One more step today!
Got the Colorado emission test and "VIN Verification". That should be it. Just a trip to the DMV and I should have this nightmare behind me. Wish me luck.
(Edit) UUUuuhhhhh, I left out a big hunk of the story. Page one I posted a link to that get new title place. Well, I used them and I'll be damned if it doesn't actually work. They don't title cars that old in Maine, where this place is set up. So you fill out some forms and they register the car. Don't need a title, see? They send you plates and a Maine registration- which is all you would have if you were moving to Colorado from Maine. Every state has to accept that registration as a title. Or more accurately, they have to issue a title without surrendering an old one since it's coming from a "non title issuing jurisdiction". Bit of a racket, I guess, but it did work.
Got out to the DMV at lunch. I have Colorado plates and they tell me the title will come in the mail!
I did specifically say "and I'll get the title in the mail?" At first the woman said, "No, you didn't surrender a title, just a registration." So I explained that they don't title cars that old in Maine and told her to look at the back of the registration and she'll see it serves as the title. She looked confused, but walked back to a bookshelf and looked something up. She came back and said, "Ok, you'll get your title in the mail in five weeks."
So I think that's it! But I'm not calling it done until I have it in my hands.
Title came in the mail today.
I feel like I've won a small victory over the forces of evil. Or at least beat City Hall. Now that I have a clear title, that dealer is about to get both barrels. BBB, DMV Investigations division, anything else I can think of to make them think really hard about doing something like that to someone again.
I'm glad you found a solution. Many New England states don't bother titling cars under a certain value or over a certain age. Went through the process here in CA as well. The lady checked a reference on MA title law and that was that. I've lived in a few states. CA has the best DMV I've ever encountered.
First of all, someone has to investigate the dealer. If I understand correctly, he "lost" the paperwork. CA DMV (and the AG too) would like to know about that. Ask them to launch an investigation. The dealer may not have owned the car outright. BTW, while CA will guarantee receipt of a title in two or three weeks, I just got two in the mail from my visit to the DMV eight days ago.
Also, be prepared to wait on hold awhile. The operators are good but they there's not a lot of them. However, they'll steer you through the process.
I had to wait on hold for maybe 15 minutes each time I called. But that's not bad these days. When I got someone, each time it was someone who knew enough to help and was happy to do so. Totally impressed with California DMV. Not so much with Colorado DMV. They made it as difficult as possible.
I have the complaint form filled out already. Goes in the mail tomorrow. That dealer "messed with the wrong guy" as it were. It's my mission to make them feel pain for that. No way to treat anyone. I figure I have the means (thank God) to deal with them. It's on me to do so for the next guy who may not. The wrath of Ed will rain down upon them! lol Seriously sleezy outfit.
In reply to fast_eddie_72:
Defective title bonds are reasonably cheap. 1 percent of the vehicle value or a 100 bucks. check out this link: www.san-diego-auto-registration.com, they do this sort of stuff all the time.
I don't know about CA, but MN was way, way behind on processing titles (even before they shut down the gov't). I'm still waiting on one from April, and I checked, and it hasn't been lost or anything.
So what WAS the solution? I missed it. Might as well make use of the necrothread.
Title service. Cost some money, but was reasonably painless and title and plates are taken care of.
