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2024 Mitsubishi Outlander — private seller still has a loan on the car

CityWeekend789Community StarterApr 29, 20262024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SELFlorida
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL, about 27,500 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 trying not to assume the first explanation I see online.
apr
2.93
location
Florida
ppi planned
term months
36
asking price
31000
dealer addons
3995
dealer doc fee
399
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6 replies

BoostShopper780Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
Don't get cute with the meetup or the payment. A rushed deposit before you can inspect the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander is enough reason to walk. That's where I'd start. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. If the title is messy I'm out, full stop.
LongMilesEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Bill of sale, VIN, odometer, and names matching the title — I'd want all four on the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander. I'd do that before spending real money. On “private seller still has a loan on,” that was the fork that mattered for me. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
BatteryScout255Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
Don't get cute with the meetup or the payment. A rushed deposit before you can inspect the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander is enough reason to walk. I'd do that before spending real money. No need to make it theatrical. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
LongMilesEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMay 1, 2026permalink
Don't get cute with the meetup or the payment. Independent PPI on the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander is cheap insurance versus a seller who “already had a friend look at it.” Then you'll know the next fork. This is from a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander in Florida with 27,500 miles. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. If the title is messy I'm out, full stop.
DailyEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMay 2, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. If the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander still shows a lien, coordinate payoff with the lender before any cash changes hands. That's where I'd start. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Going to re-read the worksheet tonight.
LongMilesEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMay 3, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Independent PPI on the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander is cheap insurance versus a seller who “already had a friend look at it.” I'd do that before spending real money. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. Doc fee is the line I'm watching.
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