What is a Mortgaged Vehicle?
2 Answers
Mortgage refers to a situation where the debtor or a third party does not transfer the possession of the property (i.e., the motor vehicle) but uses it as collateral for a debt. If the debtor fails to fulfill the debt, the creditor has the right to prioritize repayment by either discounting the property or auctioning/selling it according to legal provisions. In simple terms, it means that Party A's motor vehicle is mortgaged to Party B as a form of guarantee. When a motor vehicle serves as collateral, it is referred to as a mortgaged vehicle. Below is relevant information: 1. For a legitimate mortgaged vehicle, both or all three parties involved should register the mortgage with the motor vehicle registration authority (i.e., the local vehicle management office). The registration record can be displayed in the 'Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate' (this document has a dedicated page for mortgage registration, which includes the mortgage period, validity, and records of changes or cancellations). Generally, it is advisable not to purchase a mortgaged vehicle during the mortgage period or before the debt is fully settled, as this could pose risks. 2. When buying a mortgaged vehicle, always check the mortgage registration details in the 'Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate.' If the latest mortgage registration has been canceled, it indicates that the vehicle's secured debt has been fulfilled, and it is no longer a mortgaged vehicle, making it safe to purchase. If the mortgage registration has not been canceled, the vehicle management office will not process the transfer of ownership. When purchasing a motor vehicle with canceled mortgage registration, promptly complete the transfer procedures at the vehicle management office to avoid potential repossession or theft by the original owner or the financing institution after purchase.
A mortgaged car refers to a vehicle that the owner uses as collateral to a bank or lending company when taking out a loan to purchase it. If the owner fails to repay the loan, the car may be repossessed. Recently, while browsing the used car market, I encountered a similar situation: an SUV priced suspiciously low, with the seller pushing me to buy it immediately. However, I wisely checked the vehicle's records and discovered it had outstanding loans—meaning it could be seized even after purchase. I quickly consulted a knowledgeable friend, who advised always checking the vehicle registration certificate and bank mortgage records before buying, and not to ignore these details just for a cheap price. Many people fall into this trap out of ignorance, lured by low prices only to lose both money and the car. I even made a trip to the DMV to understand the process—never pay before confirming the car's status to protect yourself. Buying a car requires careful steps; otherwise, you could suffer huge losses.