Hi, three weeks ago I purchased a car for which I paid $12K cash from a local dealer. I received the title which had a lien noted and the lien release letter from the bank. I went to register the car and was told from the DMV officer that I was unable to register the vehicle because the name of the lien release does not match the name on the title, in addition I had been given a copy of the lien release and I would need the original corrected document to register the car, was advised to go back to the dealer who should have gotten a clean title before selling the car.

I called the dealer and have sent numerous e-mails, I was told the document was mailed to me a week ago and I have not received it yet. I called him back and now he is not returning my phone calls nor my e-mails. In an effort to take care of this myself, I called the bank that has the lien on the vehicle, but was told that because I am not on the title nor am I on the lien release they can't provide any information on this lien, they won't even tell me if this vehicle has been paid or not. ( I was told by the dealer this vehicle was paid for hence the lien release letter), they advise that I go back to the dealer who, by the way, should have gotten a clean title before selling me the car.

I'm growing very concerned because the temp plates I purchased from this dealer expire in 1 week and I won't be able to park off the street without plates, I don't have a driveway. Not to mention that I won't be able to drive the vehicle and I need it for work and to take my kids to school.

My question, can I sue this dealer if I don't receive the document needed to register the car? If so, what kind of outcome should I expect?

Very confused...

Yes you may sue the dealer, in fact I would go in and demand all my money back now or the paper work now. If they refuse, let them know you will leave their office and go and file a law suit for the money you are out.

Also report them to the state license department that does car dealers

Also there may be come criminal issues of selling a car they did not have clear title to do so.

Hi Fr_Chuck, thanks for answering my question, my advise is very much appreciated. However, asking for my money back is not an option for me. I have now money invested in this vehicle on repairs and insurance. I sold the car I owned to have enough money to purchase this vehicle, I had to drive 2 hours to this dealer plus all the time I've had to dedicate to call and e-mail these people and all the frustration that comes with not getting any resolutions... sigh... I just feel if I don't get this document I should be entitle to more than just the purchase price of the vehicle. What r your thoughts? How much do think is fair to ask for?

Most likely not, if you put money into repair of that car, what you can get back may even depend on the judge, if it was me and I was suing, I would add up and sue for anything I could dream of, then the judge and not allow or allow.

Dealers are very heavily watched in most states and this is a criminal act and fraud. Start with the state website for complaints against dealers (possibly under AG office, consumer protection) and the DMV. But yes you are going to have to sue. I'd even drive the two hours and get the local police over there and make a huge stink.