Can anyone help with an Automobile Title Question?
 

I am building a car for the $2009 GRM Challenge. Part of the build is swapping in a better engine and I've found that it is just cheaper to buy a parts car.

I found a parts car with "issues" but it hasn't been in an accident, it just has some problems I can fix. The guy bought it and before he got it registered in his name the engine started to have problems. Well I'm not sure how long it's been since he bought the car but at least a month or two.

Since I am essentially stripping the car and dropping the shell off at the junkyard what do I have to do in regard to the DMV? Are they going to hit me with transfer fees and such even though it will be registered planned non operational?

I really appreciate the help!

If you've already transferred it to your name, a PNO will be the easiest route. If it hasn't yet been transferred to you, see if you can get the seller to report it as sold to *anyone* outside California -- or better yet, outside the country.

Technically, as a private owner, you do not have the right to "part out" a vehicle in CA -- and possibly other states. Realistically, I don't think the stormtroopers will kick your door down, but staying off government lists is often a good idea.

Ah I see. I haven't bought the car yet but I am going to just take off what I can use before dropping it off at the junkyard. I'm sure they'll want to see a title with my name on it to prevent stolen cars.

That should work. If the car is transferred into your name, keep all the original documentation of sale to the wreckers. CA likes to ignore transfer documents and bill you endlessly for license renewal. You may have to send them multiple copies before they give up.

why is this so? new to Cali so I'm a bit confused by the different DMV regulations...

It's called revenue enhancement. The 'salvagers' pay big time for the right to 'legally' remove cars from service, after they 'check' to make sure the paperwork is legit.

All of this goes out the window with the new cuts in state payroll. There will no longer be anyone to oversee this operation. I predict lots of bodies within bodies being crushed and sent to China for scrap.