Need help buying a used car from private party

[BuMMiE]

How do I go about finding out if there is a lien on the vehicle? Is that covered in a Carfax report?
Also can someone help me with a free carfax report?

 

[nedfunnell]

It'll be on the title if you can get access to it.

 

[jagec]

It'll be on the title if you can get access to it.

"Get access to it"? Don't ever buy a used car if they won't let you look at the title, compare the VIN and mileage, look for liens etc.

 

[woodie1]

There is a space on the title where any and all liens should be listed. If the seller won't show you the title walk away.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

As other said, the lien is on the title. Take good detailed pics of the engine bay, under the car (especially of the seams on the edge), tires, interior, etc and post it up for us to look at.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Lots of time the owner won't even have the title if there is a lien on it. The lienholder keeps the title until the loan is paid off. This is usually how it's done if the car is bought through a dealership and financed through a traditional source like a bank. (At least in the states where I have bought cars.) There will be a place on front of the title where the lien is noted, and underneath it there is a spot for a signature. When the loan is paid off, the bank signs there (indicating that the loan is released) and mails you the title. So if you see a lien listed on the title, that doesn't necessarily mean that it hasn't been paid off.

The exact details will depend on the lender and the state. Car titles look different in different states.