Title problem with dealer - whose problem is it to fix?
Hi!
First time caller.
My GF’s daughter bought a used car from a dealer about 4 hours from home.
Financed locally, dealer sent her temp tags. Fast forward six weeks and the dealer texted her, stating:
“The title is still not in unfortunately and I can Federal Express you a dealer plate to use but we need a $200 deposit. Can you please call in with a $200 deposit and then we can send you the dealer plate. We will credit it back once we get the plate back.”
Questions I have that I don’t know the answers to:
- Is the dealer trying to fleece her for more 💰?
2a) Could the car have a lien on it that the dealer didn’t know about, leading to the title holdup?
2b) And if so, is it on the dealer to clean that up?
Should/Could the dealer just issue another set of temp tags until they get the title worked out?
is there another scenario I’m forgetting or not considering?
It just seems odd to me that they’re after her for money when it’s the bank who gets the title… not her.
I’m not an expert in this stuff, but also not afraid to hop on a call with the dealer and get this worked out. Unfortunately, they looked at the two ladies (her mom as well) like they’ve never bought a car before. Rolling eyes here but maybe the dealer needs a man to talk to them.
Help!