1996 Firebird--bad engine, lost keys (Page 1/1)
starlightcoupe JUL 22, 10:44 PM
A fellow on craigslist has a '96 Firebird that he said has a bad engine--won't start. I asked what codes it threw and he said he didn't have keys or the ignition but had keys made at a dealership using the VIN number but the key wouldn't fit. This is the car: http://corvallis.craigslist.../ptd/4575903396.html

Since he can't turn the ignition, the car can't be moved other than with rollers. My 2008 Pontiac can't be started and the steering wheel can't be turned without the proper key. I assume in both instances, the VATS keeps it from being turned without the proper key. Am I right? I don't know if this is true but the guy selling the car said the Firebird has two sets of keys--one for the ignition and another for the doors and trunk. I asked if he had the fob and he said he didn't. I didn't ask the guy if he had a valid title but it sounds kind of fishy to me.

If a dealership can't make a key that will work, what is another solution?
tesmith66 JUL 23, 06:21 AM
KINDA fishy?? Walk away, man.
Fiero84Freak JUL 23, 07:52 AM
Yeah I'd run FAR away from that. You can find running 4th gen LT1 Firebirds for not much more money than that. Compared to post-'98 LS1 cars, the LT1 cars have dropped in market quite a bit. I see them all day $3,500-$4,500 around me. I would pay a little more for one that doesn't have unknown engine or title issues.

[This message has been edited by Fiero84Freak (edited 07-23-2014).]

RWDPLZ JUL 23, 08:19 AM
No keys, no title, no thanks.
starlightcoupe JUL 23, 12:04 PM
Thanks for your replies. I wanted to flip the car after talking to him but the more I thought about it, I wondered if it was stolen.

I think Oregon has a three year statute of limitations on cars so you can steal a car, keep it in a barn for three years and go to DMV and get a clean title. At least that is my interpretation of the law. I heard about it on Lars Larson and couldn't believe it but my father in law, who has lived here all his life, verified it. That three year figure popped in my head last evening when I called the guy and he said he bought the car in AZ three years ago for a friend but the guy died and he has had it in his storage unit this whole time.

Again, thanks and I will walk away!!

Richard
pontiackid86 AUG 10, 01:59 AM

quote
Originally posted by starlightcoupe:

Thanks for your replies. I wanted to flip the car after talking to him but the more I thought about it, I wondered if it was stolen.

I think Oregon has a three year statute of limitations on cars so you can steal a car, keep it in a barn for three years and go to DMV and get a clean title. At least that is my interpretation of the law. I heard about it on Lars Larson and couldn't believe it but my father in law, who has lived here all his life, verified it. That three year figure popped in my head last evening when I called the guy and he said he bought the car in AZ three years ago for a friend but the guy died and he has had it in his storage unit this whole time.

Again, thanks and I will walk away!!

Richard




I don't know how true that is, most states see a vehicle as owned/registered property meaning some ones title is proof of there ownership even if the car should resurface 10 years from now, that statute pertains to petty theft not grand theft auto.