Options for Dealing with Junker Car

[jessmiester]

My question involves vehicle registration or title in the state of: Virginia

I moved to VA from Missouri and my mom gave me her Ford Focus. When I moved and took the car, the car was up to date on registration, but my mom couldn't find the title at first. We figured that wouldn't be a problem since we had a year to find the title and handle the situation.

However, my mom couldn't find the title. In fact, she didn't find the title until early 2012, 2 years after the car tags expired! Being a teacher in Northern VA, I have barely been able to pay my bills, let alone save up for a car. Anyway, my mom sends me the title and, stupid me, I signed it and got my paperwork in order before I took it in for an inspection. My car won't pass an inspection without about $1,000 of work. The car is 12 years old with 200k miles on it and is worth about $300 on a good day. I don't want to waste my money to fix the car, then register it.

Do I have any options for getting rid of the car? Can I junk the car without a title? Will me getting rid of the car or abandoning the car have repercussions on my mom?

Any help would be appreciated!!

[Mr. Knowitall]

If it's your car, try to find a junk yard or similar buyer who will buy the car from you. If it's still mom's car, mom can do the same.

It's beyond obvious that your dumping a car that's still registered to your mother somewhere can have repercussions for your mother. That would be an exceptionally inconsiderate thing to do.