Tips on Buying Cars: name on title is not the sellers, buying used car, family feud

Question
buying used car from seller who is the son of the owner. Owner's name is on title and apparently he has signed the title. Son wants certified check made out to him not owner. Should I get proof that he is authorized to sell car for his Dad?

Answer
This could be tricky - or really simple - can the son get the father there? to atleast say it's okay? I know I've sold a car for someone else and no one ever questioned anything... Personally I wouldn't worry too much about it - but I'm a fairly easy going guy... If are worried about some sort of mix-up.. tell the son you would like to speak with the father - just to make sure the sale is alright... or get some sort of signed document mailed - if he is not nearby... atleast that way if they took you to court you can prove you are not at fault. If anything seems sketchy.... I would make sure I talk to the father... you never know - there could be some sort of family feud.... (but if the father signed the title, thats a pretty good inclination the sale is ok...) - either way, no one can really do anything to you... title is signed by the right person... I would just go with it (if it were me) - but it never hurts to ask to see or speak with the father... it's up to you...