Used Cars: unclear title, sellers responsibility, punch line

Question
Ray,

I was looking into buying a used out-of-state truck. The conditions 'were' falling into the too good to be true category..

Before I made the drive I asked to make sure some of the basics were in place and it turns out the Title to the vehicle is not clear.

The story:
"Owner" has driving restrictions (I'm guessing too many DWIs) so he drives without a license. Based on this he paid his brother to buy him a truck that is in his brother's name. The business does have a Web presence. His brother turned around and signed the title as seller but left the buyer info blank and gave the truck to the "owner." Now for the punch line - his brother is dead.

The "owner" seems strapped for cash and balks at spending 'any' money to clean up the situation - like getting the title in his name. Oh and by the way - the Registration expires 14 September.

The truck is a specialty item otherwise I'd just dump this. All in all the "owner" is not giving me the impression he is scamming me. It seems more like his life is just unmanageable for him.

The question:
Can you see a way around this Title situation where I wouldn't be holding a stolen vehicle?

Do you think if the "owner" came up with a death certificate on his brother i would be good to go?

Answer
Hi Thomas

You don't buy a vehicle from a third party, I am not saying it's a scam, but I would never buy a vehicle without clean paper work in order, this issue becomes the sellers responsibility not yours.

I don't know your location zip code, here is a link on my website  http://www.usedcartips.org/DMV.html  contact the nearest DMV for some answers

Ray