Legal Question in Consumer Law in Louisiana

Re: Automobile contract

Dear LawGuru Friend,

First of all, I assume you made your purchase in Louisiana. Secondly, it all depends on what the signed agreement says. In Louisiana, when the object and price are agreed upon between the buyer and seller, title passes as between the buyer and the seller. Of course, Louisiana has a Certificate of title law, and as against the world and insofar as the State of Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is concerned, you have to have the Certificate of Title registered in your name. The best lawyer opinion I can give you is that the real answer to your question would depend on what the signed documents you and the automobile dealer signed say. I think you have bought you a car and I think it is incumbent upon the dealer to give you the Certificate of Title to the vehicle so that you can have it registered in your name. Now, as I say, there may be some provision in the written papers you signed with the dealer that provides some way that the dealer would be legally entitled to ask you to return the vehicle. On this web-site, it is almost impossible for one in your position to give us lawyers ALL the facts, such as what is stated in the written documents that accompany the said sale of the S.U.V. If you would care to, you may call my office and get my FAX number and FAX me a copy of the contract; and I shall be glad to study it and call you and discuss this matter with you further. I am not soliciting your business, however; just offering to be of help. No charge for just talking! That is the best answer I can give you based on the information you have given in your posting. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Hardy Parkerson, Atty. - Lake Charles, LA

Re: Automobile contract

Mr. Parkerson has provided a good answer. I would like to add that, unless you paid cash for the vehicle, there is probably an implied or stated condition that your ownership of the vehicle is contingent upon the dealership being able to procure financing for you. If they cannot, then they have the right to demand cash for the vehicle or that you return it to them.