Concord, CA asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for California

Q: I bought a car from a dealership in 5 years paid off the loan without missing/late payments, and never received a title

Contacted CA DMV with the notarized lien satisfaction letter and they don't have a title to issue me. Contacted the financial institution who were in charge of the loan and they don't have a title for the vehicle either. Registration states that No title issued/vehicle not transferable. Do I have grounds to file a lawsuit against the financial institution for not providing a title for a paid off vehicle?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Los Altos, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Assuming all facts to be true and correct and these are the only facts, yes, you would have a case v. Dealer and v. Holder of the contract, here, you've described them as a 'financial institution.'

The lawsuit may be substantial but if you are a non atty, you are more likely than not to miss any number of things, including scaring them at all. Further, since many of the consumer protection laws that could or should be used include the 'bad guys' having to pay your attorneys, there is no 'good' reason for not seeking out counsel imho.

Good luck with it.

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