The Missouri legislature may change state law so that cars that have been totaled only have to show that on their titles for three years. Currently, the law says seven years.

So let's say you're looking at a used car, and it was totaled four years ago. If this bill becomes law, there's no legal obligation to inform you of that damage.

Critics say the law would potentially put wrecked and /or dangerous cars on the road without the buyers' knowledge. There's no question that more information is better than less.

But let me say this: relying on a title search alone when buying a used car is playing with fire. There have been numerous criticisms of carfax.com, one title search company, for promoting itself as much more thorough than it actually is. That's why in our All About Autos publication (see p. 10), we say the most important thing you can do is have the car inspected by an independent mechanic that you trust - not one hired by the seller.

Missouri law also doesn't require flood damage to be listed on a title. Again: have your mechanic check it out.