The answer is: sometimes the cars will show up as registered, other times not. A lot depends on the state and whether or not the dealers put the car in their name. I know some that do, and I know some that don't.

There are wholesalers who make their living snatching certain cars at auction. They get cars for a decent price, and KNOW that they can get more for them at another auction elsewhere, so that's excactly what they do.

Often a wholesaler picks up a car from the sale, and turns it to another auction. There are local wholesalers in that area who sometimes buy for dealers who can't spend all the time it takes jumping from auction to auction all week long. Either that or they have a call out for a specific car that they want on the lot. Sometimes that accounts for one or two more transfers.

Now, the possibility exists that the thing is a dog somehow, and nobody wants it. But a lot of disinformation exists out there, from people who really have no affiliation with, or knowledge of, how auctions, wholesalers, and dealers all exchange product.

Having said that, there ARE some disreputable people who wash titles. It's getting less effective by the year, but at the moment it can still be done.

Other dealerships like Carmax (national chain) routinely move their trade-in vehicles all over the country. A TX car can end up in a Chicagoland Carmax auction, be bought by someone who buys out of a Michigan dealership, and be sold to a person or dealer in Indiana.

Carfax is a business and like any business they're IN business to make money for Carfax. They have a useful service, particularly with respect to miles and mileage readings (where information is collected by smog stations). They DO sensationalize a lot of things, which people who know little if anything, jump to conclusions over. It's like anything else--some of it is true, and some of it is hype. There are major holes in the reporting structure that allow "spinners" to take advantage of the high mileage, good condition cars, and give them a little adjustment back to "low" mileage. But Carfax does NOT advertise that possible loophole since it's not in their interest. Unfortunately it IS in the interest of the consumer... but it would negatively impact Carfax's business.

The bottom line is, you should look into it, but not every transaction implies a problem.
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1992 940 wagon, 72k
make people envious; smile frequently.