tow the headache away.

[cwisenheimer]

If it's on the curb without moving for very long, it's a parking violation and could have been towed long ago (in most cities). I'm with Titus.

[Majik]

Get a lien for storage fees and then sell it. =profit

[Jiggerachi]

Well, he's going to at least get it towed as an abandoned vehicle. But my question is how difficult would it be to legally claim ownership, register, and drive the thing, or sell it? Other than the obvious locksmith and getting it running, etc.

Is it not worth the hassle for a free car?

[jeepinbanditrider]

I'd contact a lawyer.

[Jiggerachi]

^just the contacting part might cost more than what the car is worth Any more than a couple hundred bucks worth of taxes and paperwork fees I think it's approaching not worth it any longer, seeing as getting it back in working order is going to be another couple hundred.

The car isn't exactly nice...just free(somewhat).

[jeepinbanditrider]

Then I wouldn't mess with it. I would just have it towed off. A bonded title is going to cost money. I've got to get a bonded title on a 79 GS1000. You have to call your insurance company and basically get a bond on the value of the car. You will eventually get this money back after so many years. Forgot all the exact steps but if they contact he county Tax assessor collector they can give them a packet of paperwork that needs to be filled out.

He needs to have the bond before he goes back to try to register it.

[Radio-Active]

I had a friend that did me the same way back in the early 90's. Unless you have a friend that can put a mechanics lien on it, it's nearly impossible to get the title re-issued or changed over.

[OZMDD]

Very likely that the cost to take ownership will far exceed the potential value, and it will still take a long time. I'd either report it as abandoned and let the city code take over, or simply tow the car away and sell it to a parts yard with a "lost title."

Legally, that's questionable, but it will be very hard for the previous owner to make a good claim against the seller since they have not attempted to retrieve the car in 3 years, and it will be "he said/she said" if your buddy wishes to claim that she "told him he could keep it." Again, it woudl cost her a lot to recoup her loss in court, so he's probably safe, especially if he just says it was towed away years ago.

It all depeds on how ethical you friend chooses to be, but I think he's safe either way. I would advise against trying to get legal ownership of the car; it will be a giant headache and expense for little return.

[jrj512]

Have it towed by the city.

[surgeon]

You can get it towed and sold at a tow auction, which will have a tow lien title. If you know someone with a towtruck they may be able to bypass the auction in lieu of tow fees and processing fees...but I don't know the legality of such a venture.

[Titus]

If it is parked on the street, I don't think he has the authority to have it towed. If it was parked on his property, or he could prove it was left in his care (like if he had been given a set of keys), he would have a chance, but as it stands I really don't think he has any legal right to stake a claim on it.

[Jiggerachi]

^ It's on the curb in front of his house, is that still considered city property? I've told him it's not worth the headache. They're going to try one more attempt to get ahold of the owner then I think they're going to make it go away, either by calling the city, or something.

[OZMDD]

www.carsforbreastcancer.org/DonateCar
www.carsforustroops.org/Donate_Car_Now

www.texascarsforkids.org

www.charitymotors.org

[Jiggerachi]

Don't all of the above orginizations require documentation/proof of ownership? That would be the first thought as it's a running car, but no paperwork, keys, etc...

[POS Racing]

If it has sat for over 3 years i'd bet it is no longer a running car.

But yes you'd need proof of ownership to give it away.

[Jiggerachi]

^ok, was a running car.

[Rob®]

Some donation places take non-running cars. Some even take shells/rolling chassis. But yes, they ALL require a title from my experience.

[Squid]

Here's the TX form for abandon/towed vehicles. Perhaps this will help answer your questions
http://www.txdot.gov/txdoteforms/Get...vletConfig.xml