Selling a car in US

My car is in the custody of DS -- he's probably used it more than me anyway.  It would be a good idea for me to sell it and now he tells me there are some serious problems with it and he would like to trade it in.  The title and registration (MA) are in my name.  DH's medical issues at the moment make it awkward for me to just fly back (not to mention the cost and the fact that I've just submitted my passport for renewal!)

There was an earlier thread on this topic and someone suggested getting the title FedEx'd, signing it and then sending it back.  I would probably have to draw up a bill of sale as well.  Any other ideas on what might work?  I could "gift" it to him but suspect he would get clobbered with tax.

Maybe DS could run it by the dealer he is planning to trade the car with?
 Since they deal with cars/registrations/titles etc.... all the time, maybe they could give you/DS suggestions on how to handle this the easiest/least expensive way? Good luck!

You could gift the car to him - in most states, the tax is paid on book value when he registers it and applies for a title in his name, and it's miniscule in the grand scheme of things.

Alternatively, if the dealer is willing, you could by-pass your son and sign the title over to the dealer as the trade in. If it's in really bad shape, he won't get much for it as you already know.

Just wanted to add that I sold my car to my parents in MA, and thought they'd have to pay sales tax. The DMV informed my parents that they exempted family from paying sales tax. This was about 1 year ago. The transfer wasn't complicated. My parents were able to register it at the DMV without me, and it happened when I was out of the country. The only thing I did was sign the title over in advance of the "date of sale." Good luck!

Thanks for all good suggestions.  Appreciate the info on MA transfer, julianedea.