My Expensive BMW X1 SUV Is Collecting Dust In My Driveway Because I Can’t Drive It, and The Dealer Refuses To Give Me a Title

"I have an expensive BMW sitting in my driveway, and I can't drive the car because the dealer can't give me a title. It's just sitting, collecting dust."

That's what Erika Hester told ABC6 News in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Now, she's out thousands of dollars, close to $8,000, after buying a BMW X1 SUV from Auto Emporium in N.J. that's just sitting in her driveway, a stark reminder of the financial loss she's incurred.

Imagine buying a BMW X1 because you like the small luxury SUV, and it's something that fits your budget. You drive the car until the 45-day temporary license expires, and then go to the DMV to get your license plates. 

However, when you ask to get your new license plates, they tell you they have not received any paperwork from the dealer. So, you call the dealer, and they don't explain why they don't have a title. They don't even try to help you. It turns out to be a nightmare.

While waiting for the title, you must spend hundreds of dollars on Uber rides to get groceries and go to your job. But you still haven't received a title to your BMW. 

You are desperate, so that's when you call ABC6 Action News.

Let's pick up Erika's story. 

"My 2016 BMW X1 has been sitting for three months now. I went to the county DMV, but I couldn't get the car registered."

"I couldn't drive it. It just sat in the driveway for months. My expensive BMW has been sitting for three months."

Erika says, "I can't get my down payment back from the dealer, which was $8,000, and I need that money to put down on another vehicle."

"I found the BMW at Auto Emporium after searching on the internet and found a car I could afford."  

The dealer never produced a title.

"So, I couldn't get it registered, I couldn't even drive it. It sat in the driveway for three months, she says with disappointment. "At first, I had to walk to get anywhere. I work at night, so I had to get an Uber to get around. And that gets expensive after a while."

"So, going grocery shopping and anywhere, I had to take an Uber."

Not only has this resulted in a financial loss, but it has also greatly impacted her daily life. She has recently filed a lawsuit against the N.J. car dealer.

A quick Google search shows that the dealer is closed. 

Auto Emporium has been in business for two years and has an "F" Better Business Bureau rating. 

Reasons for an "F" rating

• 6 complaints filed against the business
• Failure to respond to 6 complaints filed against the business.

Erika is not the only customer who has not received a title after buying a vehicle at the N.J. dealer.

Hugh Webb of Brooklyn, N.Y., has had a similar experience.

Webb told ABC6 Action News, "We were looking to get our down payment back," an amount of $2,000, he told them.

Hugh said he and his girlfriend bought a BMW from Auto Emporium earlier this year and did not receive a title either. The NYPD then towed the BMW for having unregistered plates. After calling Auto Emporium, Hugh was shocked by their response.

"So he told us to pay for it and get it towed back to Jersey City," said Webb.

"We were like, 'No, that's going to cost us money. We don't have that money.'"

Webb threatened to sue the dealer, but couldn't believe what they said." They were so nonchalant, like, whatever, take us to court. You probably won't see your money for a year or two."

"So I was like, 'Wow, it's like they've been through this before, you know?"

Erika concluded," I just didn't think it was fair. And I think that if they've done that to me, they've done it to other people, and I believe that Auto Emporium should be ashamed."

What Should Customers Do If They Don't Receive a Title From a Car Dealer?

Not receiving a car title can lead to serious consequences, including legal issues and financial loss. 

Just Answer says, if a customer doesn't receive a car title from a dealer after purchasing a vehicle, the first step is to contact the dealership directly and inquire about the title's status. If the issue persists, the customer should contact their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and provide the purchase documents. They may also need to file a complaint with the relevant consumer protection agency or legal authorities. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of potential actions:

1. Contact the Dealership: Ask the dealer about the title. They may have submitted the paperwork to the DMV, but it's simply taking time to process. 

2. Contact the DMV: If the dealer can't provide the title or explain the delay, contact your state's DMV. They can check the vehicle's registration status and provide more information about the title. 

3. File a Complaint: If the dealer is unresponsive or the DMV cannot resolve the issue, file a complaint with your state's consumer protection agency, the Better Business Bureau, or the state's Attorney General's office. 

4. Consider Legal Action: If the issue is unresolved, consult an attorney to explore potential legal options, such as suing the dealership for violating consumer protection laws or failing to fulfill their contractual obligations. 

5. Bankrate says Request a Replacement Title: If the title was lost or damaged, you can request a replacement title from the DMV. The dealer should be able to assist with this process. 

6. Check for Liens: If the vehicle was financed, ensure the lender clears the lien on the title before you can receive a clear title. 

Conclusion:

Erika and Hugh were victims of a fraudulent and dishonest car dealer. They did everything they could to get a title for their BMWs. Unfortunately, the dealer has closed. Now, it's in the hands of the attorneys and the court. 

Here is another story of a 2015 Chevy Silverado buyer whose truck is now a year old. Lanna purchased a Chevrolet Silverado pickup for cash, and the dealer failed to give her a title to the truck. It's been nearly five months, and she's still waiting. Check out Lanna's unbelievable story.  

How About You?

Have you purchased a vehicle, and the dealer did not produce a title? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and tell us about your experience.

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