Buying a non-op vehicle in CA
 

Has anyone done it? What are the pitfalls?
I am talking to guy has a truck I'm interested in but its a non-op. I'm trying to get the VIN so i can see if it has back fees due. How straightforward is the process for re-registering once something has been listed as non-operational? Is there any inspection or whatnot?

Re: Buying a non-op vehicle in CA
 

No-op is no problem as long as he did it before the fees were due. When I bought my truck I paid $800 for it and then went to the DMV to register it in my name and non-op it to find out the guy I bought it from never put a no-op on it. There were $470 dollars in back fees. Luckily, the guy made good on it and paid the fees. After that it had a no-op for almost two years. All I had to do to get it current was pay that years registration fees.

Re: Buying a non-op vehicle in CA
 

your question is a bit confusing, if the vehicle has been registered as non-op at the dmv then there shouldnt be any back fee's. If you are saying the vehicle isnt running and the guy hasnt paid the dmv then you will have back fee's to pay. If the vehicle hasnt had any activity on the registration for over 5 years the registration and records will have been deleted. If thats the case you will need to schedule an appointment at the dmv, bring the vehicle down to the dmv via flatbed or temp moving permit so a dmv employee can verify the vin number and make sure it isnt a stolen vehicle or any other negative things. After this they will check the value of the vehicle and charge you a registration fee and other misc fee's for license plate, pink slips, etc. Im pretty sure law enforcement officers can also sign for your vin verification. instead of needing to mess with bringing the vehicle to the dmv.

Re: Buying a non-op vehicle in CA
 

Awesome replies. Thanks very much guys, I appreciate it (and sorry for the confusing question...)

Re: Buying a non-op vehicle in CA
 

sure glad we don't have that headache in wa. state! what a bunch of crooks.

Re: Buying a non-op vehicle in CA
 

tell me about it. my 54 gmc has not been registered for 13 years that was when it was last on the road from the guy i bought it off of. ca dmv are really giving it to you guys! do your butts hurt?

Re: Buying a non-op vehicle in CA
 

I am lucky.I bought my truck for 250 bucks and it had not been registered in over 25 years.No back fees!YAY!