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2022 Tesla Model 3 — private seller still has a loan on the car

NewCarDriverCommunity StarterJan 12, 20262022 Tesla Model 3 Long RangeMiami
2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, about 61,500 miles. I like a privately listed car, but the seller still owes money and does not have a clear paper title in hand. What is the safest way to handle payoff, lien release, payment and possession? I am in Miami.
apr
6.98
location
Miami
term months
72
asking price
15500
dealer addons
895
dealer doc fee
85
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10 replies

RoadDaily99Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 13, 2026permalink
Title status is the whole conversation. Bill of sale, VIN, odometer, and names matching the title — I'd want all four on the 2022 Tesla Model 3. I'd do that before spending real money. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
ProjectTraveler413Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 13, 2026permalink
Private-party deals fail on paperwork, not vibes. Meet at a bank or dealer title office for the 2022 Tesla Model 3, not a parking lot at night. Then you'll know the next fork. This is from a 2022 Tesla Model 3 in Miami with 61,500 miles. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
GarageDetailer721Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 13, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. A rushed deposit before you can inspect the 2022 Tesla Model 3 is enough reason to walk. I'd do that before spending real money. Just my two cents from doing this recently. Not letting add-ons ride along because everyone does.
ProjectTraveler413Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
I'd push back a little: If the 2022 Tesla Model 3 still shows a lien, coordinate payoff with the lender before any cash changes hands. Then you'll know the next fork. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
CommuterWrench707Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 13, 2026permalink
Don't get cute with the meetup or the payment. Bill of sale, VIN, odometer, and names matching the title — I'd want all four on the 2022 Tesla Model 3. Then you'll know the next fork. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
RoadDaily99Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 13, 2026permalink
I'd treat this like cash with a paper trail. Meet at a bank or dealer title office for the 2022 Tesla Model 3, not a parking lot at night. I'd do that before spending real money. On “private seller still has a loan on,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Just my two cents from doing this recently. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. I screenshotted the quote for later.
GarageDetailer721Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 13, 2026permalink
Private-party deals fail on paperwork, not vibes. A rushed deposit before you can inspect the 2022 Tesla Model 3 is enough reason to walk. Then you'll know the next fork. Just my two cents from doing this recently. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
RoadDaily99Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
Don't get cute with the meetup or the payment. If the 2022 Tesla Model 3 still shows a lien, coordinate payoff with the lender before any cash changes hands. I'd do that before spending real money. This is from a 2022 Tesla Model 3 in Miami with 61,500 miles. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
WeekendCollector482Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
Yes, with one caveat: Bill of sale, VIN, odometer, and names matching the title — I'd want all four on the 2022 Tesla Model 3. That's where I'd start. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I'd rather be boring and correct. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
PistonDaily680Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
I'd treat this like cash with a paper trail. Meet at a bank or dealer title office for the 2022 Tesla Model 3, not a parking lot at night. Then you'll know the next fork. On “private seller still has a loan on,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
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