I'd have him register the car. But have him sign a bill of sale with registration as part of the deal. A fair deal would be to deduct registration/taxes off the agreed upon sales price. EDIT: I would also go with him to the DMV to see if there is a way to expedite the process by having him pay the taxes and then them allowing you to register it in your name (and pay taxes again) without having to wait for a title in his name to arrive. Just a thought, never know.

Bottom line... this guy screwed up signing the title and now wants to get out of paying taxes. There's no way around that. He isn't the registered owner of the X5 until the title is in his name, even if he is the owner legally (assuming he has a bill of sale).

If I were in a position to buy that X... I'd try to make it happen. Hard to find a clean 61,000 mile imola red 4.6is. It's going to come down to how much you want that X. It's not going to be a quick or easy transaction... but if you really want it, would be worth the work in the end.

If the guy gives you guff, or doesn't want to be bothered registering it, then yes... as upallnight says, just walk away.

Maybe it was just a case of buyers remorse and he realized he needs to sell it but doesn't really know what to do now. I would talk to him and see if he is willing to go up to the DMV in person with you, in Michigan all it would be in this case is the taxes and a $15 late charge for not registering the title within two weeks of purchase. From there they should be able to just have it signed over to your name with appropriate taxes and title transfer fees paid.

As others have said, this seems to be a hard to find ride, and it is a 50/50 shot as to whether the seller is honest and will do what needs to be done to make it right, but it's as simple as walking away if he won't.

I know it's thanksgiving, but I texted him with offer to meet me at Tax office.
I haven't heard back.

Keep us posted, hope it works out!

Seems shady to me… But anyways here's your CARFAX. It looks freakin great pristine history. 1 owner no accidents. If you can get that title issue straightened out without being screwed over go for it. Because technically with his name on he title he owns the car. You don't want him reporting it stolen on your way home or anything.
Good luck let us know.
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To me sounds like he was trying to flip it and not show ownership so he didnt have to pay the taxes and fee's to register. Not sure he's being shady or deceptive he may have been more focused on making quick buck or 2 and didnt understand the implications. His next steps will indicate his degree of honesty to me.

Good luck hope this all works out

And few years ago we sold my wife's Pacifica to her niece and husband who then moved to PA. They never transferred the title for almost a year then tried to sell it. I only found out because they misplaced the lien release and had to access another copy for them. I had to overnight it so they could met the buyer at the DMV and my niece was to pay all the fees/penalty/taxes. I recall the new buyer took a notarized bill of sale and drove off with car and my niece would send him the signed transferred title.

Never sell cars to family. How did they ever get a license for the car if they never transfer the title? If they were using your plates what happens if they got into an accident? What happens if they loan the car to friends or other family members and they got into an accident?

To cover your ass never sell a car to family and if the buyer doesn't want to list his name on the title have them sign a bill of sale stating that they bought the car from you on that date. Better to be safe then have to hire a lawyer to fix up any mess later.

Non family can pull the same stunt. The tag was recently renewed when we "sold"it. Lesson learned. Nonetheless the point of my reply is since this 4.6 is such a super deal you can try to hasten the deal with the DMV involved; seller pays tax/fees ect and files for new title, buyer gets X5 with bill of sale and pays seller. Seller then sends correct title (signed, of course) after it arrives in mail. Since buyer was with seller when paperwork was filed and paid for new title you know it is in the proper process. I myself would work to seal this deal. 61K and one owner?????? I'd be all over it like ugly on a monkey.

Talked with owner today :)
 

I had a nice talk with the seller today.
I honestly think he was not aware of the Texas title law.

He said he is going to tax office on Monday.