Car Title in Storage Unit

I'm in PA, got a storage unit and my first time finding a car title...actually two of them. Anyway, the manager of the storage facility asked for me to look for a title because evidently they have a car sitting on the property from the same person for one of the titles. I asked a little bit further and she said "having the title would be easier so I wouldn't have to get a salvage title."

So...should I return the title to the property manager? Do I have any legal right to the car if I wanted it?

Thanks

I'm in PA, got a storage unit and my first time finding a car title...actually two of them. Anyway, the manager of the storage facility asked for me to look for a title because evidently they have a car sitting on the property from the same person for one of the titles. I asked a little bit further and she said "having the title would be easier so I wouldn't have to get a salvage title."

So...should I return the title to the property manager? Do I have any legal right to the car if I wanted it?

Thanks

In my opinion, NO!! Don't return the title. Eventually they will auction the car too, and you will have possession to the title. Others might have better advice though.

You didn't win the car in the auction since the car was not in the unit. Personal papers are to be returned according to the conditions of most auctions. That being said, possessing the title does not grant you ownership of the vehicle.

Of course feel free to use the title as a bargaining chip with the PM to get yourself a week instead of 24 hours to move the stuff out that you did win.

I'm not sure about storage places.  With car repair places they have to jump some legal hurdles before they can auction the cars off.  I would think the storage place would have the same or simular issues.

With the title it could be he can then sell the car as a vehicle instead of the car as "parts only / no title".  Salvaged titles bring in less money then the original IMO.

Sounds like time to play Less Make A Deal.  You have a car title that COULD make things much easier and more profitable for the property manager.  If you plan to continue buying at this location it may have more value for you as a good will item rather than cash value.  I would look around and see if I could match the title to the vehicle, access its condition and potential value WITHOUT opening it or touching it.  Just having that title gives you no legal claim to the vehicle that I am aware of.  Then discuss what the PM would be willing to work as a deal for the title.  My old boss said "Never be ashamed to make a little profit"

I found the car on the storage facility property and it is a beat up piece of s car, one window bashed in, paint job annihilated from the elements. I have no interest in the car, but the storage facility owner doesn't know that (although based on the condition, I'm sure it's obvious). The car may be good for parts, 1990 Lincoln, I don't know the model offhand, but I'm not into autos and parting things out.

I'm leaning more towards assisting the property manager by giving her the title, but not sure what kind of incentive I could negotiate other than just offering my goodwill. I have through the weekend to clean out the unit and it will be done by then...would the PM really offer $$$ for getting the title?

Here in Washington the title doesn't mean much.
It would have to be signed AND have s Bill of Sale with it.

And she wouldn't put in for a salvage title but an abandoned title. Having the original title wouldn't help in the slightest.

Salvage title takes (as s rule of thumb) half off bluebook. Abandoned titles don't show anything, you get a normal title.

As for you having it, you don't own the car. You own a piece of paper that tells you who owns the car.

Also, if she puts in for a abandoned title the owner is contacted and can claim the car. She would need to put a lien against the title. That way the owner can either pay the debt, give her the car or just drive away. But since there is a lien he can never sell it or get tabs.

Again, this is my state. But it's pretty uniform from state-to-state. I've run into some slight differences but not much.

If you find it to be different let me know. I deal with cars a lot so would like to know.