Title lien in vehicle history--what to do?

[Daedalus]

I just ran a carfax on a car I want to buy. It shows a title lien from 1995 in MO, when the car was first titled. I asked the DMV about it, and they said that they aren't notified when a lien is satisfied unless the owner turns the title in with a lien release.
Current owner is the 3rd owner; I doubt he has any contact info on the original owner, but I can ask. After 10 years I think this is a non-issue, but I would like a little more certainty if possible.
Anyone here have similar experiences? Should I not be concerned? Is there a relatively cheap way to guarantee there are no current liens on the VIN? TIA.

 

[DocL]

Carfax will only list that there was a previous lien on a titile, they don't list when the lien has been satisfied by the owner. Whenever I finance a car, the bank usually holds the title with their name printed in the leinholder section. After the loan is paid off, they usually issue a letter stating the title is clear, plus they sign off on the lien on the actual title.

I wouldn't worry too much about this, it's a moot point and if the current owner has his current title in hand you're good to go.

 

[blavenia]

Agreed. Just look at current title under 1st lienholder and make sure nothing's there, or it's signed over.

 

[Mingus]

1) Apply to DMV for a vehicle abstract to get name of original owner.(may be a small fee)
2) Contact lien holder, give them the person's name, vehicle vin# and see if they can look up to verify that the lien has been satisfied. If it has explain your situation and ask for a copy of the lien release.
They may need some identification from you and/or permission from the person to whom the lien was held with.

You could contact the original owner as well. Once you have a vehicle abstract, try to contact that person directly and see if they have a lien release or would get a replacement copy for you.

I have done some of these things with success in the past to remedy the same problem. Good luck.