I paid a dealer to purchase a car at an auction and covered all the TT&L fees. But it’s been weeks and I still haven’t gotten the tags or title. The dealer told me not to contact him and said he’d charge $500 if he ‘chooses’ to respond. Anyone know what I can do? It’s been super frustrating.
Ugh, that’s a nightmare. Have you tried going to the DMV to get a duplicate title? You might need the bill of sale.
Perrin said:
Ugh, that’s a nightmare. Have you tried going to the DMV to get a duplicate title? You might need the bill of sale.
I was wondering if I should use the bill of sale from the auction or the one from the dealer. And does that assume the dealer filed the title transfer?
@Leith
I think it depends on where you want to register it. You could try with either one, but if the dealer didn’t file it, that might be a headache.
That’s so shady. Honestly, if the guy isn’t licensed, I’d file a complaint with the attorney general. You’ve already put a lot of money into this.
Bryn said:
That’s so shady. Honestly, if the guy isn’t licensed, I’d file a complaint with the attorney general. You’ve already put a lot of money into this.
Yeah, I’m thinking about doing that. The dealer did the inspection too, which feels off. Would it help my case if he’s unlicensed?
@Leith
Not sure, but it could make things harder for him. Also, check if there are any fraud laws in your state around unlicensed dealers. Could help.
It sounds like you were sold ‘as is,’ which can be tricky. But if the dealer didn’t follow through with filing the title, that’s on him.
Perrin said:
It sounds like you were sold ‘as is,’ which can be tricky. But if the dealer didn’t follow through with filing the title, that’s on him.
Yeah, I get the ‘as is’ part, but everything happened before I took possession of the car. That feels different.
@Leith
I totally get it. You might have a case for that if it wasn’t disclosed properly. Have you considered asking a lawyer about it?
I think the dealer has to provide temporary plates by law, so you might have some leverage there. I’d definitely look into it!
Zen said:
I think the dealer has to provide temporary plates by law, so you might have some leverage there. I’d definitely look into it!
Yeah, I asked about temp plates and he’s just refusing. It’s frustrating. Do you think I can still sue for that or is it not worth it?
@Leith
It’s tricky, but if he’s not licensed and refusing to provide proper documentation, you might have something. It’s worth talking to a lawyer.
It’s definitely a gray area, but if you’re not getting anything from the dealer, I’d say it’s worth pursuing, especially if they’re being this difficult.
Bryn said:
It’s definitely a gray area, but if you’re not getting anything from the dealer, I’d say it’s worth pursuing, especially if they’re being this difficult.
Thanks for the advice. I think I’ll look into it more. I’m just so frustrated that no one’s helping.