Florida Project car title tips

It's pretty common for people selling project cars in Florida to have either open titles (no buyer signature) or signed by both parties but never registered.

I'm considering buying a cheap Saab 9000, well within Challenge limits.  The seller signed the original title as a buyer, but never turned it in.  It was bought as a parts car, but it looks really nice and runs.  Any Floridians have experience with this?  I suppose a bonded title is an option?  Any recommendations/experience?

If there weren't any concerns w the title I'd rent a trailer and drive the 2.5 hours to buy it.

Also, does anyone "have a friend" who bought a car with an open/skipped title?  Pretty sure you need an official signed bill of sale with the seller's name marching the title.  I've seen enough people selling cars like this that it must not be a dealbreaker?!?  What say you?

If it was properly signed by the seller and left open I've done it many times.  

Hoondavan said:

The seller signed the original title as a buyer, but never turned it in. 

The easiest thing would be for the seller to change the title into their name at the DMV, pay the $75 (or whatever it takes) and get the title. Then they can legally and easily sell the car to you. 

You can reimburse them for that part if you want. 

Stampie said:

If it was properly signed by the seller and left open I've done it many times.  

Don't they require a bill of sale signed by both buyer and seller?

hobiercr said:

Hoondavan said:

The seller signed the original title as a buyer, but never turned it in. 

The easiest thing would be for the seller to change the title into their name at the DMV, pay the $75 (or whatever it takes) and get the title. Then they can legally and easily sell the car to you. 

You can reimburse them for that part if you want. 

I'd gladly pay an extra $200 if he'd do that.  People aren't always rational, unfortunately.

The new buyer getting a title will have to pay sales tax on the agreed upon sale price.   So... could be for the seller to get the title in his name he will have to pay sales tax, then when you buy it from him you will have to pay sales tax.

My experience in Florida is that it is always easier to do in small rural counties; where you can get by the staff that only knows the "boilerplate answers", and talk directly to the tax collector.   

They will want to be able to walk outside and check the mileage and VIN number.   I notary or deputy sheriff is also allowed to perform that task if the car can not be brought to the tax collector site.  Also have to have proof of insurance.

Did the whole dance to get the Outlaw Bug street legal from a Maryland title to Florida Title.  

Hoondavan said:

Stampie said:

If it was properly signed by the seller and left open I've done it many times.  

Don't they require a bill of sale signed by both buyer and seller?

Nope.  They have more problems with improperly filled out or scratched out then that.

Unless it's important to YOU to be able to title it, it's not required for the Challenge, so you could just skip it. Otherwise, convince the seller to transfer the title to him/herself and then sell the car to you properly.

BTW, just curious, but what year 9000? I competed with my '98 Aero-spec CSE in 2017 (where the trans frag'd spectacularly) and in 2023 (where I was extra careful to not frag the trans).

It's a 1997. The guy is asking $1500 for two cars.  One has a bizarre color scheme.  They other looks really nice.  I've been messaging the guy for a few months and he's been very slow to respond.  I started with...will you sell me one car?  I don't have room to take both...and he declined.  After a few more weeks of back-and-forth I learned both cars will now start & run nad hes willing to separate for cheap ($650?).  Unfortunately, he bought the silver one as parts and never titled it.  He said he signed the title when he bought it (per seller's instructions)...so it's unlikely it can be easily registered w/out him doing some work.  I had kind of given up and bought another car when he messaged me that it was now running.  He had said the battery was dead...but never tested it. I have a steep driveway, so aside from a flatbed dropping it...getting it up my driveway would be a challenge.  It's in central florida, closer to the gulf side (inverness), otherwise I would have just driven out to figure out if it's salvageable.

I really like the car I bought instead (BMW E91 6MT)...but I would have preferred to have rocked this thing as a low-buck daily driver.  I asked the guy if I could call him a few times to ask questions and he declined.

In reply to Hoondavan :

If he (the buyer) signed then it's not an open title. He would have to title it and then sign over to you. I've done that with both of us visiting the DMV together. No hassle just have to pay for printed same day title. I swear I did not think "You know Stampie you should see if you can go in with Hoondavan for some Saab loving."

Stampie said:

In reply to Hoondavan :

If he (the buyer) signed then it's not an open title. He would have to title it and then sign over to you. I've done that with both of us visiting the DMV together. No hassle just have to pay for printed same day title. I swear I did not think "You know Stampie you should see if you can go in with Hoondavan for some Saab loving."

I have negative space for cars at the moment....but if you wanted to buy it I'd be tempted to go halfsies on challenge prep.  The wagon was a little over what I had budgeted, so until I replenish my car fun-fund my hands are tied.

I'm in JAX somewhat regularly for work now so it's feasible.

In reply to Hoondavan :

I saw thinking we each get one but ... let me think.

I really love the look of those cars.