SD does it their own way and a couple different ways. I'm doing it the "right" way. Certified letters and affidavits. Copies of everything sent to the state. Had to wait 30 days etc. Even sent pictures to the state to justify the purchase price. I've heard of guys going through tow companies but I think in SD that gets you a different kind of title? I forget what they call it.

 

They may issue you a title of lien. What I suggested doesn't mean it's not right. You didn't buy a stolen truck, did you? It was a business deal. How many times are we required to do unrealistic things to achieve a goal? The government changes the rules all the time, and we have to deal with it. So if there is a way to circumvent that rule LEGALLY, why not do it? I know a guy in Florida who let someone store 2 trucks on his property. It was supposed to only be 3 months. 17 YEARS later they were still there. The only way to contact this person was through a P O box in New York cause he didn't have a phone number for him. Finally a friend of his helped him get a lien against the trucks, and he was able to get titles for both and sell them. Story over. So...........why can't you get the seller to help you out. Mail him a storage bill, which of course he won't respond too. Then file papers against the bill and get a lien. Then you can get a title. And it's all legal.

 

I'm going to speak with the police Monday. The representative told my local police that a report had been filed with another county in May of last year which included the Ford as one of the things stolen. The police were unable to locate the vehicle(neither by VIN nor License Plate) in NCIC, so they told all involved that this would most likely be a civil matter. I'm going to ask them to contact the 'owner' and inform him that he needs to make storage/moving arrangements with the garage here. They had an agreement with me, not with this other person. I figure that's the first step, as I was not given any contact information.

I'll keep you all posted.

 

You need to go to the police station and get a copy of the police report. Or request the detective in charge of this investigation. Its not up to you to tell them about storage costs. That's up to your mechanic. In fact, after 30 days he can file a lien against the truck, get a title and sell it back to you. LEGALLY Unless the police tow it out and impound it.