If i buy a delorean with 50k miles on it but its fallen off the DMV radar.........

[artisticent]

So I checked the DMV records on the licence and vain on a delorean I want buy but its fallen off the radar due to is sitting for 10 years with out being registered. I will need to take to them for inspection to reissue pink slip but will the mileage on the new pink show TMU true mileage unknown? I would love the new pink to reflect the actual 50k mileage . Any thoughts?

Thank you
Nathan in California

[Michael]

I don't know about CA, but in TN, the title will not reflect TMU unless there is a discrepancy in the mileage at the time of title transfer. For example if a state employee half-way does their job, (I know its hard to imagine but try) and puts down 5,000 miles instead of 50k when you buy the car, then the title will reflect TMU...and this happens a lot and its a bear to get changed.

However in my state, if a car is more than 15 or 20 years old, mileage is not even recorded on the title anymore. Like I said your state may and probably does differ.

[ccurzio]

I'm not sure I fully understand the question but if you're going to register a car in your name (and you're getting a newly issued title), they're going to want to know the mileage.

[Soundkillr]

Most states, on vehicles older than twelve years, now report mileage exempt, or true mileage unknown. That's just the way it is now. I really wouldnt worry about what the title says. It's overall condition that backs a lower mileage car claim in most cases.

[David T]

Every State does it differently so you really need to know the rules in your State. In most States they don't record the mileage on the Title after so many years. In many States they DO record the mileage during inspection. Your best source for this information is to call your State DMV and ask them. If you go Historic or Collector (or whatever your State does with old vehicles) they may not inspect or record mileage at all. Your insurance company, if you get limited, collector insurance, WILL want to know your mileage now and when you renew. What is really important is that the vin # matches up between the Title and the car.
David Teitelbaum

[TTait]

Besides, unless you know and trust all the previous owners, it is TMU. Angle drives fail - usually before 50k miles... Even if the speedo works now, its likely that it did not once. That could have lasted for days, or years.

Base your evaluation on the condition of the car, not the reading on the speedo. All that can tell you is that the car probably has at least 50k miles. If the car has been sitting that long, you have a lot more to look at than the title...

Note that in CA you may be liable for 10 years of back registration fees - make sure to factor that in before you buy. Also know that CA law states that a car must have a fresh passed smog check before it changes ownership. You as the buyer can waive that, but you may also be able to use it as a bargaining tool to some degree.

DMC Houston suggests a formula where the cost to put a car back on the road is $1000 for every year it sat, plus the cost of the problem that caused the car to get parked in the first place - and I think that covers mechanical only.

IF the fuel system was stored properly you will be replacing all belts and hoses, fluids, relays and fuses, probably wheel and AC idler bearings, tires, brake and clutch lines, some to all hydraulics (brakes and clutch), doing a full tune up, and replacing steering and axle boots.

Even with the fuel system properly drained you will likely be replacing the fuel accumulator and filter, cleaning the injectors, replacing injector boots, and replacing the fuel tank pickup hose and screen.

Even a car that looks great may need a lot of attention before safely going back on the road.

Tom

[jawn101]

In CA, I hope the non-op paperwork was filled out or you will find yourself stuck with 10 years worth of back DMV fees and late charges, etc.

[David T]

The way it works in most States is if the owner wants to register the car (after not having it registered for years) he has to pay each year going back to when it was last registered. In NY if you turn in the plates you are not liable for "back" registrations. If the car is sold the new owner should not be liable to pay back registration fees. He WILL have to pay Sales Tax when he registers the car. California is a case all by itself and does not do things like most States. Your best course is to talk to the DMV and find out just what you have to do and what it will cost. Inspection and smog is another issue all by itself. Ca is crazy when it comes to that! Even with older cars! The good news is a properly tuned up Delorean can easily pass.
David Teitelbaum

[jawn101]

California is a case all by itself and does not do things like most States. Your best course is to talk to the DMV and find out just what you have to do and what it will cost.

Amen, David. When I bought my D it had been unregistered since 2003. There were THOUSANDS of dollars in back fees due, because the owner hadn't filed the paperwork and paid the $18 (or so) non-op fee.

Fortunately for me, I got it at an automotive consignment dealer who had to eat those costs for me. Not so fortunate for them. Just be aware of what you're buying!

[artisticent]

Great info guys. I checked and because its totally off of the radar, just pay the inspection fees and retitle. No back fees due to the fact that no one through out the ten years had at an point visited or started the paperwork. Good for me. Anyway I did buy the car and I'm very happy with it so far. It is an 83 auto, black gray combo interior. Lots of new parts and not a single ding or dent in the stainless steel panels.
Thanks again
Nathan