What if a car's title is lost?

[RU482]

A few years ago, before gas prices spiked, I had a Mercedes 300D I was going to convert to run on WVO. Never got around to doing the conversion, the Katrina and $3 fuel hit, and I got out of the car doubling my money.

Ive always wanted to pick up another one of these cars to tinker with.

Today, I ran across a 300SD in good shape and at a fair price.
Unfortunately, the owner states that the title has been lost. It is claimed to be an Oklahoma car, and we are in Iowa.

My question is, how difficult would it be to recover or get a new title for this car?

 

[Pacfanweb]

Depends on the state, I'd think, but in NC you have get the DMV to do a title search to see if it's stolen or anything, buy an indemnity bond, and wait for them to issue you a title.

I'd check with the local DMV and see what they say.

 

[dsity]

http://www.dmv.org/ia-iowa/replacing-a-lost-title.php

I would have the seller do the title finding. If he is unwilling ask him to lower the price for your trouble.

 

[Thump553]

My state (CT) will issue a replacement title to the seller. However, it will be marked as a replacement title and anyone to whom your seller sells to under the original title has the better claim to the car. Of course in that situation, you have a civil action against the seller and possible crimminal action as well.

A lot of buyers here are leery of replacements titles because of that.

Also be aware that in many states if the car is financed the lender holds the title until the loan is paid. Probably an old heap that that isn't financed, but it may be under some kind of blanket loan. Or maybe he had to turn over the title to a trustee in a bankruptcy.

You should check Oklahoma's DMV site for the definitive answer. In any event it is your seller's duty to produce a title. I wouldn't touch it otherwise (unless it was dirt cheap and you personally knew the seller and where to find him a year from now).