possible car seller problem

[Bernard Littau]

> #1) to go to a different license branch with only the pink slip from the
> previous owner - no mention about the guy from whom you bought it, and see
> if that works.

This sure seems like the best way to start.

>
> #2) how far are you from the CA border? Step over the border, get the car
> registered to you - with a CA title, and when you return to AZ, the car is
> already yours, and you can now get it registered there.

You will pay taxes on the car in CA if you do this.  If the AZ tax is lower
than the CA tax on the car purchase, this will cost you some extra money.
You also generally need an address of residence in CA to register the car.
I'd say you should apply #1 to this, and use only the signed pink slip if
you can.

>
> #3) Get in touch with the pink slip signer, and have that guy sign the
> agreement with the notarized signature. He *should* feel
> comfortable signing
> it - if the paper does not show the name of the buyer, but rather
> is just a
> generic "yes, I have sold this car for this amount" type deal.

This is good course of action if #1 fails.  It sure looks to me that the guy
you bought the car from does not have title -- he still had the pink slip
from the previous owner.  I am almost certain the signed pink slip gets
turned in for a new title.  I suspect the guy you bought the car from is
trying to avoid CA taxes.  This is the only reason I can think of why he
wouldn't have a pink slip that he could sign.

If you stop payment, you still own the car, and the, er, seller, does not.
Interesting legal situation.  The CA Franchise Tax Board would likely have
an opinion on not paying sales tax on a car purchase, too.  Looks like you
have some ammo if things get ugly.

Best,

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA