Overhaulin'

can a dealership sell you a car when they cant obtain the title?

ok this is my issue, i bought a used car from a dealership on dec. 5th 2007. the guy who sold us the car told us that the title would be mailed to us once the check cleared. well the check cleared and the money was takin out of my fiances account, but no title was ever recieved. 30 days passed and my 30day tags expired... i went to the dealership and they said that they still hadnt recieved my title. ok, so they put another set of 30 day tags on. again the tags expired, no title... and again they had to put another (3rd) set of 30 day tags on the car. now we are just getting the run around about the car title and where it is. the dealership still hasnt recieved the title yet. what is the law in regards to selling a car that the dealership cannot obtain the title for in 30days? they said to my father that if they cant get the title they have to buy my car back even though i put tires, brakes and a stereo in it. for all that they put me through, should i get a discount on my next car? should i contact a lawyer???

Public Comments

1. Most usually a title will be delayed but only a few weeks not months, i would take the car back and make them refund my money and with reciepts in hand for all that you put into it. They made a ton of money on you , and you need to stand up for your rights, The dealership should have filled out a Affitdavit for lost title if not they need to get going, check with licensing to see who the former owner was, see if they live near you, you could try phoning them to see if they have the title. Have you done a car fax report, it might be a stolen or flooded car from down south.... Good luck, and i wouldn't buy a car from them again/.... Stand up and get your money back
2. First, it is totally NOT legal for a dealership to sell a vehicle without title, but dealers in all states do it all the time. It is also illegal for them to print you out new temporary plates, but at least they're keeping you legal to drive. A dealer has 30 days to get you the title, and (I can't believe they admitted it) if they haven't received a title yet, then you need to report them to the state and get the dealer inspector out. Unless, of course, you live in Minnesota and the dealer means they are still waiting on the title from the state, because Minnesota takes forever. They might unwind the deal for you and give you your money back, but I highly doubt they would give you money for tires and a stereo. If anything, they'll take the stereo out and give it to you. But most definitely contact the state ASAP. This has gone on for way too long.
3. that is weird...how come they didn't file a lost title form through your state dmv? forget the last paragraph...do you want them to make money on you twice? attorneys cost $$$$ if you have to contact bbb (better business bureau, or your consumer agency in your state)