Legal Question in Business Law in Illinois

I purchased a car from a used car dealer in a different county. I'm in Cook County and the dealer is in Lake County. I paid it off in February 2010 and have yet to receive my Title. Everytime I call the dealer to see what's going on I get the run around. It's either in the mail, I get the phone hung up on me, or I never get a return call. I called the DMV and was informed that the Title was sent to the dealer in April with a Lien on it per the request of the dealer. I tried to get a Duplicate Title and was told that I can't get it because of the Lien and I would need to go through the dealer. I'm expecting any day now and can't travel to the other county all the time, to get the run around.What can I do?


Asked on 6/29/10, 9:57 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Stephen Messutta

Gather the papers from your purchase; that should include the installment note. Normally all the dealer does is write up the note and then a bank takes it over but if you say so, the dealer kept the paper. Take it to the finance department of the dealer, with whatever you have showing you paid the car loan in full. Get them to find the title and release the lien. Plan on spending some time and if need be going to see the head of the company. You'll then need to take the title to the Secretary of State to get a new title without the lien on it issued. Feel free to let us know if you run into problems at the dealership.

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Answered on 6/29/10, 2:10 pm
Mark Hartzer

Good advice from Mr. Messutta. I would also add that you should (if you have not done so already) start writing to the dealer demanding the title. Summarize your situation and give them 2 weeks to send the title. If no response, send a firmer follow up letter with a copy to the Illinois Attorney General's office, Consumer Fraud Division.

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Answered on 7/18/10, 6:17 pm


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