I’m Stuck With a $31K Chevy Silverado Yard Ornament, the Dealer Failed To Give Me a Title, Now, 5 Months In They Sold the Store and Closed the Doors

"What would you do if you were stuck with a $31,000 Chevy Silverado yard ornament? That's what this is." 

That's what Lanna (@lanna7900) said in her TikTok clip about a Chevrolet Silverado pickup she purchased from a Chevrolet dealer in Georgia. She now has a truck she can't drive, and it's been sitting in her driveway for nearly five months. Here is what all car buyers need to know. 

Lanna says, "So, I purchased this 2015 Chevy Silverado back on December 13th and paid $31,000 cash to the Chevy Dealer in Waynesboro, Georgia. I waited for the standard amount of time (six weeks) I needed for the county to receive it so I could register the vehicle and get license plates." 

Before Lanna tells her story, imagine buying a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado pickup for $31,000 cash. The truck has low miles, it's in great shape, and you made a deal with your local Chevrolet dealer and drove it home. 

You love the truck, but drive it for six weeks, and the temporary license plate tag expires. You go to the county office to get your new plates, and they inform you that they don't have any paperwork from the dealer. 

You return to the Chevrolet dealer where you purchased the truck, and they inform you they don't have the title. The dealer issues you another temporary license permit, and you drive the truck with plates that expire six weeks later. 

Lanna's story takes a twisted turn.

"I expected the vehicle title to be there. However, when I got to the county motor vehicle office, I discovered the dealer had failed to send it to the county. They had not received any paperwork from the dealer." 

"So, I came home and contacted the Chevy dealer, who informed me they were having difficulty getting the title. They said I needed to give them a week or so, and if the temporary tag expires, 'don't worry, you'll be able to get an extension. All you have to do is go to the tag office.'"

It's two months, and Lanna still doesn't have a title.

"After the extension expired, I returned to the county tag office, and they said, no, we still don't have any paperwork. And now it's February, and I still don't have a title. The county says I need to contact the dealer."

"I contacted the Chevrolet dealer again and explained the situation to them, and they turned around and informed me I needed to come in again, and they will give me another temporary permit that will last until April 21st." 

"So, I ask them why this is taking so long. Where is the title, and what is the problem?"

The Chevy dealer is now going to be sold.

"They then told me the dealership is about to be sold, they are backed up in title paperwork, and they told me they would not be able to get me the tile now until after they sell the dealership. They are having a problem with several vehicles."

"We gave the dealer another ten days to produce a title. Did I get it? No." 

"I get back on the phone and call the Chevrolet dealer. And then, to my surprise, all the phones have been disconnected. So, the paperwork for the second temporary tag has expired." 

"I contacted the county office again and asked them if they had received my truck's paperwork and title. They said no, we have not received anything from the dealer."

"So, on April 22nd, I returned to the Chevy dealer in Waynesboro, and only one person was in the building. I talked to the gentleman. He said the dealership had already been sold, and no one there can help me."  

Lanna contacts the attorney general. 

"I just sent a letter to the Georgia state attorney general and politely asked why we don't have a title to this truck."

What Is the Normal Vehicle Title Transfer Process? 

Georgia DMV says that the title transfer process can vary if you pay cash for a truck at a dealership. You may sometimes receive the title and vehicle on the same day. However, it's more common for the title to be mailed to you within a few weeks, potentially taking 2-6 weeks. The exact timeframe depends on the state's processes and whether the paperwork is submitted electronically or manually. 

In Lanna's case, the paperwork was never sent to the county. 

Here's what should have happened: 

• Same-day title transfer: Some dealerships may be able to transfer the title immediately upon purchase, especially if they are handling the paperwork electronically.
• Mailed title: It's more common for the title to be sent to the buyer by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles after processing the paperwork.
• Timeframe: While some states may be quicker with the title processing, you can generally expect to receive the title within 2 to 6 weeks.
• Factors affecting timeframe: State processes, whether the paperwork is submitted electronically or manually, and any potential delays within the state's DMV can all affect the timeframe.

To get a more specific timeline for your situation, you can: 

• Check with the dealership: Ask them about their title transfer process and how long it typically takes.
• Visit your state's DMV website: Many states have information about title transfer processes and timelines available on their websites.

What Should Car Buyers Do If They Can't Get a Title?

Just Answer says that if a car dealer sells you a car and then cannot provide the title, you should immediately contact the dealer to request the title and understand the situation. If the dealer is unresponsive or unable to provide the title, you should contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and consider consulting with an attorney specializing in consumer protection or auto law. In some cases, you may need to pursue legal action to get your money back or force the dealer to obtain a title for the vehicle. 

Steps You Can Take: Rocket Money says, 

1. Contact the Dealer:

• Express your concern about the missing title and demand that they provide it. 
• Request a clear explanation for the delay and a timeline for obtaining the title. 
• Document all communication with the dealer, including dates, times, and names of individuals contacted. 

 2. Contact Your State's DMV: 

• Explain the situation to the DMV and inquire about your rights and options.
• They can advise you on state laws regarding title transfer, registration, and potential recourse.
• Some states may offer a process for obtaining a "bonded title" when the original title is unavailable.

 Conclusion:

Lanna did all the right things to obtain a title to the Chevrolet Silverado she purchased. However, when the dealership was sold, it would be a longer process. Lanna should consult with an attorney next. 

Here are the steps car buyers should take:

Seek Legal Advice: 

• Consult with a lawyer: If you have difficulty resolving the issue, a lawyer specializing in consumer protection or auto law can provide guidance and legal representation. 

Report the Situation:

• File a complaint with the Attorney General or Consumer Protection Agency: If the dealership's actions were fraudulent or deceptive, file a complaint with the appropriate agency. 
• Contact the Secretary of State's office: They can provide guidance and help you understand your options. 

Lanna concludes, "I still can't drive my Chevy Silverado pickup, which I bought four and a half months ago. It's just an expensive $31,000 lawn ornament now." 

How About You?

Have you purchased a vehicle from a car dealer, and they did not produce a title? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my undelievable Chevrolet Silverado story: I Bought a New Chevy Silverado, 4 Months In, the Bank Wants $35K From Me On My Old Truck, the GMC Dealer Never Paid It Off

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Lanna