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Topic starter
I'll probably regret this but I'm thinking of pursuing an abandon car across the street from my place. Definitely an island car and not sure if it will ever run. But, in hopes of eliminating at least one car from the pile, I thought I'd at least check it out. Even have a mechanic to give it the once/twice over. Here's what I know:
1. Car's been there almost a year
2. Title unknown
3. Has all wheels and 'looks' like it might run
4. It has a sunroof that has been open all this time (along with the windows) :{
Question;
What steps do I take to get the ball rolling on this? Is it more trouble than it's worth? I'm very cheap and this seemed like a 'cost effective' method of gaining transportation. I like to think of it as an: 'adopt an abandon car' policy. Hey, if it works, just think of how many of those 'gems' could be eliminated from the highways and byways?
All thoughts welcome,
John
Posted : September 10, 2009 6:21 pm
oh wow, good luck with that! does it have a license plate that you could run in the system to see if the owner is available? I guess you'll have to call the VIPD and find out what the policy is on that...i wonder if it's anything like an abandoned boat...
Posted : September 10, 2009 6:33 pm
Topic starter
Thanks.
Naw, no plate. Guess I'll have to run the vin number with ??? VIPD? DMV?? BFD?? Thought it might be a way to reduce the abandoned car population...
Keep em coming, mon...
Posted : September 10, 2009 7:40 pm
Wow, I would have to think that if it were worth anything it would not be sitting there. But keep in mind even if you get the title and get it to run without going broke you still have a car that has been sitting (with the windows open) for at least a year so be ready for bad brakes and exhaust as well as possible electrical issues probably a battery etc... I would think by the time you are done you could have bought a runner and been using it for a lot less headache, But maybe you enjoy a challenge? If so, good luck.
Posted : September 10, 2009 11:57 pm
If you are handy and know how to work on cars it might work for you. If you need wheels right away I would look for a cheap island car. Check the island trader and all the ads on the doors at Schooner Bay Market. Ask everyone you meet if they know of a car for sale. Good luck.
Posted : September 11, 2009 1:18 am
What island/
Pamela
Posted : September 12, 2009 12:23 am
The below instructions may or may not pertain to the USVI, but something to look at:
Instructions
1.
Step 1
Determine the abandoned vehicle laws in your state. This can be done by calling your state Division of Motor Vehicles. In some localities it is prohibited for a private citizen to claim an abandoned vehicle.
2.
Step 2
Notify of the owner and any interested parties, such as lienholders, banks, insurance companies and local law enforcement. You can locate the vehicle's last owner by contacting the local Division of Motor Vehicles with the Vehicle Identification Number.
3.
Step 3
Have the owner of the abandoned vehicle sign the title over to you. If you are able to locate the previous owner and they still hold the title or are eligible to do so, you can have them transfer ownership to you. The process for this varies from state to state.
4.
Step 4
Contact an attorney if you cannot locate the previous owner. An attorney can advise you if there is the opportunity to file a court action to grant you title to the vehicle.
5.
Step 5
Take action against the previous owner in small claims court. If you have located the previous owner and he will not grant you the title to the vehicle, you may need to file action against the owner to recover storage fees. The judgment laws vary from state to state and can result in either the vehicle title being awarded or monetary compensation.
I kinda like the idea of recycling, but remember, if you get it into your name & can`t fix it, you will be liable to dispose of it!
At the moment, it is some elses problem(negotiating fact to use if you find the owner).Dun
I`d have a mechainic put a battery in it with who evers permission you need (see above) & see what`s there(engine run? trans goes into gear? etc>)
Posted : September 12, 2009 1:35 am
Topic starter
Thanks Dun,
After thinking about it and all the red tape to go through, and visiting with some good friends the other night, I've decided to allow someone else (maybe Roger W.) the pleasure of reducing the abandoned vehicle population. I used to do all my own car repairs (hence, my stage name) but think I'll let those good times roll on out of here...
Checking the papers, here and elsewhere for that perfect 'island car' to get me from point A to B, hopefully for a long time...
Pamela, I'm on STX.
Happy motoring!
nn
Posted : September 12, 2009 2:28 pm
