I bought my 63 Rambler wagon a few months ago and finally got around to putting the title in my name (my first mistake waiting so long). The title did not have any liens listed on the front and was signed and notorized by Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles. When I went to change the title I found out that is has a Restitution Lien file against the title. I found out that I can file for a Restitution hearing and should be able to clean the title up by proving I had no indication that the title was clouded. Have any of you guys been through this process and what was the outcome. Of course the guy I bought it from is not being very cooperative. I really want to keep the car.
I can only suggest if the lien is to a private party or company, like a loan, you may be able to negotiate a small payment. Like, if the lien is for $1000 and they KNOW the borrower has skipped town and there is no chance of being paid, and the security is a 50 year old Rambler station wagon, they may take $100 or $200 and write the debt off. If it is a government lien the judge may be your only hope. Also, there could be more than 1 lien.