Q: I ordered a boat in Missouri and got an INITIAL Purchase Agreement. I was told that this IPA would get the boat building
process started and if I didn't want the boat once it was built, they would sell it at their dealership. I electronically signed the paperwork but they did not. About a month later I received a Final purchase agreement from the bus. manager and it was for $9,000 less. I liked that price so I told the bus. manager I wanted to put money down to hold the boat. I put $30,000 down. When they started building the boat at the factory, I put another $50,000 down. When the boat was delivered to the dealer, I wired the final payment and drove from MI (where I live) to MO to pick up the boat. I signed the FINAL Purchase Agreement at the dealer and they gave me a copy w $0 unpaid balance, an app. for Michigan title, and I drove home with the boat. 3 days later they emailed me and said they didn't know what happened but that I now owe them $9000. They refuse to send title. I just realized there was no place for them to sign final papers. Can they withhold the title? What are my options? Thanks
A: They are withholding the title, so the answer to your question of whether they can hold the title is "yes." The better question is whether you would be in strong legal position if you were to sue. Any attorney would need to review your contract and be hired in order to give you sound legal advice. You have a lot invested in the boat, You should have a thorough consultation with a Missouri attorney. Hopefully, I strong letter from an attorney will resolve the matter. If that does not work, you may have to file a lawsuit.
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