But what if the legal owner of the car is no where to be found? The guy selling the car for parts said that he cant get ahold of the guy and the car has been siting in his drive way for 3 years, and has not seen/talked to the guy.

Do I just need to get the VIN, take it (where?), and have them run it through there computer and then I find out if it was reported stolen, and if it is, then I dont want anyting to do with it, and if it has not been reported stolen, what can I do it the legal owner is no where to be found?

Technicaly the guy selling the car for parts, is not legaly aloud to do that is he?