Legal Question in Consumer Law in Texas

Previous vehicle owner won't release title.

I purchased a vehicle on Ebay that did not have a title. The vehicle was not running and was sold as a restoration project. The restoration is now mostly complete, so it's necessary to get the title for registration. I was under the impression that the title was simple lost and all that was needed was to file for a lost title and get it transfered.

I have since discovered that the title holder had taken the vehicle to a shop for repair. Apparently, a dispute broke out between the shop and the owner over repair fees. The owner either left the vehicle at the shop or the shop held it for ransom. The shop eventually sold the vehicle. The problem is that the shop did not follow the procedures for filing a mechanic's lien and the owner is refusing to release the title because he feels cheated. No charges or civil actions were filed. This all took place almost 2 years ago. I have since spent $10K restoring the vehicle over the last year and would like to get a clear title. What can be done? (Note: the shop owner sold the vehicle as a private seller.)


Asked on 12/21/06, 1:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sharon Campbell Sharon K. Campbell

Re: Previous vehicle owner won't release title.

You definitely have grounds for a lawsuit against the seller. It is against the law to sell a car to which you do not have title. You need to hire a lawyer to handle this for you.

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Answered on 12/27/06, 10:46 pm


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