Buying a used engine

[Gerdo]

I'm looking at buying a used engine from a private owner who wrecked his 4runner. I've never bought an engine, or a part, with a VIN. How do I protect myself with proof that this engine was purchased legally and didn't come from a hot/stripped vehicle?

 

[Atlanta_man]

Bill of Sale, pay by check (even if it's a Cashiers/Bank check) and keep the cancelled check.

There's only a problem with this sort of thing if someone complains. Sounds low risk to me given the dollar amounts involved.

 

[KidVermicious]

If it is hot, and they bust the guy and he tells them who he sold it to, they can come to you and seize it and you'd have to go after the guy in small claims to get your money back. But as long as you cover your butt with proof that you paid him fairly, like Atlanta_man talks about, you wouldn't be charged with possession of stolen merch.

Is the VIN on the block? If so, run it with your local PD and if it comes back clean I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Jtraskell]

You could also ask for the VIN first, then contact local PD and have them run it to see if it was stolen, just a thought. Be safe.