Question on selling a stolen barracuda

[CudaJon]

I found a Barracuda on Craigslist and it's in all around good - excellent condition. I made him an offer and he accepted. The seller is a little shady however and wanted to do due diligence, I want to make sure the car is not stolen. I saw the title of the car. It's from VA,  the car is registered meaning it has plates therefore he has driven it.  I left forgetting to ask for the registration but will see it again and ask.  The VIN #: BS23H3B543927. Is there any way of checking this?

Thank You!
Jon

[AARTA340]

I would contact your local LEO and have them check it out. Depending on their policy, they probably will not give you personal information, but will definitely let you know if it is on a list of stolen vehicles. 

[HP_Cuda]

Here is the NICB database you can check against:
https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck

I checked and that VIN is not in the database but it does not mean you are out of the water yet. The most painful way to find out your car was stolen is rebadging. If he bought an old rusted out hunk with great numbers and then put the new dataplate and VIN plate on and you don't know to look for the other VIN stampings you could get duped.

[anlauto]

Why would you assume the car is stolen ?

[70chall440]

I would ask the same question, what makes you suspicious? Ask him for some history on the car. Ultimately, if you continue to be concerned walk away. If it is a smoking hot deal (read too good to be true), then there is a reason. The market is well known for these cars and while they do fluctuate dramatically to a degree, with the internet these days anyone with any sense isn't going to sell a 30K car for 10K unless there are special circumstances. I normally ask the question "why are you selling" up front.

[HP_Cuda]

There are times you have to trust your instinct.

[70chall440]

There are times you have to trust your instinct.

  x 2

[CudaJon]

There were no red flags or any indication in the discussion other than he did not talk much about what he did for a job and the offer was in the low 30K for a 73 4 speed. Which was what he was offering. No the only thing is I researched his name when I got home and he had a little problem with the law and counterfeit clothing and it just got me thinking, its a misdemeanor, probably needed money for the fine - I guess no biggie. Its just a lot of money for me to hand over and I want to cover all angles.  Again as always, this group is wonderful and I thank for your honesty and opinions.

[70chall440]

it sounds pretty legit for the most part, but again given that this is an older muscle car I would try and press him for some history, at least where he got it from. Base in on the premise that for these cars the history is and important part of it. If he is illusive about that, then I might be worried, but if he gives you a plausible story and all of the paperwork is in order and I really wanted it, I would probably go for it. If it is titled (to him), then the VIN had to go through the system; be sure to closely look at the title and registration. I got thoroughly hosed on a car advertised as a 2000 and after getting home noticed the title say 98... (yes I hosed myself). If the title and registration do not match the owner or the car, then you have cause for concern. Lastly, see if the fender tag is there, if you have time you can determine what that car was build with/as and give you a better sense of what you are getting (e.g. it has a 4spd but the tag says auto); might not stop the sale but it would be best to know pre sale.

[4Cruizn]

Have to ask . . . Over 30K for a 73?   I sure hope the car is amazingly beautiful!   

[70chall440]

well there is that.. but it is AUS.

[HP_Cuda]

If I was dealing with someone who had a record I'd make dang sure the deal was legit.