Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Alabama

How can I get the title on the car I bought almost a year ago?

I purchased a vehicle from Ford in 1997 at $489/month for 36 months.

The last payment was made in December 2000.

90 days passed and I had not received my car title, so I called Ford. I made at least four calls during March and April 2001. The first call revealed that the title had been sent out on time to a Georgia address. I had to call again to give a designated person my correct address information. I was totally perplexed because only I had signed for the car, and I have never lived in Georgia. As proof I have in my possession the original payment book with each coupon clearly printed with my correct Alabama address. I mailed in the first payment with a coupon. Then the payment was taken directly from my Alabama bank account.

I gave Ford my correct address and was assured the matter would be taken care of by the end of that week. When the title didn�t come, I called again to find that it had again been sent to Georgia by Courier mail. I called again and was solemnly promised that it would be sent to the proper address.

I have not heard from Ford since then.

My questions are as followed: How can I get Ford to send my title? Can I sue them for what they have done? And if so, on what grounds?


Asked on 9/15/01, 5:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jon Lewis Lewis, Feldman, & Lehane, LLC

Re: How can I get the title on the car I bought almost a year ago?

You should probably send them a certified letter if you have not already done so. I just handled a case exactly like this for a friend of mine, and I threatened to file suit for either conversion or trespass to chattel. However, in my case, my client wanted to trade the vehicle and couldn't because she didn't have the title. Therefore, the finance company was exerting control over her ability to trade or sell the car by not producing the title. As soon as I sent this letter, the company offered to buy the car, and they paid my fee. If you have any further questions, you may give me a call at (205) 254-3927.

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Answered on 10/26/01, 9:26 am


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