Car title/ transfer question

[turbosam6]

Before you say anything, I know I'm an idiot.

I bought a mustang last month, early july I think. Anyway, the guy had just transferred the title to his self, he had been sitting on it for awhile. he tells me he will send the title as soon as he gets it. I ran a carfax, and the car has a clean title, which he confirmed. I have his old plates and his registration, and the reciept from when he transferred the title. I also had him sign a contract which states basically if I don't get a clean title to this car he will refund the purchase price and come get the car. We both signed the contract and had 2 witnesses sign also (my friend and his friend). The problem is, I haven't got the title yet and somethings up. First, he gets it from the state and supposedly sends it, but after I call to tell him I haven't got it, it was returned to him because the address was wrong or some crap. (He only has my address on like 5 pieces of paper, but whatever) So he gets my address (again) and mails it last thursday. Today is wednesday and no title. I called him back and he says he hasn't seen it either, that he mailed it. I only live about 8 hours from this guy, so the mail shouldn't take very long. I get the sinking feeling I am getting shafted here. I know with the contract that worst case scenario he will have to buy it back, but I don't want to do that. If he physically lost the title, what do we do? What else can I do? I called the motor vehicle dept. for his state, and they confirmed that they sent the title to him. What should I do?

 

[1ARUNEM]

If the title has actually gotten "lost in the mail", all he has to do is apply for a lost title and they will issue a duplicate.
Did you have him mail it "certified"?

All you can do now is give it a little time. If it does not show up, he will have to do the lost title deal.

Goodluck..

 

[kh440]

I would have to agree on both suggestions. Someone file for a lost title and make sure ir gets sent priotity or certified mail (traceable)

 

[turbosam6]

OK, this guy is still f**king me around. I see no benefit to him not sending me the title. I know he is lying, but its hard to call him on it from so far away. First it gets sent back to him, now its lost in the mail. Right, like I'm that stupid. I know it has a clear title, I have the carfax, I even called the Kentucky dept. of motor vehicles title division and they confirmed that they issued him a title. So we know he has it, its a good title, and he legally must give it to me. He lives in Sommerset KY, maybe someone close could just get it for me and send it to me? I'd be forever indebted to you! I'm just so pissed right now, too much crap going on at work and stuff and this guy is just another problem.

 

[GNFURY]

DUDE, I don't know what state you live in, but in ohio, you can go on the dmv website and punch in the VIN#, and it will tell you who the car is titled to. Do dat. Did he have the title flipped into YOUR name, then "mail" it to you? If so, just go get a duplicate.

 

[bishir]

Most states offer a Fast Title for an additional charge of ~ 7 bucks. That means the license branch could have printed a new title for you ON THE SPOT. Trust me, I didn't know about it until I told them I needed it fast one time.

 

[dhauser]

Here is what you do. If you haven't called him, do so. Calmly let him know that he is responsible for getting you the title, lost or not. Tell him you are done being patient and saying "Please." If he doesn't do so within 15 days, you are going to file suit in small claims court in his home county for breach of contract. Be prepared to follow up. It only costs about $25 to file, but you'd have to be present to make your case. Oh, and let him know you will be retaining an attorney to advise you, and claiming those costs in the suit as well.

Another route you might try, albeit less desirable IMO, is this:

Every major city has a title and license "Office" that is not a gov't outlet, but is run by a small business who does the "running" for dealers when it comes to title work. Dealers pay these guys a small fee, and in exchange they can get things done with titles that normal citizens cannot. Trust me, I've been there, done that, and they are a LIFESAVER when you really need them. Just go to a couple small but successful used car dealers and find out who they use to run their title work through the state. The only hiccup is that if you have no title to begin with, they may be of limited help.

 

[AZ Vic]

See what ya get for buying a ferd??

Sorry, just kidding.... If you threaten this guy with a suit it is going to just cause problems.

#1. Calm down. Try to be professional about this. You have the car and a contract, you know the guy has a clear title in his name so he has no intrest to screw you.

#2. Call him and let him know that you haven't received it yet. Don't get pissy with him. find out when he sent it and wait a few more days... is the car going to dissapear if you don't get the title? No. Maybe the guy has sloppy handwriting and the post office is having trouble reading it, maybe that letter for some reason ended up in the wrong truck... yadda yadda.

Ask if he can send a duplicate title directly from the DMV to you if it does not require a notary to be transferred.

Just think, what does he have to benefit from not sending you the title... I would think that worst case he is just lazy and had not sent it out yet and you should get it any day...

Most people - whether in the wrong or not - DO NOT respond well to threats of lawsuits. Letters from attorneys and subpoenas - yes, but not idle threats. If in a couple weeks you still haven't gotten it - then get an attorney to write a letter or file the suit yourself and have him served... I dunno maybe you are allready at that point.

Good luck whatever route you go.

Vic

 

[turbosam6]

I've been very nice so far. I will give anyone the benefit of the doubt, but I'm not stupid, and only buy so many excuses before the common denominator (him) is the only real problem. I hate to threaten him, because it may even slow things down, but if it comes to it I will. I tried calling the Ky dept of titles or whatever it was, but with the title still being in his name, they can't do much. Guess I'll just sit here, he's not answering his phone anymore, so now what? Maybe a letter from my lawyer? Why can't people do even the simplest of tasks? Damn.......