If you still have the VIN, you may be able to use carfax and get a vehicle history. The vehicle history report "I THINK" will have the names of all of the people the car was and is titled to. The cost is like 29 bucks but it may get you what you want. Also, if you know the state where the car was sold last, the department of motor-vehicles may be able to give the info about its status. Lastly, the local dealer may be able to help if the owner has it serviced there.
Prospero