Assemble all of the clues you've collected and review the notes you've jotted down on your notebook pages. You'll probably find you've got a number of people or places you could try to pursue, so now you've got to choose where to start.
Personally, I'd suggest you start with the individual or dealership or auction house who sold you your car. That's the most recent past owner and the one you're most likely to find easily--especially if you're starting this search soon after purchasing a car.
If you don't remember who sold you your car, check your bill of sale or the title (unless you've already had motor vehicles issue a new title).
Next, try to find a phone number or address for the person or place. If you bought the car locally, check the white or yellow pages of your phone book. If you bought the car locally but your phone book doesn't cover the right town, pay a visit to your local public library. Most libraries have a state set of phone books in the reference section.
If you bought the car out-of-state, you can also try the reference section of your public library. In addition to keeping phone books for your state, most libraries also collect phone books from other states. Or, you may need to phone the long distance operator assistance for help finding a number.
The universal number for long-distance assistance is: 1-(Area Code)-555-1212
If you don't know the area code, dial 0 and ask the operator. You'll need to provide the city and state you want to call.
Let's assume for the moment that you're able to find a phone number for the last owner, dealership, or auction house. In future articles, I'll address other ways to find this information if it's not readily available.
Always be polite!! Keep in mind that you're the one seeking information--and the person you're calling is not required to give it to you. When you make your call, you have no idea what mood the person will be in. If you get surly or impatient, you may not get any information.
Calling an individual. Start by identifying yourself and explaining fully why you're calling. It's important to reassure the former owner that you're just tracing the past history. Why? Because most folks will suspect that there's a problem with the car and you're looking for someone to assume responsibility.
Always give the individual the opportunity to phone you back--collect. The timing of your call may be bad, or the past owner may feel more comfortable verifying that you're who you claim to be.
Questions to ask an Owner.
How long did you own the car and do you remember when you bought it. (Even approximate dates are helpful, such as "late spring.")
Do you remember the previous owner's name and address or phone number? Or, do you remember how you found the car--local newspaper ad, magazine ad, tip from a friend?
Do you have any photos of the car that you could duplicate and send? (Offer to pay for the dupes and you're more likely to get them.)
Do you have any paperwork for the car such as repair slips, original documentation, owner's manual? (You may need to pay for these.)
Do you still have any parts for the car?
If you know or suspect that the car was modified, ask the past owner if he/she made the modifications or if they were done by a previous owner.
If you know or suspect that the car was in an accident, ask the past owner if he/she knows what happened, or if the repair was present when he/she bought the car. (You may need to reassure the owner again that you're only looking for information--not to cast blame.)
Ask the owner to share any special stories about the car, such as road trips taken or shows/races entered. Also ask the owner if he/she belonged to a car club with the car. (Take notes! Sometimes important tidbits come from these stories.)
Calling a Dealership or Auction House. Start by identifying yourself and explaining fully why you're calling. Again, it's important to reassure the person at the other end that you're just trying to trace the history of the car.
Questions to Ask a Dealership or Auction House.
Ask whether the business has a record of the individual or business from whom they bought the car.
Ask whether the business can provide you with the name and address, or whether they'll forward a letter from you to the past owner.
Ok, don't be surprised if you initially hit a roadblock here. Most businesses keep records; but, the records aren't always readily available--especially if the sale took place years ago. You may have to charm whoever you talk to in order to get the info you want. Be ready to chat for awhile if necessary. Also be ready to call back another time if the person you talk to is totally uncooperative.
Some businesses will be reluctant to release personal information. That's why you need to be prepared to have them forward a letter on your behalf. Sometimes, just offering that option will convince the person at the other end that you're sincere--and they'll either give you the information or accept your offer to let them be the go-between.
In part 4, you'll learn some techniques for composing letters to past owners. In a future article, I'll discuss some of the other challenges you may encounter with dealerships--especially when you're trying to contact one that sold a car 10 years ago.
All works contained herein are considered copyrighted subject matter and
cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the original author or the Yankee
Lady Corvette .
Copyright Barbara Spear 1996, 1997, January 1998