Overhaulin'

At what point do I sign the title for an auto?

I am engaged in a drawn-out auto sale (I am the buyer) with a difficult (to say the least) dealer. As per some responses on here to other questions, he is a "front yard" dealer. He seems to have no clue what is procedural; rather, he seems to be an independent car salesman that happens to have a small office and a dealer's license. Admittedly, this is my first auto purchase. But I don't expect the dealer to seem as uncertain of what should be standard operating procedure as I am! My financial institution has a check-for-title policy. Because of this man's belligerence (and that's being nice), the credit union has overridden its policy by sending to him a Guarantee (agreement) to sign, stating that if they (override their rules to) produce for him a check first (as he insists upon) he will in turn make the CU the lienholder on the title and send the title to the CU. The dealer called us this evening, again insisting that I return to this town (2-hrs one way, but still here in the state of Ohio) and sign the title. He is saying that there is a place on the back that requires my signature. From what I am gathering, and per the instructions of the CU, I am only to be given a "memo title"... Other sources are further adding that I should not have nor sign the official title until no more monies are owed on the car loan and the car is mine, free-and-clear. Please advise. THANKS, in advance! Essentially, also, I have the bill of sale, which was given to my CU to close out the loan. I faxed to the dealer the CU's Dealer Confirmation Letter and Security Agreement verifying the monies and his dealership as payee. We closed on the loan; yet the dealer has refused to follow the instructions in said confirmation letter and simply send the completed title to the CU (lienholder)--so that he can get his money, which was his departure point from reason. ...Ergo this exception in policy just to try to take care of business (which still is not quite happening). Can any of you please clarify for me at what point I am to sign this title? At the transfer of ownership or once the loan is satisfied? Is the dealer to put my name on it without me actually signing it at this time? (If it is indeed true that I am not to sign the title until the loan with the lienholder is satisfied, I am amazed that by the dealer's insistence upon me returning to sign it he apparently does not know that...)

Public Comments

1. You only sign the title when you sell the car or when the lienholder is satisfied. Not when you buy the car.
2. You will sign the title where it lists 'Seller' once the transaction is complete. Make sure they sign their names as well. Good luck and I hope this helps.