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Buying a Non-Running Project Car

Project cars are a great way to get into a vehicle you could not afford at full price, or to build something exactly the way you want it. But a non-running car comes with extra paperwork questions that a running car does not. Here is what to check before you buy and how to protect yourself.

First question to ask: "What is the title status?" A clean title on a non-runner is fine. A salvage, parts-only, or junk title may permanently limit what you can do with the car. Know this before any money changes hands.

Check the title status first

Non-running cars frequently have complicated title histories:

  • Clean title: The car does not run but has never been totaled or branded. Normal title transfer, same as any sale.
  • Salvage title: An insurance company declared it a total loss. Can potentially be rebuilt and re-titled as "rebuilt/reconstructed" after passing a state inspection. Permanently lower value.
  • Parts-only or junk title: Designated for dismantling. Cannot be re-registered in most states. Only worth buying for parts if your state bars re-registration.
  • No title: See our guide on seller has no title for options.

Run the VIN before you visit

Get the VIN from the seller's listing or ask for it before you make the trip. Check it through:

  • NICB VinCheck (free) at vincheck.nicb.org: checks for theft and total-loss reports
  • NHTSA recalls (free) at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • NMVTIS report (low cost): comprehensive title history from all states
  • Carfax or AutoCheck (paid): accident history, ownership count, title brands

A non-running car with a clean VIN history is a very different purchase from one with multiple prior total-loss reports.

Transport: how to get it home

Your options for moving a non-running car:

  • Flatbed tow truck: Most reliable, especially for AWD or 4WD vehicles that cannot be safely towed on two wheels.
  • Rental trailer: U-Haul and others rent car-hauling trailers. Works for lighter vehicles.
  • Dolly tow: Front wheels up, rear wheels rolling. Fine for most FWD vehicles but not AWD/4WD.
  • Transport company: For longer distances, an enclosed or open car transport carrier is often worth the cost.

A car on a trailer does not need plates or a transit permit because it is cargo, not being driven.

Inspect what you can

Even without the car running, you can learn a lot:

  • VIN location on dash (through windshield) and door jamb sticker must match the title
  • Look for frame damage, previous welds, kinks, or misaligned body panels
  • Check the floor pans, trunk, and firewall for rust-through or flood damage
  • Pull engine codes if the car has power (battery, OBDII scanner)
  • Verify all the major components the seller claims are present are actually there

What to put in the bill of sale

A non-running project car benefits from a more detailed bill of sale than a running car, because there is more room for disputes later about what was disclosed and what was included. Document:

  • VIN, year, make, model, body style, color
  • Odometer reading and disclosure (actual, not actual, or exceeds mechanical limits)
  • Title status (clean, salvage, rebuilt, etc.)
  • Known non-operational condition ("vehicle currently does not start or run")
  • Any missing or removed components included or excluded in the sale
  • Sale price and payment method
  • As-is language
  • Signatures of both parties (notarized if required)
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Our vehicle bill of sale includes condition disclosure and as-is fields. State-specific. Use our Notarization Checker to confirm what your state requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a title for a non-running car?

Yes, assuming the seller has a clean title. The fact that the car does not run does not affect the title itself. Title transfer works the same way as any vehicle sale: the seller signs the title over, you complete a bill of sale, and you take both to the DMV. The challenge is that a non-running car may have a salvage, rebuilt, or parts-only title if it was previously declared a total loss.

What is a "parts-only" title?

A parts-only (or "junk") title is issued when a vehicle has been designated for dismantling only. It cannot be re-registered for road use. Some states allow owners to re-apply for a regular title if the car is rebuilt and passes inspection; others permanently bar re-registration of parts-only vehicles. Know which before you buy.

Does a non-running car need an odometer disclosure?

Yes, if the car is less than 20 model years old (the federal rolling exemption). Record the odometer reading as of the date of sale. If the odometer is broken, the disclosure must state "actual mileage unknown" or "exceeds mechanical limits" depending on the situation.

Can I drive a non-running project car on a trailer to my home state?

You do not need a transit permit for a car on a flatbed or trailer because it is not being driven. You will need proper tie-down and transport equipment and the load must meet road regulations. Once you get it home, title and register it in your state within the normal timeframe.

What if the car is described as "off-road only" or "off-highway vehicle"?

If the seller or a prior title brands it "off-road only," it cannot legally be registered for street use in that condition. Some states let you restore and re-inspect the vehicle to remove the off-road brand; others do not. Clarify this with your state DMV before spending money on a restoration you cannot register.

Should I get a VIN check on a non-running car?

Absolutely. Run the VIN through NMVTIS, NICB, or a paid service like Carfax. Non-running cars are frequently stolen vehicles or insurance total losses that the seller is trying to move quietly. A VIN check takes 5 minutes and costs almost nothing compared to what you might lose on a car you cannot title.

What should I include in the bill of sale for a project car?

All the standard fields (VIN, year, make, model, odometer, price, both parties' info, date), plus any notes about the known condition: "vehicle is not currently operational," "engine is removed and included separately," "sold with salvage title," etc. Document the known condition clearly so there is no argument later about what was disclosed.

Document the Purchase Properly

A detailed bill of sale protects you whether the project car becomes a show winner or a parts donor. State-specific, ready to sign.

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