Legal Question in Consumer Law in Missouri

Is this motor vehicle title legitimate

I am purchasing a vehicle from a small dealer located in central Missouri.

I purchased this via an auction using the Make an Offer feature of eBay motors.

I live in and am a resident of the state of Missouri.

The auction states that the seller is a dealer and that they have a clear title.

The dealer emailed me a scanned copy of the title of the vehicle.

This title is a New Jersey title that has been signed over to the dealer, who is listed as the buyer on the reverse side of the title.

The dealer is not the owner of the vehicle per the face of the title, a person with a New Jersey address is.

This transfer took place on October 20, 2008 and the amount listed was for $15,200.00. It is now April 27, 2009 and my offer was for $8,500.

My question(s):

Is this title legitimate?

Will I be able to take this title and register the vehicle and if not, can I back out of this auction?


Asked on 4/28/09, 10:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Is this motor vehicle title legitimate

It is what's called a jump title. It is invalid. You did not buy the car from the Jersey seller listed on the title.

You need to have the dealer title it in his name, and if he can get clear title to it in his name, then you can do the deal. But be very careful, there are lots of scammers out there.

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Answered on 4/29/09, 12:36 pm


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