Join our FREE personalized newsletter for news, trends, and insights that matter to everyone in America

Newsletter
New

Police Seized My 2006 Chrysler 300c Srt8 Because Vin Didn't Match And A Lien Exists - Car Was Registered/insured For 4.5 Years. Can I Get It Back?

Card image cap

Location: New Mexico, USA

My 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT was seized by police on February 13. I'm trying to understand my options to get it back.

Here's what happened:

Vin Situation:

  • The VIN on the dash/title/registration/insurance belongs to a Chrysler 300 v6. (wrecked in 2020)
  • the actual car is an srt8 (engine, trim, etc.) so the VIN doesn't match the vehicle.
  • During the first VIN inspection appointment, the vehicle was flagged because the VIN could not be verified with a secondary (On the door jamb or under the hood.)
  • I had to reschedule with the police for a level 2 vin inspection, which is when the car was seized.
  • police said the car is not stolen, but one of the VINs has a bank lien, and the car could end up going back to the lienholder or someone else, They're actively trying to contact the relevant parties they say.

Purchase history:

  • Bought the car from a seller in FL through Facebook Marketplace.
  • I still have the messages with the seller
  • at the time, i was living in Illinois, but my parents went to purchase the car for me.
  • the title was transferred to me and processed normally through the DMV.
  • I have the title, insurance records, and the sellers name and address.

Police Interactions:

  • I have the case number, the first officer's email and phone (though he is now hard to reach).
  • I emailed the officer the seller info and messages, but I'm not sure its been added to the case yet.
  • Police have mentioned Michigan records but didn't clarify if that affects ownership.

Questions:

  1. When a car has a VIN that doesn't match the vehicle, what usually happens legally?
  2. If one vin has a bank lien, does the lienholder usually the car?
  3. Does having the car, titled, registered, and insured for 4.5 years help me?
  4. If I bought the car in good faith and have documentation, is there any chance of getting it back?
  5. What type of lawyer handles situations like this? (auto fraud, VIN issues, etc.)?
  6. Is there anything I should do now while the car is impounded to protect my rights or improve my chances?
submitted by /u/Wrqnch
[link] [comments]