lthatch

Considering a 95 Coupe in Anaheim and have a firm verbal agreement pending PPI and personal inspection. Any nearby Rlisters who could go take a look at the car for me next week?
Also, the seller, who is a very nice guy, lost the title in a move and applied for a replacement 2 days ago. Any idea of how long that will take in CA?
Thanks.

User 122821

I just helped a friend get a replacement title. It took a little over 2 weeks from CA DMV. You can also do a titleless transfer at DMV office with reg forms 227 and 135.

lthatch

Thanks. He was told 2-3 weeks, so that makes sense.

lthatch

Andy and I have been talking about this car for a few days, and he's just hassling me. But it is an interesting question.

As stated, the seller and I have a verbal agreement on a price and sale pending PPI and personal inspection. Given the title issue, this will probably take a couple of weeks.
I asked him what he'd like from me to show my good faith and he said he's fine with my word. Andy suggested sending a deposit of a couple of hundred dollars, saying this would demonstrate my good faith and increase my security around him selling the car to someone else.

I disagree.

If he does sell the car to someone else (for potentially more money), what am I going to do, pursue him for damages? I don't think so, verbal, written, or implied contract not-withstanding. (Disclaimer; I am not a lawyer.) A couple of hundred dollar deposit can easily be kept, returned, or sacrificed.

I am all about being businesslike, but sometimes you just have to trust people to do what they say they will.

1pcarnut

I've bought cars both ways, some with a deposit and some on just word. I usually like to get a couple hundred dollars into the hands of the seller, it just makes the deal more solid, at least in my mind.

vanguard

If you want to secure the deal, a $200 deposit is a good faith gesture. The other member said it right, the seller can sell the vehicle by using a title-less transfer. I personally wouldn't take my car to a PPI w/o a good faith deposit from the buyer first.

curve lover

Leonard-- I'm guessing you're waiting on the replacement title, but thought I'd check in to see if there were any updates.
Any progress? Good luck!

P.S. You have a P.M.: Hope to see you again soon.