He can't sell it until DMV registers it in new buyers name. Don't waste your time with this.

Then you can't purchase the vehicle until he gets a title in his name. Why does he have it for sale when it can't be purchased?

Was thinking the same thing. This is why "clean and clear title" is such an important phrase when selling/buying vehicles...

Crappy situation. What was the sellers explanation as to the lack of title in his name???

Seller didn't actually mention that.
I nearly left the house with money to buy.
I remembered a ladies name on the title.
I was naive enough to think I could settle it at the DMV.

Glad I didn't buy the 10K yard art.

He didn't give you any plan as to how you could register it?

So his name wasn't even on the title in the assignment of title section? It was the previous owner? LOL if he can't even register it. Normally when someone (I've done this and just make up a bill of sale for the purchase) buys a vehicle with intent to flip they leave that section totally blank. This way when the eventual permanent buyer goes to register they can fill in their name on the title.

Depending on the answers to the above questions... a bonded title might be the only way to purchase and drive this X5 in the future.

Edit: BTW, what was the condition of the vehicle according to your PPI and your opinion? Might be worth the time and effort for someone else here to go through the hassle of getting.

I believe his name was on the title but he never applied for a new title, so he never paid the sale tax. I guess the seller was going to title the car but he decided to sell the car instead. More like buyer remorse. I have sold cars where I signed the title, but the buyer left his name off. I always have them signed a Bill of Sale so that I will have proof that I sold the car.

This is exactly how I do it. Two bills of sale printed and filled out (mine completely filled out). One for me, and one for them. I sign title... and let them do the rest. I also print out a Title Transfer Application form for the buyer and sign where necessary for them. That way they don't have to come back to me later or forge my signature when they go to the DMV. Also encourages them to register right away instead of waiting until the sticker comes due. I also usually pay the $5 to file the car as sold with the DMV. That way if something does happen with the car, it doesn't come back to me. Just sold one of my e30's last July, and another just this past Sunday in this manner.

The current title that I looked at has a ladies name and address on the front.
On the back, there is a box to fill in when you sell it.
That box has the current mans name and signature on it.

It is also dated 5 weeks ago.

I still would love to own the X5.
Unless the sellers name (man) is on the front of the title, I can't/won't buy it.

Under the Texas DMV website it says NEVER give sales money to anyone other than the
person or persons (Mr. and Mrs. X5) on the front of the title.

Just throwing this out for discussion,
What would be a fair deal to clear up this title snafu?

One way would be to have the seller contact the lady owner and ask her if she could request a duplicate title and have her assign the duplicate title to you.

I'm surprised that a lady brought a 4.6is and not a 3.0 or 4.4. Did you ever run a Carfax on the car?

Just walk away from this deal.

I have no car fax.
Anyone that can do that I would be grateful.
Because this deal is so fishy, I don't have any history on
this X5

5UXFB93543LN80158

VIN above