what's the best way to secure a transaction.

[4RE KLR]

The bank does have means for doing this. As a former Banker, we did this type of transaction all the time.

Contact the bank, verify payoff. Speak with a human being, and get a name. Tell him/her the car owner will be calling them. Then have the owner contact them and release the title "subject to" payoff of a specific amount by a specific day.

If you are happy with the details of the purchase, have your bank wire transfer the funds to the sellers bank to be credited to the seller "Subject to" release of the title and ownership of the vehicle to you (or your bank if their is a lien).

I would suggest you going to your bank and borrowing $1,000 or $2,000 on the car, let them take the responsibility of the transfer of the paperwork. When they get the paperwork clear, payoff the note. This is the cleanest way to do it and your bank will make damn sure you get the correct paperwork. This route would also save you the $50.00 wire transfer fee.