Abandoned car on someone’s property
Location: Oregon.
I just got a notice of a lien on an “abandoned” (I have the title) vehicle that a family member agreed to have on their property. It’s been there for years. I reported this person to the authorities for something unrelated, and in retaliation they have had my car towed without warning. I don’t want the car at this point, but the tow company says I have to pay to have it released to a wrecking yard.
It’s old and not worth anything, so there’s no wrecking yard that would pay. I would have to pay then have the yard remove it. Each day it accrues fees until auction (they said I’m responsible for $3k if it doesn’t sell), and I’m four hours away and talked to another tow company that says I can’t be charged for an abandoned vehicle, but I’m seeing the opposite when I look it up, that I can be charged and will be charged fees and go to collections if I don’t. Do I have any options since the vehicle was towed without permission? I was going to go to the DMV and try to revoke ownership.
Posted Feb 7, 2026, 11:06 PM UTC