Buying a car private party question (PA title transfer)

[Smellie]

Hey guys, this isn't really Audi specific but I figured maybe someone has done something like this who lives in PA.

I go to school in State College, PA but and currently home and about to leave for vacation.

Two days ago, I saw this really nice miata that I really want to buy as a weekend car/summer project. But because I'm about 5 hours away from State College right now and have to leave this weekend to vacation, I cannot make time to get the car.

However, my friend lives in State College and is willing to buy it for me.


Questions:
1) I know that title transfer signatures must be notarized in PA, is that including the Seller and Buyer?
2) Is there any way that only the seller notarizes it, and my friend holds the title until I come back so I can sign the purchaser part?
3) If both signatures need to be notarized, would something like a Power of Attorney work for him to be able to sign it in my name?

He doesn't need to drive it anywhere as he has a trailer and doesn't live far from the car.


Any and all help is much appreciated, thanks!

[Cgoon009]

Hey guys, this isn't really Audi specific but I figured maybe someone has done something like this who lives in PA.

I go to school in State College, PA but and currently home and about to leave for vacation.

Two days ago, I saw this really nice miata that I really want to buy as a weekend car/summer project. But because I'm about 5 hours away from State College right now and have to leave this weekend to vacation, I cannot make time to get the car.

However, my friend lives in State College and is willing to buy it for me.


Questions:
1) I know that title transfer signatures must be notarized in PA, is that including the Seller and Buyer?

2) Is there any way that only the seller notarizes it, and my friend holds the title until I come back so I can sign the purchaser part?

3) If both signatures need to be notarized, would something like a Power of Attorney work for him to be able to sign it in my name?

He doesn't need to drive it anywhere as he has a trailer and doesn't live far from the car.


Any and all help is much appreciated, thanks!

http://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/dv...fs-buysell.pdf

http://www.dmv.pa.gov/VEHICLE-SERVIC...x#.Vz4C8_krJQI

[Dan_G]

Is it a 2008 vin ending in 864? If it is I have the carfax on it.

[REBinc]

Talk to a AAA, they're a lot of help in PA. I would guess you could set up some sort of power of attorney to your friend. When I first moved to PA, my dad was still listed secondary on the title of my first car. He helped me move out here, but he wasn't going to be back anytime soon to transfer the title to PA. AAA had us sign a power of attorney, and then a few weeks later once I got my PA license I was able to get a PA title solely in my name.

[goalieman24]

Can you not just say "hey I want to buy the car. Can I give you a deposit until I am back in town?"

[Quattrocentric]

Can you not just say "hey I want to buy the car. Can I give you a deposit until I am back in town?"

This should work, but people can be such dicks. I once drove all the way to BF, Pennsylvania to buy a car the guy turned out to have no actual interest in selling, even though he'd advertised it and made an appointment for me to come and see.
My point is OP would have to get a good feeling from the guy that he would honor that arrangement and not sell the car to the first person that turns up with cash, having accepted the deposit.

The link that Rich (Cgoon) posted recommends using an authorized PennDOT agent. Find one in State College and ask your friend to deal with him for you. That way the contract between buyer and seller is officially recognized and your payment for the car is safe.