What does it mean when a half-price car cannot be transferred?
2 Answers
A half-price car that cannot be transferred is generally a mortgaged vehicle that cannot undergo ownership transfer. During the car mortgage period, the ownership of the vehicle remains with the original owner, making it impossible to apply for a transfer. There are many reasons why a used car with complete documentation cannot be transferred. License plate restrictions may result in high transfer costs and significant labor expenses, leading to the decision not to transfer ownership. Local policy regulations may require non-local buyers to obtain a temporary residence permit for three months or six months, causing delays even with complete documentation. Additionally, even if all car documents are complete, the absence of the original owner's ID card can prevent the transfer. Completing the transfer process for a used car legally finalizes the change of ownership, ensuring the vehicle's legal origin—such as avoiding purchasing smuggled or stolen cars—and clearly defines the responsibilities of both buyer and seller regarding the vehicle, including debt disputes and traffic violations. This safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of both parties. A legally sourced and documented vehicle should have no outstanding bank liens or court seizure records, no unresolved traffic violations or accident records, no unpaid fees, and all necessary documents must be complete.
As someone who frequently checks the used car market, I think buying half-price cars without transferring ownership is quite common but extremely risky. Half-price cars refer to used cars priced at only half of their original value, which may have accident histories or depreciate quickly. Not transferring ownership means the buyer doesn't complete the formal procedures and can't obtain official ownership. I've personally seen a friend who bought such a car to save money, only for the seller to disappear, leaving him with unpaid debts on the car, all the fines transferred to him, and the car undrivable. Why do people do this? Sellers want to offload their problems or evade responsibility, while buyers think they're getting a great deal. This is actually an illegal transaction trap—don't fall for it. Remember, legitimate transactions require signing contracts, checking the VIN, and completing the transfer at the DMV. Otherwise, you could lose your money and end up in legal trouble. Always assess risks before buying a car, and bring a knowledgeable friend to check the car—safety is far more important than saving money.
