Out-of-State Buyers Beware
On 11/10/2024, I found a - eakinsane
Out-of-State Buyers Beware
On 11/10/2024, I found a listing on Car Gurus for the car I wanted in my price range. On 11/11/2024, I called the dealership and spoke with a salesman who assured me they frequently ship cars out of state and would handle all title, registration, and fees for California. I agreed and was told they’d mail paperwork for me to sign.
I received, notarized, and returned the paperwork on 11/14/2024. The dealership confirmed receipt on 11/15/2024 and had already received payment from my lender. I also paid the transportation fee in full. I expected the car to ship that Friday, but after follow-ups, I was told it was “up to the shipping company.” The car didn’t ship until 11/20/2024. During this delay, I was paying for a rental car.
When the car arrived on 11/25/2024, I was horrified to find no paperwork, owner’s manual, temporary registration, or plates. My family worried the car might be stolen. Without the proper documentation, I couldn’t legally drive or register it, as the dealership had my registration fees, taxes, and the original title.
I contacted the salesman, who said they’d overnight a “tryout tag.” It arrived as a handwritten piece of paper—not an official document. When I asked if the car was registered in California, the salesman claimed it was, though I received no temporary registration.
Frustrated, I returned my rental car and drove my car with the “tryout tag.” On 12/01/2024, I was pulled over. The officer ran the VIN and confirmed the car wasn’t registered in Mississippi or California and warned he could impound it. He let me off with a fix-it ticket.
I contacted the salesman again, but he insisted the officer was wrong. I demanded to speak with the Sales Manager. On 12/02/2024, Clarissa, the Sales Manager, finally called. She explained they use a third-party company for out-of-state registrations and that “additional steps” were needed. Shockingly, she expected me to walk her through the registration process, even asking for the DMV’s address so they could mail a check. When I asked for reimbursement for the rental car and the cost of the car while I couldn’t legally drive it, she refused and hung up after I mentioned involving a lawyer.
Via email, Clarissa confirmed they’d send the necessary paperwork for me to register the car myself. The FedEx package arrived on 12/06/2024. However, the check was made out to a specific local DMV office instead of the California DMV, limiting me to one branch. I scheduled the first available appointment for 12/11/2024. After finally going to the DMV myself, the car was registered.
This experience was a nightmare. The dealership’s lack of professionalism, poor communication, and mishandling of the process left me paying for a car I couldn’t legally drive while also covering rental car costs. To anyone considering an out-of-state purchase, ensure the dealership has a proven, reliable process in place. Learn from my mistake and avoid this dealership.
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