Overhaulin'

Impound for forgotten ticket=susp lic, had resolved w/ police dept, etc, bank refuses to give car to owner now

A ticket was mistakenly not paid, car was impounded in Los Angeles. Son took care of all issues regarding an abstract and license renewal, was waiting for the DMV to receive abstract for a total of 11 impound days. On day 12, son went to Police Dept to obtain release from the impound and was informed the financier, Wachovia Bank, had arrived an hour beforehand and took vehicle. All payments on loan are current and insurance and registration free and clear. Bank would not return calls for 5 days or any information or how to obtain the car. After many calls, finally was told the bank would not release car, and would be selling it off at auction due to the impound. Would not give any possibility of paying them the tow fees back or even discuss other than their "impound is why we are taking the car." Were told by the bank legal department that the vehicle had been there over 30 days... clearly mistaken information. Have any idea what direction to head? CANNOT EVEN WORK W/O A CAR !

Public Comments

1. Try legal assistance- a lawyer may be able to file, and block the sale. There are also free legal advice websites like freelegaladvice.com ---google for others. Keep complaining to the higher ups, take notes and document all conversations. Try the CEO of the bank. Bottom line is read your loan agreement, you may not have a case, even so try appealing anyway, you may get someone to intervene if your stress the hardship and poor customer service and how this would be a blight on their reputation and integrity. Also does your local newspaper or news have a citizens help line? Or write letters to the editors. File a complaint with the BBB. Research what State Department oversees and regulates wachovia and contact them to complain and enlist their assistance. Good luck!