Lien/Hold on Dodge Dart 75
California car purchasers: VIN/Title search is free on the phone: 1(800) 777-0133 Speed-dial #9 for me :)
I walk up to cars for sale on the street, and call it in to verify status, any back reg amount salvage etc. before I contact the owner to negotiate. The operator usually won't give you any owner info, but they might not disagree with you if you ask a specific question such as is it registered in [city]? Is the color black? Is the license plate 1XXX234?