[rattlsnak]

Depends on the kind of lien. Its possible the shop has a mechanic's lien on the vehicle and won't release it until it is satisfied. We have had a number of cars over the years that were abandoned at our shop for whatever reason and we can legally sell them (there is a quick easy process to do this for a shop) under a mechanic's lien.

Is there anyway you can get a previous owners name or check the glove box for an insurance card? You can track down liens that way..