Seller refuses to provide vehicle title

[mrjhandsum]

This is the first time buying a car from a private party. The vehicle was purchased "äs is" 06-07.
When the vehicle was purchased the I asked the seller about the title. He stated he did not have it and had spoken with CA DMV and they had told him it could be registered. He also stated if there were any problems he would work with me to have the vehicle registered.When the DMV advised the copy of the title was required I called the seller and advised him. to which he responded he would get the copy of the title. 6 months and several unanswered phone calls and vocie mails later and still no title. Went to his house and he told me the vehicle was sold "as is"and its no longer his problem then when I insisted on him getting the title tried to start a fight.
Spoke to the NV DMV and the seller is the only one that can request a copy of the title. Spoke to the CA DMV and they advised the vehicle cannot be registered without the NV title copy and is not operable without it. The CA DMV investigations unit advised to sue him.
I left him a voice mail with the options of providing the title, returning my money and getting the vehicle back or go to court. There has been no response.

My question is do I have a valid claim and does "as is"refer to the condition of the vehicle and/or the title. This is my only vehicle for work commute and if its not operable there goes my job. This is not an extra vehicle for me and I would not have bought the vehicle without his assurances.

He has to give you title----Based on what you say here, you could file suit against him (or at least threaten to do so) in small claims court or in regular court; filing in small claims court is easier and requires no attorney...you could try to collect all of the costs and damages that you suffered due to his behavior...

You could even file a police report if you suspect improper behavior or acts, fraud...

[Msskaru]

Whoever owns a copy to that title OWNS the vehicle. According to what you said, you bought the car Fair and Square, and he in return is required to give you the title. (Or should be. You paid for it, so you own the car)

You can take this to regular court, because I believe the small claim has to be up to $7,500 in CA--but I'm not positive.

But Yes, indeed you have a case here. You PURCHASED the car, and YOU are entitled to the Title. I see you posted this almost a month ago, I hope you've since had it taken care of.

[mrjhandsum]

thanks for your help guys, i did file a claim against him and he came to my house talking about this would affect his job because he had a top secret security clearance and blah blah blah...the upshot is that he now states he will provide me with the title....and as an aside...a producer from the judge judy show called me and asked if i wanted to appear on the show.......they promised me travel and board and an appearance fee but i'm not about the money at this point...i just wanted my title....once again thanks for your help